Your first fireplace: Don't skimp, but don't go overboard on tools

DEAR TIM: I have moved into my first home, and fireplace accessories are at the top of my list of things to buy, as winter is fast approaching. I have both a gas fireplace and a wood fireplace, so I need both kinds! Money is tight, so my wish list is far bigger than my will-get list. What tools or items would you put on your must-have list if you were just starting out? -- Patty M., Scranton, Pa.

DEAR PATTY: I remember when my wife, Kathy, and I moved into our first home. Never had I lived in a home with a fireplace. Our modest three-bedroom home had a fireplace in the living room, and I was determined to make it burn wood. I even installed a damper in it.

However, once I looked further, I discovered the chimney had no liner. The fireplace was meant only to burn gas logs. I didn't buy any fireplace accessory tools, as at that time they were just for show for a gas fireplace.

If you visit a fireplace accessories store, you'll feel like a kid in a candy store. There are so many distinctive tools, gadgets and decorations that you could spend a king's ransom in less than an hour. My advice is to avoid the temptation to buy discount fireplace accessories. In the long run, you want quality, and quality always comes at a price.

Because you have a limited budget, you should focus on equipping the fireplace that you intend to use the most. For sake of discussion, let's say you're going to start with your wood-burning fireplace.

I would begin with the common tool set that includes a poker, tongs, shovel and brush. These are all handy tools that you'll need when working with burning logs or the leftover ashes and coals. Be aware that these tools come in a variety of finishes and styles. Look at a wide assortment before you make your final decision. I am partial to brass fireplace accessories; however, copper accessories can also be very attractive.

Last year I started to collect iron fireplace accessories. As crazy as this sounds, I got a few from a local blacksmith. He was able to make a custom poker for me that went really well with the set of outdoor fireplace accessories I have next to my fire pit by the lake. If you have a blacksmith near you, or see one at a craft festival, ask about these hardy iron tools.

Last Christmas, my daughter gave me a gorgeous wood bellows for our living room fireplace. The tool really creates a blast of air to get a fire going. However, be careful using a bellows; I discovered that it really blows ashes around. Start with small puffs of air instead of a giant, high-powered push of the tool.

I also have a handy canvas bag that allows me to tote split wood inside the house. It can handle about 40 pounds. I store wood in a basket near the fireplace. There are many storage accessories, some made from metal or wood. You'll know what you like when you see it. Just be aware that on a cold night you can burn through quite a bit of wood in a traditional fireplace. Some storage devices can't seem to hold enough wood to satisfy my fireplace's appetite.

Tim Carter can be contacted via his Web site, http://www.askthebuilder.com/printer_Submit_Question.shtml.