Still trying to figure out how to get this thing open so I can burn wood.

[Ontheroofs]

Any clue how to open this thing? Brick, rock and mortar haven’t been removed to place this block in the flue. It’s exactly 10 feet up from the ground I cant figure out how to get it open. So can’t get to it from outside or inside just this small shaft coming out the front which I assumed was for hanging stuff on but it’s exactly where the flue is blocked in the picture. I’ve put a pipe wrench on it but it doesn’t seem to want to move either way. Any ideas

 

[begreen]

Is it metal? Is it some sort of butterfly damper that has rusted in place?

 

[EbS-P]

So it’s a thick steel chimney? That’s a surprise.

I can’t tell muck from the pictures. Is be trying to spin it around the axis where that rod protrudes. I’d try banging on the rod and seeing if it spins. While a helper taps is it from above.

 

[begreen]

I was thinking of banging on the plate on either side of the rod. Could squirt some WD40 down on it, but it may stink up the house if it drips down into the fireplace.

 

[gthomas785]

Hard to tell what I'm looking at but yeah if it's a damper then that rod should spin 90 degrees.
If it's been closed for a long time, there could be a cake of debris sitting on top of it, impeding its movement.

 

[Dieselhead]

Try spinning the rod with a pipe wrench.

 

[bigealta]

I have the same type of T handle butterfly damper. Mine used to spin 360 degrees when it was in use. I can easily see how creosote /rust, dirt can jamb it up if it has not been used for a few years or more.

It looks like the metal pin you show was drilled for a T to be inserted in the end. Mine is a welded T. Yes try to spin it. Can u get a screwdriver in that hole to help you spin it?

And as Ebs said if you can tap the edges of the metal damper with a long pole that might help break up the debris.

 

[bigealta]

It's hard to tell from the pics but it almost looks like someone may have sealed it with tar around the edges.
Hopefully not and that is just ash / creosote.

 

[bigealta]

This is mine. It’s about 7 ft high off the floor. Built in the early 40’s I believe. The rectangle butterfly in this one is inside a rectangular terracotta liner.

 

[kborndale]

Try spinning the rod with a pipe wrench.

OP said they put a pipe wrench on it and it didn't move.

 

[Dieselhead]

OP said they put a pipe wrench on it and it didn't move.

Try harder 🤪

 

[begreen]

OP said they put a pipe wrench on it and it didn't move.

I don't see the bite marks of teeth on the jaws of vice grips or a pipe wrench.
I still suggest getting some penetrating oil on the circumference, let it sit for at least a few hours, then bang on the edges away from the center rod (you can faintly see where it is welded up the middle). Then, try the pipe wrench or vice grips to wiggle it free.