Best Pulling Cone for Chimney Liners: A Practical Guide
Choosing the right pulling cone for a chimney liner is essential for a safe, efficient installation. This guide reviews five solid options from Fireside Chimney Supply to help you pick a kit that fits your chimney size and project needs. We cover durability, installation ease, and compatibility to support a leak-free, well-sealed liner system.
| Product | Brand | Size / Length | Material | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Flexible Chimney Liner Insert Kit | Fireside Chimney Supply | 6″ x 20 ft | Flexible metal liner | UL Listed, Lifetime Warranty, Made in USA |
| Basic Flexible Chimney Liner Insert Kit | Fireside Chimney Supply | 4″ x 35 ft | Flexible metal liner | UL Listed, Lifetime Warranty, Made in USA |
| Stainless Steel Chimney Liner Kit | Fireside Chimney Supply | 6″ x 15 ft | 316L stainless steel | Durable, 13×13 top plate, tee connector included |
| Flexible Chimney Liner Tee Kit | Fireside Chimney Supply | 6″ x 20 ft | Flexible liner | UL Listed, Lifetime Warranty, Made in USA |
| Basic Flexible Chimney Liner Kit | Fireside Chimney Supply | 4″ x 20 ft | FireFlex 316 stainless steel | Top plate with rain cap, appliance connector |
Note: This article highlights five Fireside Chimney Supply products most closely related to pulling cones and liner installation. Each option offers durability and a straightforward setup geared toward safe, long-term chimney performance.
Fireside Basic 6×20 Flexible Liner Insert Kit
The 6″ x 20-foot kit from Fireside Chimney Supply is a versatile option for a wide range of residential chimneys. It uses UL-listed construction and ships with a baseline warranty, emphasizing reliability for standard wood-burning installations. The kit’s 6-inch liner capacity suits mid-to-large flues, and its USA manufacturing supports local sourcing and perceived quality control. The product is designed for straightforward vertical or slightly angled runs, with basic top-plate compatibility that pairs with standard rain caps.
Fireside Basic 4×35 Flexible Liner Kit
This 4″ x 35-foot Fireside liner kit extends reach for longer runs, ideal when dealing with multi-story installations or longer vertical sections. The flexible design allows easier navigation around elbows and offsets. As with the 6″ kit, it is UL-listed and backed by a lifetime transferable warranty, offering long-term security for homeowners who perform or schedule professional installations. The 4-inch size is a common fit for smaller fireplaces and some gas insert configurations, providing a balance of ease and performance.
Fireside Stainless Steel 6×15 FireSafe Liner Kit
This premium 316L stainless steel liner kit is designed for durability and a robust shield against creosote buildup. The 7-ply seams and 10 corrugations create a tight, gas- and watertight barrier, reducing the risk of leaks and structural degradation over time. The kit includes a top plate and rain cap plus a tee connector, facilitating a more complete installation and easier horizontal connections. It targets higher-performance applications where long-term energy efficiency and safety are priorities.
Fireside Tee Kit 6×20 Flexible Liner
The Tee Kit combines a 6-inch liner with a tee connector and a ready-to-install top plate system, simplifying horizontal connections from a wood stove, fireplace, or furnace to the main flue. UL listing and a lifetime warranty underscore reliability for homeowners and installers who want predictable performance. This kit supports clean, efficient draft and reduces the potential for moisture intrusion when properly sealed at the connection points.
Fireside Basic 4×20 Flexible Liner Kit
This 4″ x 20-foot kit offers a compact option for shorter runs or smaller hearths. It includes a FireFlex 316 stainless steel liner with a 0.006-inch thickness, plus a top plate and rain cap, ensuring a secure vertical installation. The kit is designed for quick assembly, reducing downtime and mess during installation while maintaining high material strength for daily use. It suits small living spaces and retrofit projects where space is limited.
Rockford Chimney Supply Liner Insulation Blanket Kit
While not a pulling cone, insulation kits like RockFlex can complement a liner installation by minimizing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency. This kit aids in meeting thermal performance standards and can help reduce draft losses and creosote formation. UL1777 listing emphasizes compliance with U.S. safety standards. It is best used in tandem with a liner to optimize overall chimney performance and safety margins.
VIVOHOME 4″ Cone Top Chimney Cap
This 4-inch cone-top cap provides exterior protection for the liner system. The galvanized steel construction ensures weather resistance, and the adjustable diameter helps accommodate different pipe sizes. While not a pulling cone, this cap supports the overall system by keeping rain, debris, and animals out of the flue, preserving airflow and reducing maintenance needs. It pairs well with liner kits to complete a weather-tight installation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Chimney size compatibility: Measure the inner diameter of the flue to select the correct liner size (typically 4″, 5″, or 6″).
- Material choice: Stainless steel liners offer durability and corrosion resistance, while flexible galvanized options often provide cost efficiency and ease of installation.
- Top plate and rain cap: Ensure the kit includes a top plate and rain cap for a complete, moisture-resistant seal at the chimney crown.
- Length and routing: Longer runs require liners with sufficient length and flexibility to navigate offsets and elbows without kinking.
- Warranty and compliance: Look for UL or equivalent listings and transferable warranties for long-term protection.
- Installation environment: Consider whether the system needs moisture resistance, heat tolerance, or additional insulation for draft control.
- Maintenance impact: Some stainless steel liners reduce creosote formation and facilitate cleaning, improving long-term maintenance.
When comparing options, balance upfront kit completeness (top plate, rain cap, and connector pieces) with long-term durability and ease of installation. For homes with longer vertical runs or higher heat needs, a 316L stainless steel liner with a comprehensive kit tends to offer the best performance and longevity. For retrofit projects or tighter budgets, flexible liners paired with quality seals and proper venting can still provide reliable safety when installed correctly.