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

Why I Added a Dedicated Chute Cleaner to My Snow Thrower

After too many winters poking at clogged chutes with whatever was handy—sticks, a scrap of plastic, a sacrificial screwdriver—I decided to do the sensible thing and install a dedicated chute-cleaning tool. The MTD chute cleaner is exactly what it sounds like: a simple, plastic paddle on a stick with a mounting bracket that snaps to your snow thrower so it’s always within reach. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try to be. But it solves a real problem, especially when snow gets heavy and wet.

What surprised me most wasn’t how it worked (it’s straightforward) but how much safer and quicker routine clearing becomes when this little tool is mounted and ready. It kept my hands nowhere near the auger and impeller, and it meant I spent less time hunting for an improvised solution.

Build and Design

The tool is all plastic and finished in black. The handle has enough length to keep your glove clear of the chute opening, and the small paddle on the end is slim enough to get into tight discharge tunnels without binding. It’s not a pry bar—nor should it be used like one—but it’s sturdy enough to push out packed snow and skim ice build-up on the walls.

The included bracket is also plastic, designed to snap into drilled holes on your snow thrower’s frame or housing. The clip holds the tool securely but releases without a fight, even with bulky gloves on. In sub-freezing temperatures, I didn’t notice any unusual brittleness; the tool flexes a touch under load, which is a good thing for durability.

Installation: Simple, With One Caveat

Out of the package you get the tool, a low-profile mounting bracket, and a paper template. Installation is a 10–15 minute job with a drill:

• Place the template where you want the bracket (I prefer the right side of the auger housing or the upper frame rail near the operator’s position).
• Center-punch the holes.
• Drill a 1/8-inch pilot.
• Follow with an 11/32-inch bit for the final size.

That 11/32 bit is the caveat: it’s not in every homeowner set. If you don’t have one, a step bit works well to sneak up on size without overshooting. Once the holes are clean (deburr them), the bracket’s expanding clips press in and lock. On one of my older two-stage units, the metal thickness was just enough that the bracket sat a hair proud; shaving about 1/8 inch from the bracket’s little feet with a utility knife let it seat perfectly. On a second machine with existing factory holes, the bracket clicked in without modification.

No separate hardware is required, which keeps rust and loosening to a minimum.

Performance in Heavy, Wet Snow

This tool shines in slop. When I tested in a late storm that delivered soaked, pasty snow, my chute bogged repeatedly. The paddle’s narrow profile let me reach around the deflector and into the discharge to push blockages out in a few quick strokes. For packed snow sitting behind the impeller, I used the flat of the paddle to skim and compress; for stringy ice ridges along the chute walls, the edge of the paddle scraped them off cleanly.

On lighter, powdery snow, it’s almost overkill—but still useful to clear the occasional freeze-up at the deflector hinge. In all cases, keeping the engine off, key out, and impeller stopped is non-negotiable. The tool helps avoid the temptation to reach in, which is the real value proposition here.

Size and Fit: What Works and What Doesn’t

The paddle head is on the small side. That’s an advantage for narrow or rectangular chutes commonly found on compact two-stage machines and many older models. It also threads into tight spaces around control cables and deflector hardware without getting hung up.

If you’re running a larger, high-output blower with a wider, tall chute, the slim head means you’ll make a few extra passes to clear the full diameter. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting. I didn’t find the tool lacking in reach or strength, just not as efficient on very large chutes as broader paddles.

Ergonomics and Use in the Cold

The handle has a mild texture that stays grippy with wet gloves. The length feels right: long enough to keep you out of the danger zone but short enough to store compactly on the machine without catching on garage clutter. Removing and stowing the tool from the bracket is a one-hand operation. Crucially, the bracket holds tight while the tool is extracted; I never had the mount pop free during use.

Durability and Materials

All-plastic construction is a trade-off. You avoid cold-transferred bite on bare fingers (metal tools get frigid), there’s no rust, and the tool flexes instead of snapping under minor torsion. On the other hand, if you try to chisel solid ice like you would with a steel pick, you’ll stress the neck. Used as intended—pushing, scraping, and scooping packed snow—the tool has held up well for me over multiple outings in sub-20°F conditions.

If you live where refrozen slush turns to concrete regularly, pair this with a quick spray of silicone or graphite in your chute before storms. That dramatically reduces buildup and the amount of force you’ll need to apply with any cleaner.

Safety Impact

A dedicated chute cleaner is as much a behavioral tool as it is a physical one. With it mounted to the machine, I stopped improvising. Clearing became a quick, repeatable process:

1. Shut down the engine and remove the key or disable the power.
2. Wait for all motion to stop.
3. Use the tool to push out blockages and sweep the chute walls.
4. Stow the tool; restart after the chute is clear.

That workflow makes it easier to stick to safe habits. I also appreciate that the black finish doesn’t scream for attention, but if you often work in low light, adding a strip of reflective tape to the handle is a smart touch.

Compatibility Notes

I mounted the bracket on two different two-stage machines—an older Yard Machines/MTD unit and a Craftsman—with success. On the Craftsman, existing factory holes matched the bracket’s pattern, and the tool fit the OE-style clip perfectly. For machines without a factory provision, the included template removes guesswork. I also tried using the tool on a compact electric thrower with no bracket installed; it works fine as a loose tool stored on a shelf, though having it mounted is much more convenient.

The tool replaces OE numbers 931-2643 and 731-2643, which covers a broad slice of MTD-made machines and rebadged models.

Limitations

• Paddle width is modest; users with very large chutes may prefer a wider head.
• All-plastic build isn’t meant for prying or chipping hard ice.
• The 11/32-inch drill requirement can slow installation if you don’t have the bit on hand.
• The bracket’s press-in design depends on correct hole size and material thickness; very thin sheet metal may need a backing plate or a dab of adhesive to feel rock-solid.

Value

For the cost, this is exactly the kind of accessory that saves time and prevents costly mistakes. It’s cheaper than most branded replacements I’ve seen, and the included bracket plus template make it a complete solution. There are heavier, metal-ended options out there, but they tend to be bulkier, colder to grip, and not necessarily better at the job this tool is meant to do.

Who It’s For

• Owners of two-stage and compact single-stage machines who regularly encounter heavy, wet snow that clogs chutes.
• Anyone whose snow thrower didn’t ship with a cleanout tool or who lost the original.
• Users who want a simple, safe, always-on-hand way to clear blockages without removing gloves or rummaging in the garage.

Recommendation

I recommend the MTD chute cleaner. It’s simple, affordable, and well thought out for real-world winter use. Installation is quick if you have (or can borrow) an 11/32-inch bit, the bracket holds securely, and the tool itself is the right size for most common discharge chutes. While the all-plastic build isn’t meant for prying at ice, it’s ideal for pushing out packed snow and scraping buildup—exactly what you should be doing when the machine is safely shut down. If you want a reliable, glove-friendly way to clear clogs and keep your hands out of harm’s way, this tool earns a permanent spot on the side of the blower.