Damper trouble

[Homeowner2022]

Hey guys! We finally started messing with our fireplace the other day and it turns out the dang damper was left open from the previous owners. The problem I’m having is I can’t get it to move because it’s rusted so bad. That said, I’ve never seen an arm like this and I’m not exactly sure how it’s SUPPOSED to move. So I’m wondering if anyone has insight on what kind of control this is…and how it’s supposed to operate. Any advice on how to free it up would be greatly appreciated too!

 

[bholler]

Hey guys! We finally started messing with our fireplace the other day and it turns out the dang damper was left open from the previous owners. The problem I’m having is I can’t get it to move because it’s rusted so bad. That said, I’ve never seen an arm like this and I’m not exactly sure how it’s SUPPOSED to move. So I’m wondering if anyone has insight on what kind of control this is…and how it’s supposed to operate. Any advice on how to free it up would be greatly appreciated too!

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Honestly you need to get the whole system checked out by a professional. I see a fair amount of rust on the back wall below the damper. It is very likely that the smoke shelf is rusted out