Ran into an old timer at a job site who said I was cleaning chimneys wrong

Guy was like 70, been doing this since the 70s. He watched me use my regular rods and brush on a clay flue and told me I was scratching up the inside too much. Said to switch to poly brushes and go slower. I laughed it off at first but then he showed me his setup from his truck. Tried it on the next job. Less dust, cleaner result. Anyone else get schooled by someone way older in the trade?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancybailey1mo agoTop Commenter

Nah man, that happens to the best of us. Old timers always have tricks up their sleeves from years of doing it the hard way. Good on you for actually listening and trying it out.

ray_miller411mo ago

Man, I used to think old timers were just stuck in their ways and didnt know about modern tools. But @nancybailey is right, theyve got experience you just cant buy. I had this exact thing happen with drywall mudding. Some guy told me to use a wider knife and do less passes. I thought he was nuts but tried it and my work got way smoother and faster. Really makes you realize theres a reason theyve been doing it for decades. Now I always at least listen, even if I dont agree at first. Its humbling but worth it.