I have a cast iron stove that has been stored in an unheated building. Our low temps. have been around 15 degrees for the past week. I want to move the stove into my home this week. Is Cast Iron more breakable when so cold? For example, could the legs, or other parts, snap off easier when the metal is so cold? Should I wait until we have a 30 degree warm spell later this week? Any thoughts or precautions? Thanks.
Is a Cast Iron stove "BRITTLE" on a cold day?
- Thread starter Arnold Ziffel
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Hanko
Minister of Fire
Green Energy
Feeling the Heat
Yes, cast iron is brittle, has a low yield point, i.e., does not bend or stretch much in comparison to steel. But the difference between 15 and 30 or 70 for that matter is not significant in changing its brittleness. Just support it properly and don't drop it.
One thing to watch out for if it is all cast iron. Either remove the door or make sure it is tightly closed when moving the stove. Many a cast stove has had the hinges broken off when they were moved with the door loose or open.
Backwoods Savage
Minister of Fire
SteveKG
Minister of Fire
I've seen people break cast iron parts or objects a number of times. However, in no cases could I see the breakage being due to temp but rather to shock when something was dropped onto a hard surface, or an item made of several parts was dropped and a hinge or handle or whatever broke off. Very careful handling is the key. Stoves are so heavy it is easy to drop one.
firefighterjake
Minister of Fire
Ummm . . . maybe if you were attempting to start a fire with a sledgehammer and flint near a cast iron stove. 
The stove will be fine with some care with transporting it. Be sure to inspect it carefully for any cracks or leaks and make sure it is in good shape for burning. Also, make sure the installation is safely done. Watch clearances to combustibles, have a safe hearth and a proper flue system. And burn dry wood. Do a couple small break-in fires before taking the stove fully up to temperature.
What's the make and model of the stove?
What's the make and model of the stove?
adrpga498
Minister of Fire
Renovation
New Member
Hello,
Thanks for the feedback. The stove is a Morso. We transported it from storage to my garage today. About 15 - 20 degrees all day. ( Used my pick-up truck as Mr. Haney is away for the Holidays and Sam Drucker reports the Cannonball Express is hung up due to the blizzard.)
Tomorrow or Wednesday we'll try to get it into the house. That's my next concern given 18" of snow, 5 steps, two narrow doorways and slippery hardwood floors.
- Arnold Z.
Thanks for the feedback. The stove is a Morso. We transported it from storage to my garage today. About 15 - 20 degrees all day. ( Used my pick-up truck as Mr. Haney is away for the Holidays and Sam Drucker reports the Cannonball Express is hung up due to the blizzard.)
Tomorrow or Wednesday we'll try to get it into the house. That's my next concern given 18" of snow, 5 steps, two narrow doorways and slippery hardwood floors.
- Arnold Z.
Green Energy
Feeling the Heat
I used a heavvvy duty truck dolly, like a professional refrigerator moving type. It has heavy duty straps with a cinching device. Having the right tool for the job is essential for moving a stove.
Lacking an appliance dolly, a regular, heavy duty hand truck will work. First put a moving blanket or cardboard between the stove and the hand truck. Then, use some ratchet straps to cinch the stove tight to the hand truck and make it one unit. Insert cardboard at the corners under the straps and tighten. Then moving is easy.
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