How to Remove a Box Fireplace Damper

Flue-Throat Dampers

• 1

  Open the fireplace doors and pull the screen back. Move all leftover wood and kindling to the side of the fireplace. Then remove the fireplace grate, and set it on top of a large garbage bag or drop cloth to keep your flooring clean.

• 2

  Spread a drop cloth or old sheet on the floor of the fireplace to keep yourself clean.

• 3

  Put on eye goggles and nose and mouth mask to protect your face from dust and ash.

• 4

  Shine a flashlight up the chimney and find the damper. The damper is located above the smoke chamber inside the flue system.

• 5

  Pull the cotter pin out of the damper. Some dampers require that you remove screws with a Phillips screwdriver; these screws secure the damper to the flue system.

• 6

  Wedge a stiff putty knife in between the sides of the damper and flue to break the silicone seal. Once loose, remove the damper from inside the fireplace by hand.

Chimney-Top Dampers

• 7

  Unscrew the brackets holding the adjustment chain on the face of the fireplace with a Phillips screwdriver or drill. Then allow the adjustment chain to hang loose; it is connected to the chimney-top damper outside and must be pulled through the chimney upon removal of the damper.

• 8

  Get onto the roof using a ladder, and walk over to the chimney top. Notice the damper sitting on top of the chimney much like a chimney top does.

• 9

  Remove the screws from the ring holding the damper to the chimney.

• 10

  Wedge a stiff putty knife in between the damper and chimney opening. Move the putty knife from side to side to break the adhesive between the damper and chimney. Continue to move the putty knife in between the two parts until the damper is loose enough to pull it away by hand.