MTD OEM-731-2643 Genuine Parts Accessories Snow Thrower Chute Clearing Tool

I will start by saying that my 25+ year-old snow thrower did not come with one of these chute clearing tools, so I had to install it from scratch. The few snowfalls we've had this year were heavy and wet causing the chute to get clogged several times. I used whatever I could find to clear it out wasting precious time. I've been wanting to get one of these attachments for several years and finally broke down and ordered one. The tool came with the plastic mounting bracket as well as with a template and mounting instructions; there is no need for hardware. I followed the instructions exactly as written and had absolutely no issues. You need to center the template wherever you intend to install the tool, then use a center punch or tip of something pointed to make a starting point for your drill bit. Once that is done, use a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill a pilot hole. After the pilot hole has been drilled, use a 11/32-inch drill bit to drill the finished hole. The second size (11/32) must not be very common because I looked through 3 different drill bit sets that I had and none of the sets contained that size. I wanted this done right and not use the next size up or down, so I went out to the local hardware store and spent a few dollars on the right sized bit. I finished up drilling the holes, removed any burrs, and pressed the plastic bracket clips into the holes and voila, it fits perfectly (note: It did take a little bit of force, but once in, it stayed in). The finished mounting seems very sturdy, and I was able to insert and remove the tool without worrying about the bracket coming out of the holes (see my attached video). I assume some of the other reviewers who had issues may have used the wrong sized drill bit for their holes, or the thickness of the metal where they mounted their brackets is a little thinner or thicker. Nonetheless the mount seems solid. The tool itself is made of solid plastic and seems well-made. It is much better than anything offered at the home improvement stores and at least two-thirds to half the price. For what I spent, it will be a much better option than what I was doing before. Plus, now it will be readily available whenever I need it. I believe it will serve its intended purpose. Once I get to use it, I will update this review.

Old one broke and this replacement is perfect.

Works very well. BUT, the included snow blower mount is too stiff to ever work in the cold. Got to find another way to keep handy on the blower. If you use the mount, you will either break the mount, or you new clearing tool.

It came quickly, way quicker than I expected especially because I ordered it around the holidays. It looks just like the pictures and installation was simple. Know that if you are putting this on your snowblower and your blower didnt come with one attached you will need to drill holes to mount it. It comes with a template so your holes are perfectly spaced and it snaps into place. As for the shovel itself, it's not the sturdiest but it works. I was kind of afraid it was gonna snap in half every time I have used it and the business end of the shovel is tiny, like less than 2" across. Now it's perfect for my old craftsman snowblower as it's discharge port I'd a rectangle little more than 2" x 5" but if you have a larger chute port maybe you'd like something bigger or a bit wider but it works well and I would probably buy it again. For the price it's a great buy. For what it's worth, I recommend it.

The mounting bracket for this tool is plastic, and has plastic barbs protruding from it that seem to be made to fit a precise size hole, with little tolerance. They aren't tapered (or pointed) as such barbs normally would be. I followed the directions for creating mounting holes for the mount, and the barbs on the mount wouldn't fit. Struggling and some oil and it still didn't. I drilled out the holes to the next larger size, and now they were too loose. That aside, it takes a fair bit of force to insert or remove the shovel from the mounting bracket, even when lubricated with some graphite. I tossed the bracket and replaced it with a metal, spring loaded bracket from Home Depot made for holding brooms and other round handled tools. You can get a pair for a few dollars. And they mount solidly with screws. The shovel part is well designed. Small enough to get into the shoot, yet still has some "scoop" to it so you can shovel out the snow. Solidly built and an OK value.

Exactly as described.

I had one of these with my last snowblowers, but the EGO didn't come with one, so I decided to get one like I had. It will not be attached to the electric blower, but should work nicely.

I gave the tool a high rating based on the ease of installation and how it is secured to the machine. I can't rate it on its clearing function because I haven't had the chance to use it. But folks, I have no doubt it will do the job, it's really not that complicated. Not sure why some users found that the device wasn't secured to the snow blower sufficiently? I followed the instructions for the installation. After testing the installation by repeatedly placing the tool in the holder and removing it, both the tool and the holder were secured tightly.

Fits perfect to my snowblower. It also clean clogged opening of blower shoot perfect.

The snowblower cleaning shovel works great. Oem quality in an oem product. Easy to mount to the snowblower with the included mount.

Better than the one that comes with the snowblower

I lost my snow chute cleaner and Toro wanted $170 for it, this was a nice replacement for a fraction of the cost and does the exact same thing!! Highly recommended!!

I gave it 4* because it is entirely made of plastic unlike my original OEM tool which was metal except for the pick at the end. Perfectly fits and replaces the OEM tool for my Briggs & Stratton 1227MD. Even the clip on holder piece fits exactly into the holes of the original clip.