Chimney Cap Stuck

[KevinM]

Tried cleaning chimney this afternoon since it was above freezing and not raining.

Could not get the cap off. Need to twist it to clear peg as shown in attached photo.

Tried a strap wrench above and below the peg and a long screw driver through the grill above without any success.

Tapping it with the screw driver handle releases a bit of black dust from the joint near the middle of the picture.

Any ideas to un-stick the cap? I have never had a problem removing it before.

Kevin.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Heat the top to get it to expand.

 

[bholler]

Tried cleaning chimney this afternoon since it was above freezing and not raining.

Could not get the cap off. Need to twist it to clear peg as shown in attached photo.

Tried a strap wrench above and below the peg and a long screw driver through the grill above without any success.

Tapping it with the screw driver handle releases a bit of black dust from the joint near the middle of the picture.

Any ideas to un-stick the cap? I have never had a problem removing it before.

Kevin.

Those caps are a real pita. They stick all the time

 

[Grizzerbear]

Heat the top to get it to expand.

Yea thats what i was thinkin. A small hand torch maybe.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Thats what I'd try. Play it over the top to try to expand the metal just enough to let it slide. I'd have gloves on in case it's too hot.

 

[bholler]

It is glued on with creosote. It doesn't take much of anything to do it. It is a terrible design

 

[KevinM]

It has started snowing again but looking forward to trying the propane torch on it when I can.

 

[KevinM]

With significant torching and wiggling and some grunting finally got it loosened and then off.

Spent a while with a brass brush cleaning the mating surfaces so it easily turned to lock back on.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

I bet a wax coating could help too. Maybe a dry lube... something that could lubricate, yet also keep any creosote from working it's way into the joint.

 

[fire_man]

I like the lube idea. A thin layer of Never Sieze - maybe the nickle based for stainless.

In addition, I would grind off those pegs and use three self tapping stainless screws instead - The disadvantage is someone could argue you are modifying the manufacturer's design.