Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Chimney sweeping needs brushes, rods and a vacuum that keeps soot out of the house, plus a camera to show the customer what you found.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney brushes in round and square flue sizes | Sweeping | Varies by brand |
| Fiberglass or poly rods | Reaching the full flue | Varies by brand |
| Chimney vacuum with HEPA filter | Keeping soot out of the house | Varies by brand |
| Drop cloths and a fireplace cover | Protecting the room | Varies by brand |
| Extension ladder and roof brackets | Roof access | Varies by brand |
| Multi-position ladder | Interior and lower roofs | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Respirator, gloves and eye protection | Soot and creosote | Varies by brand |
| Flashlight and a mirror | Inspections | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most chimney sweeps buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney inspection camera | Level 2 style inspections and photos | Varies by brand |
| Rotary sweeping system | Faster cleaning, glazed creosote | Varies by brand |
| Creosote remover | Heavy buildup | Varies by brand |
| Fall protection kit | Roof work | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Chimney caps in common sizes. Add-on sales.
- Dampers and gaskets. Repairs.
- High-temperature mortar and sealant. Repairs.
- Spare brush heads. Worn brushes.
What a chimney kit costs
The 1 starter kit items we could price add up to $535 at the maker's listed price, out of 8 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 4 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The camera and vacuum swing the total most. Masonry repair work adds mixing and masonry tools.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most chimney sweeps buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our chimney suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the chimney services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 2026
- OSHA: Fall protection, checked October 8, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.