BiLLNE 731-2643 Snow Thrower Chute Clearing Tool Compatible with for M-TD Snow Blower Shovel Chute Replacement Parts

A small upgrade that makes winter clearing safer and faster

There are a few accessories I consider mandatory for any snowblower that sees real winter: shear pins in a bag, a decent headlamp, and a chute-clearing tool mounted where you can reach it. I added the BiLLNE chute-clearing tool to an older two-stage blower this season, and it’s already earned a permanent spot. It’s a simple, sturdy plastic shovel that snaps onto the machine so it’s there the moment the chute packs with slush. No more hunting for a stick, and—much more important—no temptation to reach into the chute with a gloved hand.

What it is

The BiLLNE tool is a compact, molded plastic paddle designed to clear snow and slush from the discharge chute and deflector. It’s sold as a two-pack, which is practical: one to mount, one to keep as a spare in the garage or in a truck box. It’s black, rigid without feeling brittle, and sized appropriately for use with bulky gloves. It’s also meant as a direct replacement for the common 731-2643/931-2643 pattern used across many MTD-family machines (including Craftsman and Troy-Bilt), so if your blower already has the factory bracket, this paddle snaps right in.

Design and build quality

This is a no-frills tool done correctly. The paddle has enough surface area to scoop out packed slush from the chute, with edges that are square enough to scrape without being sharp. The handle section has a bit of contouring for grip, and the plastic formulation strikes a good balance between stiffness (for prying compacted snow) and a touch of flex (so it won’t crack the first time you tap ice).

The mount on the back uses two press-fit plastic pins. They’re stout and designed for a tight fit, which matters because a loose mount just means the tool rattles off mid-storm. I’ve had it out in single-digit temperatures, slammed it against the housing to knock ice off the auger cover, and used it to pop a stubborn wedge of snow from the deflector. No stress whitening, no chips, and no signs of the pins walking out.

Installation: what worked for me

On one of my machines without a factory bracket, I added the included mount. There wasn’t a drill template in the package, so I measured and laid it out myself. What worked on my steel upper panel:

• Two 21/64-inch holes on 3-inch centers (center-to-center)
• The top of the holes 1 inch down from the panel’s top edge

I used masking tape to mark the centerline, center-punched to prevent bit walk, and drilled a small pilot before stepping up to the final size. Deburring the holes helps a lot. To seat the pins, pinching the ears together and applying steady pressure got them started; a few taps with a rubber mallet finished the job. The result is a very snug, wobble-free mount.

Two caveats. First, those dimensions worked on my panel and this mount; check your panel thickness and any internal obstructions before drilling. Second, plastics are much happier if you install them warm. If you’re wrenching in an unheated garage at 10°F, warm the parts indoors first so the pins flex instead of snapping.

On a Craftsman unit that already had the OEM bracket, installation was even simpler: the BiLLNE paddle slid into the existing holder with a clean, positive snap.

In use

The difference between a dedicated chute tool and whatever stick is close at hand is the shape and stiffness. This paddle actually scoops; it doesn’t just poke. With the engine off and the impeller completely stopped, I can reach in from the side, rake out the heavy wet stuff, and scrape the walls clean. The edge is stiff enough to shear the “glue” layer that forms when slush refreezes on the chute, but it hasn’t marred paint or scored plastic chutes in my use.

Ergonomically, the handle is easy to grab with thick gloves, and the length keeps my hands well clear of the chute opening. I also use it to knock ice off the auger housing and clear the deflector hinge. Having it mounted on the machine is the real win: no setting it down, no forgetting where it is, no wasted time while the machine idles and freezes over.

A quick safety reminder that bears repeating even with a good tool: shut the engine off, wait for the auger and impeller to stop, and use the paddle—not your hands—to clear jams. The tool makes that habit easy to keep.

Compatibility notes

If your blower is in the MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt family that uses the 731-2643/931-2643 style, this is a straight swap. If your machine is another brand, the paddle still works fine as a standalone tool, but the included mount may not align with your panel or existing holder. In that case, either drill for the included bracket (measure carefully as above) or plan on a different attachment method. I’ve seen folks get by with zip ties through existing holes on a plastic shroud, but a proper press-fit is more secure.

Durability and weather resistance

After repeated cold cycles and a handful of heavy, wet storms, the tool looks used but not abused—just superficial scuffs on the paddle face. The mounting pins haven’t loosened. Storage is simple: I rinse off road salt, let it dry, and leave it clipped to the blower. Being all plastic, there’s nothing to rust, and UV exposure hasn’t caused any chalking so far. Given the price and the two-pack, long-term durability is more than acceptable.

Value

For a modest cost, the BiLLNE kit buys you two paddles, a secure mount, and—most important—convenience. If your machine already has a bracket, this replaces a lost or broken paddle with a part that fits properly. If you’re adding a mount from scratch, the snug press-fit looks and functions like an OEM installation. I’d happily pay the same just for the habit it encourages: never using hands to clear a clog.

My only gripe in the value column is documentation. A simple drill template or at least hole spacing called out in the bag would save a few minutes of measuring. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a miss on an otherwise thoughtful, straightforward kit.

Who will appreciate it

• Owners of MTD/Craftsman/Troy-Bilt two-stage blowers who need a direct replacement paddle
• Anyone running an older snowblower that didn’t come with a chute tool and wants a clean, permanent mount
• Operators who frequently deal with heavy, wet snow that clogs chutes and deflectors
• People equipping a machine for multiple users—having a visible, dedicated tool reduces the chance someone reaches for the chute by hand

Pros

• Sturdy, rigid paddle clears packed slush effectively
• Secure, tight mounting; no rattles or accidental loss
• Compatible with common 731-2643/931-2643 brackets
• Two-pack provides a spare or a second install
• Comfortable to use with winter gloves

Cons

• No drill template or hole-spacing guide included
• Press-fit pins can be tough to seat in cold weather
• Included mount isn’t universal for all brands without drilling

Recommendation

I recommend the BiLLNE chute-clearing tool. It’s a simple, durable upgrade that adds real safety and convenience to any snowblower, especially if you deal with wet, clog-prone snow. The paddle works as intended, the mount is properly tight, and the two-pack makes good sense. While I’d like to see a drill template included for cleaner installs on older machines, that’s a small nit in an otherwise well-executed accessory. If your blower uses the 731-2643/931-2643 pattern—or you’re willing to drill two clean holes—this is the right way to keep a clearing tool at the ready and your hands out of the chute.