Pellet cleaning rods small button lock popped apart & 18 feet of rod & brush stuck in 35 foot liner!

Hello
Has anyone seen this issue??
The Pellet cleaning rods small button lock popped apart & 18 feet of rod & brush stuck in 35 foot 4” diameter liner!
One sure fix is to remove the whole liner but not a good option!
We did an Google AI to help us start thinking but we came up with a good idea!
See below
Therefore the best solution that worked for us was a ball pean hammer with a long nylon rope firmly attached by drilling a hole through the hammer for the rope! The weight of the hammer enabled us to pull the rope up and down to punch the rods down and into the fireplace!
Now the final fix is to use better rods with a large oblong button lock that are heavy duty. Also the spring end enables the brush to bend and move up & down the liner better.
P.S. I have tried the screw together type rods but I have had them unscrew and come apart too!
Pic 1 - Shows rods with small button lock
Pic 2 - The fixer! A ball pean hammer with a long nylon rope firmly attached!
Pic 3 - Heavy duty button lock with spring end for more flex in moving up and down the liner.
AI Overview

If pellet chimney rods are stuck in a liner,
first try to free them by gently wiggling or rotating the rods while applying steady pressure. If that doesn't work, you may need to clean out the area around the rods to remove ash or clinker buildup, and if the rods are still stuck or you suspect a serious issue like a damaged liner, you should contact a professional chimney sweep for help.
What to do if your rods are stuck

Turn the rods: Try to gently turn the rods 90 degrees, as this can sometimes help them navigate bends in the flue.
Clear obstructions: If you see a blockage, carefully use a screwdriver or other tool to break up any ash, clinker, or other debris that might be causing the rods to stick.
Lubricate: Apply a high-temperature lubricant or a silicone spray to the rods' joints to help them move more freely.
Use the right tools: Ensure you are using the proper rods and brushes for your specific chimney liner. Using the wrong type of rod can make the problem worse.
When to call a professional
Damaged liner: If you suspect the liner itself is damaged or broken, do not continue to try and force the rods. This could cause further damage to the liner and pose a safety risk.
Persistent blockage: If you've tried the steps above and the rods are still stuck, it's best to call a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
Dangerous situation: If the situation feels dangerous or you're unsure how to proceed, it's always best to call a certified professional. Prevent future issues
Clean regularly: Perform regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent ash and creosote buildup from causing future blockages.
Use quality fuel: Burning high-quality, dry wood can help reduce creosote buildup.
Check the firepot: Make sure the firepot is clean and free of clinkers, which can cause problems with the cleaning rods.

 

Well that will make a 5 minute job into a couple of hours. Glad you figured out a way to retrieve it!

 

Hi BB
Not a lot of info on what to do?
Just took time to figure out what to do that really works and do it!
Someone I know said he is just going to securely tie a strong rope to the brush for future cleanings.

 

Yep had that happen couple years back , not in a liner though, standard insulated 6" stove pipe still a pia.

 

Oh yes it is a PIA! What did you do to get them out?