How to Build Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Scrapers and Poles

In the demanding environment of kitchen exhaust cleaning, having tools that are both effective and durable is essential. This guide details how to construct scrapers and poles from materials readily available at hardware stores, ensuring your equipment can handle the rigors of grease and grime removal.

Materials and Tools Needed

• EMT Conduit: (3) ten-foot sections of steel electrical conduit for handles and extension poles.
• Pipe Nipples: (15) Galvanized steel, ½'x3" for scraper handles and extension poles
• Bell Reducers: (8) ¾"x ½" galvanized steel, for connecting sections of the pole.
• Nuts and Bolts: 20 pieces of 3/16 inch nuts and bolts, 1½ inches long; 10 pieces of the same, 2 inches long.
• PVC Pipe: 2 ten-foot sections, ¾ inch in diameter, for insulation.
• Tools: Hack saw, jig saw, electric drill, sawzall.

Instructions

1. Constructing the Scraper:

• Blade Attachment: For a bent bladed scraper, remove the existing handle by drilling out rivets and cutting the handle apart. Use a length of ¾" EMT conduit, cutting a slit lengthways down to slip over the blade and attach through the existing rivet holes.
• Handle Fabrication: Attach a 3" length of ½" pipe nipple to serve as the handle. Secure this assembly by drilling and bolting the components together.

2. Creating Round Scrapers:

• Blade Formation: Start with a 3" flexible bladed scraper. Use a cup or glass to draw a partial circle on the blade, then cut along this line with a jig saw. Smooth and sharpen the edges with a grinder. Consider making multiple blades with varying curvatures for different duct shapes.
• Handle Attachment: Attach the newly shaped blade to a slightly bent pole handle following similar attachment procedures as the straight scrapers.

3. Assembling the Scraper Pole:

• Pole Construction: Cut the EMT to the desired length. Attach a ½ inch pipe nipple to one end by screwing or pounding it in place. Use a ½ to ¾ inch coupling to join sections of the pole, securing with screws to prevent disassembly during use.
• Insulation: Slide a length of PVC pipe over the EMT for electrical insulation, ensuring all metal parts are covered. Drill through the PVC, EMT, and nipple at both ends to secure them together.