Fireplace 'tools'

[cheechi]

Are there better or worse fireplace tool sets eg poker, tongs etc, or are they all basically tool shaped objects?

Secondarily, has anyone used a shop vac with fine dust filter for ash? I had thought to couple it with a drywall bag even if it's not 'necessary' and yes I know to only vac cold ashes. This is the first house I've lived in with a fireplace that didn't have a cleanout in the back for the ash.

 

[Toofast28]

I have an ash vac, everything is steel so it can't melt. Real nice piece. I now have a gas fireplace though...

I'm sure you can go to a fireplace store and buy the tools for a couple hundred $. I bought a nice set at menards for $50 or so and its all I'd ever need.