Liner install

[mattjm1017]

Heres a long list of questions.`So I bought my stove and ordered my liner this weekend Im prepping the fireplace for the install. My forst problem is the exsisting damper is only 5 3/4" so I need to either remove it or I have read somewhere about ovalizing the round liner. I am leaning towards removing the damper. Now how in the world do I do that? Do I need to remove bricks if so do I need to reinstall them after Im done? can I just reach up there with a saw and hack away until I get a 7" gap? Or would it be easier to just ovalize the pipe I can see a benifit to that for if I ever move the damper will be there for the new owners (not my stove thats going with me wherever I go) Also when I get this done what would be the best approach for istalling the liner pulling it up the chimney or pushing it down?

 

[mattjm1017]

Also I dont know if this matters or not but the flue is 13x13

 

[Hogwildz]

cut the old dfamper out to give you enough room to run the liner down. The straighter the run the better and easier to install.

 

[Lumberjack]

you should be able to push it down from the top.

when I installed mine, I had a 13" x 13" flue as well, a 6" SS liner with insulation and protective mesh went in very easily.

I would just cut the damper to allow the liner to fit. I used a sawsall. The liners are pretty tough, I think it would be difficult to ovalize it.

If anyone ever wants it to be a fireplace again, they can always replace the damper.

 

[weatherguy]

My buddy used a sawzall when he helped with mine, knocked out a few bricks too.

 

[mattjm1017]

knocked out a few bricks too

Did he have to replace the bricks too or just leave them out?