I only use the chains when I do a clean out and haven’t had issues but doing extra with these isn’t a bad thing.

@j3fireemt yeah I may be overdoing it, but let me tell ya, I never want to have to tear that inside panel out and crawl in that firebox chipping away at creosote for hours lol. That was horrible! My exchangers we so clogged I couldn't even move the chains, but it was my fault for not cleaning it like I should have. Lesson learned

@nick I'm going to be posting a video of me unplugging my 550 tomorrow AM. I have this exact same model!

Yea it was optional on the early 550s and mine was a end of model clearance so I couldn’t add it

My model doesn't as well. Mine is a 2017

No bypass on mine

I have a range of splits some big some small. I use the smaller stuff when the coal bed burns down a bit too much, and use the bigger stuff when the coal bed is deep. I’m probably put more thought and effort in than some do but what I do works really well for me.