Gardus SootEater RCH205 User manual

Rotary Chimney Cleaning System
Operator’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing theRotary Chimney Cleaning System.
Please follow the important safeguards and operating instructions included within this
manual before operating the system. It may be necessary to reference additional publications
to provide further safety and operating procedures.
The System Includes:
1 – Chimney Whip 6 – 3’ Long Flexible
Chimney Rods 1 – Drill Adapter
1- Hex Key
1 – 52” x 48”
Fireplace/Stove
O
p
enin
g
cove
r
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Place this edge even with
edge of table
4
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Dia.
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Dia.
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Dia.
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Dia
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Dia.
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Dia.
17
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Dia.
18
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Dia.
Spin Whip
Trim Guide
S
p
in Whi
p
Edge of Table
Instructions for Trimming Whip Line
1. Lay Trim Guide on table with edge of Trim Guide even with edge of table.
2. Touch edge of Spin Whip ball to edge of table so that one set of strands lay extended
across Trim Guide.
3. Mark each strand at the desired length with pen or marker.
4. Repeat for remaining sets of strands.
5. Cut strands on marked areas.
Note: For whip line replacement, please see page 7
Measuring Flue
Cut Whip Line ¼
inch longer than
measured flue
dimension
Round Flues
Square
Rectangular
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Contents
Why Clean Your Chimney………………………………………………………………. 4
When to Inspect & Clean Your Chimney……………………………………………….. 4
Types of Chimney Deposit………………………………………………………….…… 4
Tools Required………………………………………………………………….……….. 4
General Safety & Operating Tips………………………………………………… 5, 6 & 7
Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys:
Getting Started…………………………………………………………………….......... 8
Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from “Bottom Up” “With Vacuum”:
Method 1: Cleaning through stove door opening………………………………...……. 9
Method 2: Cleaning through stove pipe ……………………………………………….. 9
Method 3: Cleaning through chimney cleanout w/vacuum in stove……………………. 10
Method 4: Cleaning through chimney cleanout w/vacuum in thimble ………………… 11
Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from “Bottom Up” “Without a Vacuum”:
Method 1: Cleaning through stove door or flue pipe opening “without a vacuum” …… 12
Method 2: Cleaning through chimney cleanout “without a vacuum” …………………... 13
Method 3: Cleaning through chimney cleanout w/thimble sealed off.………………….. 14
Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from “Top Down””With Vacuum”…………….. 15
Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from “Top Down” “Without Vacuum” ….……… 16
Finishing up………………………………………………………………………….17 & 18
Cleaning Fireplace Chimneys:
Cleaning Fireplace Chimneys from “Bottom Up”………………………………… 19 - 21
Cleaning Fireplace Chimneys from “Top Down”………………………………… 22 - 25
Additional Accessories ………………………………………………………………… 26
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Disclaimer:
The SootEater is designed to remove light to moderate “Soot” & “Creosote” deposits commonly found in
chimneys as a result of burning wood. It is NOT designed for removing “Glaze” deposits, which are very
difficult to remove. A professional chimney sweep should be called if glaze deposits are present.
The SootEater is intended for routine maintenance and cleaning of residential chimneys only. It is still
necessary to have the complete chimney, fireplace and stove system inspected at least once a year by a
professional chimney sweep. It is highly recommended that a “Certified” chimney sweep be used whenever
possible.
The instructions in this manual are intended to provide a basic understanding of various types of cleaning
methods. It is in no way designed or intended to take the place of a professional chimney sweep or to provide
professional knowledge. This manual is NOT a training manual. All results and procedures may vary.
Due to conditions beyond our control Gardus, Inc. and all associates accepts no liability for property damage
and/or personal injury due to the operation of these tools and accessories. By using this product the user
accepts all responsibility and agrees to use the product at his/her own risk.
Limited Warranty:
The SootEater™and all accessories are designed for homeowner use only. All components are warranted for a
period of 90 days from date of purchase. Should any part fail due to manufacturing defect, return the
defective part to Gardus, Inc. and we will replace it free of charge. All parts must be returned and inspected
to determine part failure. A return authorization number is required prior to returning any item.
Gardus, Inc. does not warranty failure of any part due to operator error. Be sure to read all operating
instructions and safety precautions before operating any of the tools.
Manufacturer accepts no liability for property damage or personal injury resulting from the operation of
these tools and accessories. This is the full extent of the warranty made by Gardus, Inc. There is no other
expressed warranty. All implied warranties are hereby excluded.
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Why Clean Your Chimney:
All chimneys need periodic examination and cleaning to reduce the risk of a chimney fire and to ensure that
the appliance vents to the outdoors properly. Creosote is flammable and can not only fuel a chimney fire but
can also cause blockages, odors, deterioration, and smoking problems.
Periodic cleaning and proper burning throughout the season can help provide trouble-free performance. If a
chimney fire has occurred, call a certified chimney professional to have the complete system inspected and
any necessary repairs completed before using.
When To Inspect & Clean Your Chimney:
Although frequency of cleaning varies dramatically, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
recommends that chimneys be inspected at least once a year and cleaned as necessary. Chimneys should be
cleaned when soot and creosote accumulations are ¼ inch or more and when glaze is 1/8 inch or more.
Types of Chimney Deposits:
There are three basic types of chimney deposits:
Soot – Soot has a soft, fluffy texture with a black or brown color.
Creosote – Creosote is a by-product of incomplete combustion and can form hard brown or black flaky or
bubbly deposits.
Glaze – Glaze is a black, shinny deposit that is a very tarry type of buildup. It is the most difficult to remove
and normally requires the equipment and services of a professional chimney sweep.
Tools Required
Electric drill “With Clutch”(cordless or w/cord)
Drop cloth
Flashlight
Pliers
Screwdriver
Duct tape
Gloves
Adequate respirator or dust mask
Eye protection
Proper skin protection & clothing
Vacuum w/fine dust filter and HEPA filter
(Used for sheetrock dust)
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General Safety & Operating Tips
Always wear appropriate eye protection, clothing, gloves and respirator or dust mask.
Work on ladders and roofs should only be attempted by experienced individuals that have the
proper knowledge and ability to execute all safety procedures.
Be aware of all electrical hazards when working with ladders and all other equipment.
Keep all loose clothing tucked in to prevent being tangled in rotating rods.
Add one rod at a time when spinning into chimney.
CAUTION
¾To avoid rod breakage, never spin rods in sharp/tight bend angles as shown below!
¾Always use a “Back & Forth” motion while spinning rods to prevent screws in flue pipe from
cutting through rods.
Wrong!
Rods will break if spun at this tight
bend radius
.
Not Recommended!
Rods may break if spun at this angle.
Correct!
Spin rods at the least amount of angle for
best results. Always use a “Back & Forth”
motion while spinning to prevent breakage.
Avoid spinning rods
at shar
p
an
g
les
Use the least amount
of bend to avoid
breakage
CAUTION
Cleaning through thimble is not
recommended as it may cause rod
breakage due to the sharp bend
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Connecting Rods:
1. Depress button and slip rods together
2. Be sure button is fully engaged and rods are
locked together before spinning into chimney.
Disconnecting Rods:
1. Use pointed end of hex key (included) to depress button. Use a
slight angle when depressing button to help push rods apart.
Caution: Be very careful not to drop the rods into the chimney if
cleaning from the top down.
General Safety & Operating Tips (cont.)
How to tell when you’ve reached the “Top” of the chimney flue:
If cleaning from the bottom up;
A. With rain cap installed: spin rods and whip up into chimney until you hear & feel the whip contact the
under side of cap. Use caution when approaching the height of the cap. Go slowly when feeding
rods upward to prevent pushing cap off chimney.
B. Without rain cap installed: When the whip exits top of chimney, the rods will spin more freely
resulting from less torque on rods.
How to tell when you’ve reached the “Bottom” of the chimney flue:
If cleaning from the top down;
A. You may want to drop a rope or string down chimney to measure height prior to rotary cleaning. This
will indicate how many rods will be needed. Use caution when approaching the bottom of flue to avoid
punching through plastic (if used).
B. You may also lower the whip into the chimney one rod at a time without spinning until you reach the
bottom and then spin rods as you pull them out of chimney.
Cleaning the Rain Cap:
Spin the “Chimney Whip” up into the screening of the chimney cap
in one direction and then the opposite direction to clean all corners of
the cap.
Note: Most caps are larger than the chimney flue. It may be
necessary to clean cap before trimming whip to fit chimney flue.
Use caution when approaching the height of the cap. Go slowly
when feeding rods upward to prevent pushing cap off chimney.
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General Safety & Operating Tips (cont.)
Replacing Whip Line:
Removing Old Whip Line:
1. Use 3/16 hex key (included) to loosen set screw (3/8-16 x ½”L) located inside steel fitting on whip
head.
2. If whip line is hard to pull out of whip head, use a small “flat blade” screwdriver on the top & bottom
of each hole to help flatten the metal sleeve around whip line.
3. Once whip line is removed from ball, use screwdriver to push metal sleeve out of whip head.
Inserting New Whip Line:
1. Cut 10 strands of .105” dia. trimmer line to a length of
18” or to desired length to meet your needs depending
on flue dimension.
2. Place whip head on solid flat surface with the fitting
facing “up”.
3. Insert 5 strands through each metal sleeve then slide
into holes in whip head. Be sure metal sleeve is
centered in ball.
4. If no metal sleeves were used around whip line, place
5 strands into each hole of whip head and proceed to
next step.
5. Center strands in whip head and follow pattern to left.
6. Hold strands firmly in place while tightening with hex
key.
7. Trim whip line to desired length using trim guide on
page 1.
Sealing openings with plastic:
1. Cut plastic to fit over opening.
2. Cut hole in plastic if inserting
vacuum hose or rod through plastic.
Keep hole slightly smaller than
object being inserted through hole.
3. Use duct tape to seal edges of plastic
and around all other objects.
Use .105” dia. “Star”
shaped trimmer line
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Spin whip in both directions to
clean square & rectangular flues
Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys
Important:
•Read all safety precautions & operating instructions before starting.
•Be sure entire stove & chimney are completely cooled down.
•Do Not attempt to clean any chimney if there is a down draft. (air blowing back into the home)
•Wear proper eye protection and respirator as well as protective clothing.
•Exercise proper ladder safety & operating techniques.
•If the stove cannot be accessed for cleaning and removal of loosened soot, take precautions to prevent
soot from falling into areas within the stove that may not be accessible while you’re rotary cleaning
the chimney.
•Only use a shop vacuum with a fine dust filter (used for sheetrock dust) and a HEPA filter
installed when working inside your home to control dust!!
•You may also leave the vacuum outside and run the vacuum hose to the inside.
Getting Started:
1. Lay drop cloth on floor to protect work area in front of fireplace opening.
2. Initial Inspection: Open damper or completely remove and look into chimney with a flashlight.
Determine type of soot build-up in chimney and configuration of smoke chamber and flue.
Important Note: If black shinny glazing is present, it will be necessary to have the chimney inspected
and possibly cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.
3. Once you have chosen a cleaning method from the following pages and have taken all precautions to
control the dust while cleaning, trim the “Chimney Whip” to the proper size to fit the inside dimension of
your chimney. (See “Trim Guide” on page 1)
4. Attach the “Chimney Whip” to one rod and then feed the whip into the chimney flue.
5. Insert the “Drill Adapter” into the drill and begin spinning
the whip upward into the chimney flue one rod at a time with
a back and forth motion.
Square & Rectangular Flues:
6. If chimney flue is square or rectangular, spin whip in one
direction the whole length of one rod, then reverse direction of
drill and spin whip in opposite direction while working the rod
in and out to clean opposite corners of the flue. Repeat this
method for each rod added until you reach the top of chimney
flue.
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Bottom Up”
“Using a Vacuum”
Method 1:
Cleaning Through Stove Door Opening:
Caution: This method can only be used if you have direct access to the chimney flue from inside the stove
without creating a tight bend radius while cleaning.
Step 1- Important: Read all information on
pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Insert vacuum hose into stove.
Step 3- Feed rods & whip into flue.
Step 4- Turn on vacuum.
Step 5- Seal off part of opening with plastic
& duct tape if necessary.
Step 6- Rotary clean through stove and up
into stove pipe and chimney flue.
Caution:
•
Always use a “Back & Forth” motion while
spinning rods to prevent screws in flue pipe
from cutting through rods.
•
Always spin rods at angles “less than 90 deg.
Step 7- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions
on finishing up.
Method 2:
Cleaning Through Stove Pipe:
Step 1- Important: Read all information on
pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Remove elbow or “Tee” fitting
connecting stove to vertical flue pipe.
Step 3- Insert vacuum hose into stove pipe &
secure.
Step 4- Feed rods & whip into flue.
Step 5- Turn on vacuum.
Step 6- Seal off part of opening with plastic &
duct tape if necessary.
Step 7- Rotary clean through stove pipe and
up into chimney flue.
Step 8- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions
on finishing up.
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Bottom Up”
“Using a Vacuum” (cont.)
Method 3:
Cleaning through Chimney Cleanout w/Vacuum Placed in Stove
Step 5- Remove tee cover.
Step 6- Insert whip & rod into flue.
Step 7- Seal bottom of tee w/plastic. Poke hole in
plastic, then feed rod through before sealing
completely.
Step 8- Rotary clean through bottom of tee
Step 9- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions on
finishing up.
Step 5- Open cleanout; insert whip and
rod into flue.
Step 6- Rotary clean through cleanout
door from bottom up.
Step 7- See pages 17 & 18 for
instructions on finishing up.
Cleaning Through Clean Out Door
Clean out tee
Vacuum hose
locations
Step 1- Important: Read all information on
pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Insert vacuum hose into stove or into
stove pipe from inside stove.
Step 3- Seal off opening with plastic & duct tape.
Step 4- Turn on vacuum.
Cleaning Through Clean Out Tee
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Bottom Up”
“Using a Vacuum” (cont.)
Method 4:
Cleaning through Chimney Cleanout w/Vacuum in Thimble
Step 5- Open cleanout; insert whip and rod
into flue.
Step 6- Rotary clean through cleanout door
from bottom up.
Step 7- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions
on finishing up.
Step 5- Remove tee cover.
Step 6- Insert whip & rod into flue.
Step 7- Seal bottom of tee w/plastic. Poke hole in
plastic, then feed rod through before sealing
completely.
Step 8- Rotary clean through bottom of tee
Step 9- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions on
finishing up.
e
Step 1- Important: Read all information on pages
5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Insert vacuum hose into stove pipe or
thimble.
Step 3- Seal off opening with plastic & duct tape.
Step 4- Turn on vacuum.
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Bottom Up”
“Without Vacuum”
Method 1:
Cleaning Through Stove Door Opening (Without Vacuum):
Caution: This method can only be used if you have direct access to the chimney flue from inside the stove
without creating a tight bend radius while cleaning.
Step 1- Important: Read all information on
pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Feed rods & whip into flue through
stove opening or into bottom of vertical flue
as shown in diagrams.
Step 3- Seal off part (or all) of opening with
plastic & secure with duct tape.
Note: Make a small hole in center of plastic
and feed rod through hole before sealing.
Step 4- Rotary clean through stove and up
into stove pipe and chimney flue.
Caution:
•
Always use a “Back & Forth” motion while
spinning rods to prevent screws in flue pipe
from cutting through rods.
•
Always spin rods at angles “less than 90 deg.
Step 5- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions
on finishing up.
Seal stove opening or bottom of vertical
flue pipe with plastic to help contain
dust while rotary cleaning
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Bottom Up”
“Without Vacuum”(Cont.)
Method 2:
Cleaning through Chimney Cleanout “Without a Vacuum”:
Step 3- Remove tee cover.
Step 4- Insert whip & rod into flue.
Step 5- Seal bottom of tee w/plastic. Poke
hole in plastic, then feed rod through before
sealing completely.
Step 6- Rotary clean through bottom of tee
Step 7- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions
on finishing up.
Step 3- Open cleanout; insert whip and rod into flue.
Step 4- Seal cleanout door w/plastic. Poke hole in plastic,
then feed rod through before sealing completely.
Step 5- Rotary clean through cleanout door from bottom
up.
Step 6- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions on
finishing up.
Step 1- Important: Read all information on
pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Close stove door tightly or seal off
opening with plastic & duct tape.
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Bottom Up”
“Without Vacuum”(Cont.)
Method 3:
Cleaning through Chimney Cleanout w/Thimble Sealed Off
Step 3- Open cleanout; insert whip and rod into
flue.
Step 4- Seal cleanout door w/plastic. Poke hole
in plastic, then feed rod through before sealing
completely.
Step 5- Rotary clean through cleanout door from
bottom up.
Step 6- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions
on finishing up.
Step 3- Remove tee cover.
Step 4- Insert whip & rod into flue.
Step 5- Seal bottom of tee w/plastic. Poke hole in plastic,
then feed rod through before sealing completely.
Step 6- Rotary clean through bottom of tee
Step 7- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions on
finishing up.
Step 1- Important: Read all information on
pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Seal off thimble opening with plastic &
duct tape.
Seal Here
Seal Here
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Top Down”
“With Vacuum”
Step 1- Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Cover stove opening with plastic and seal with duct tape.
Step 3- Cut hole in plastic slightly smaller than vacuum hose O.D. then insert vacuum hose through
plastic and into stove.
Step 4- Seal around vacuum hose with duct tape and turn on vacuum.
Note: This method can also be used to place vacuum hose into the chimney cleanout or tee.
Step 5- Insert whip & rod into chimney flue and begin spinning down into flue.
Important Note: Be very careful when adding or removing rods to prevent dropping them into flue.
Stay up wind of dust while rotary cleaning.
Step 6- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions on finishing up.
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Cleaning Wood Stove Chimneys from the “Top Down”
“Without Vacuum”
Step 1- Important: Read all information on pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 before proceeding.
Step 2- Close stove door and make sure all cleanout tees and doors are sealed tightly. If in doubt, seal all areas with
plastic & duct tape. This goes for all stove pipe connectors as well.
Step 3- Remove rain cap if applicable.
Step 4- Insert whip & rod into chimney flue and begin spinning.
Important Note: Be very careful when adding or removing rods to prevent dropping them into flue.
Stay up wind of dust while rotary cleaning.
Step 5- See pages 17 & 18 for instructions on finishing up.
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Finishing Up
Once the chimney has been cleaned;
1. Visual Inspection: Use a powerful flashlight and a mirror if necessary to look into the chimney to make
sure you have cleaned it completely.
2. Remove all connector pipes from the stove to the chimney and clean them in the same manner as
mentioned above for cleaning the chimney. Be sure to take all of the same precautions for containing
dust as mentioned above.
3. Clean Stove Interior: Remove all components of the stove
necessary to clean and remove all debris from inside the stove.
(refer to the manual that came with your stove for details)
Take precautions to prevent soot from falling into areas within the
stove that may not be accessible.
4. Remove All Debris from Stove: Once all areas of the stove interior
and chimney flue are clean, remove all debris from inside stove.
Note: If you don’t have a vacuum, be extremely careful. Move slowly to
minimize dust.
5. Remove All Debris from Base of
Chimney: Remove debris from base of
chimney through cleanout door or
cleanout tee.
Note: Again, if you don’t have a vacuum, be
extremely careful. Move slowly to minimize
dust.
Remove Debris through Cleanout
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Cleaning Chimney Cap:
1. Cleaning the rain cap: Spin the “Chimney Whip” into the
screening of the chimney cap in one direction and then the
opposite direction to clean all corners of the cap.
To clean the under side of the chimney cap lid, use either
the whip or a hand brush to remove debris.
Re-Install cap
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Cleaning Masonry & Pre-Fab Fireplace Chimneys from the
“Bottom Up”
Typical Pre-Fab Fireplace Typical Masonry Fireplace
Important:
•Read all safety & operating tips on
pages 5, 6 & 7 before starting.
•Be sure entire fireplace & chimney
are completely cooled down.
•Do Not attempt to clean any
chimney if there is a down draft.
(air blowing back into the home)
•Wear proper eye protection and
respirator as well as protective
clothing.
•Exercise proper ladder safety &
operating techniques.
Getting Started:
1. Lay drop cloth on floor to protect work area in front of fireplace opening.
2. Initial Inspection: Open damper or completely remove and look into chimney with a flashlight.
Determine type of soot build-up in chimney and configuration of smoke chamber and flue.
Important Note: If black shinny glazing is present, it will be necessary to have the chimney inspected
and possibly cleaned by a professional chimney sweep.
3. Methods used to help Control Dust:
Using Vacuum;
Method 1:
a) Cover fireplace opening with plastic. Use duct tape to
seal edges and all uneven surfaces around fireplace
opening.
b) Cut hole in plastic, insert vacuum hose through plastic
and into firebox. Be sure to seal tightly around
vacuum hose. Turn vacuum on.
(Do not completely seal top corner of plastic yet)
Note:
Only use a shop vacuum with a fine dust filter (used for sheetrock) and a HEPA filter installed when working
inside home to control dust!!
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