Dropped Vacuum extension tube cleaning smoke shelf

[Ryanmell77]

So I was cleaning my fireplace today and I was trying to vacuum the smoke shelf and when I went to pull the hose back through the damper the extension got caught and came off the vacuum and fell down I am assuming to the smoke shelf. I tried to stick my arm down up through the damper to see if I can feel it but my arm is not long enough. Looking for some options on what to do. I am scared to start a fire until I figure this out. Thanks in advance for any advice

 

[bholler]

So I was cleaning my fireplace today and I was trying to vacuum the smoke shelf and when I went to pull the hose back through the damper the extension got caught and came off the vacuum and fell down I am assuming to the smoke shelf. I tried to stick my arm down up through the damper to see if I can feel it but my arm is not long enough. Looking for some options on what to do. I am scared to start a fire until I figure this out. Thanks in advance for any advice

Post a picture of your damper mechanism. The plate is removable in most of them

 

[Ryanmell77]

Here is my damper system

 

[bholler]

Here is my damper system

Pull the cotter pin out of the handle and lift the damper plate up. It takes a little twisting usually but those are typically pretty easy to remove

 

[Ryanmell77]

Thanks I was going to attempt that but I was scared I would drop that down in there too how far down is a smoke shelf usually?

 

[bholler]

Thanks I was going to attempt that but I was scared I would drop that down in there too how far down is a smoke shelf usually?

It is usually flat with the damper frame. But some poorly built ones drop way down.

 

[Ryanmell77]

I lifted the bottom of the damper and I think mine drops down quite a bit. If that is the case do you have any advice?

 

[begreen]

With the damper removed, take a picture of the smoke shelf area with flash to locate the extension. That will determine the plan of action. Don't drop your phone!

 

[bholler]

I lifted the bottom of the damper and I think mine drops down quite a bit. If that is the case do you have any advice?

You will be able to reach down pretty far with the damper plate out

 

[Ryanmell77]

So the camera ideas was great. I was able to see where the tube was and used a sweep pole to raise it straight up and down then was able to reach it. My shelf is differently not level with the damper and goes all the way down. Thanks for the tips to help me out this is why I love forums.

 

[begreen]

Great. Love a happy ending.