Chimney Damper 'rod' question

[RockPaperScissor864]

Hello,
Trying to figure out what kind of key/rod to purchase in order to use our damper. Pictures attached. The 'hole' is 15 inches deep. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Background - have only ever been to use the damper by manually torquing the screw from the inside with a wrench. Not an ideal situation. When we purchased our home, the sellers agreed to convert the fireplace to a gas burning stove. But, I'd still like to get the old damper working. Plus, I'd like to open it, and add a top damper to better seal the chimney.

Thank you!

 

[DAKSY]

I'm thinkin you will have to remove the innards in order to see how
the rod was connected or how the mechanism actually worked.
Once you have it apart, a new driver can be fabricated.

 

[RockPaperScissor864]

I'm thinkin you will have to remove the innards in order to see how
the rod was connected or how the mechanism actually worked.
Once you have it apart, a new driver can be fabricated.

Thank you for the quick response.

 

[WoodyIsGoody]

I'm thinkin you will have to remove the innards in order to see how
the rod was connected or how the mechanism actually worked.
Once you have it apart, a new driver can be fabricated.

If it's accessible to disassemble. I think the type of driver could be determined with careful probing using a 90 degree dental pick.

 

[RockPaperScissor864]

If it's accessible to disassemble. I think the type of driver could be determined with careful probing using a 90 degree dental pick.

I've tried to probe the inside of the shaft (no bad jokes at my expense, please) but I can't tell how it terminates. It's about 15 inches long.

 

[bholler]

The rod is usually 1/4" square stock. I cant be sure on yours because because i have never seen your particular mechanism. But i have never see one that used anything else.