How do I remove a fireplace damper?
Plasma cutter
Q: Jason, How do I remove an old fireplace damper? I am putting in a stainless steel
chimney liner tube for protection and I need to remove the damper… – JB
A: JB, The lowest tech way would be to use a Sawzall. But, Using a Sawzall will be a certain mess on your head. All that vibration will certainly bring down an unwanted tidal wave of chimney buildup and metal chips. I don’t recommend that at all.
A plasma cutter will be a better option for tight quarters like a chimney. You make this liner insert project sound as though you are planning on doing it yourself? It is money well spent to have something like this done by a service provider that is experienced, especially if you don’t own your own plasma cutter.
After your damper is removed you may want to consider a Chimney Balloon or some type of chimney plug to serve as your damper. You don’t want that open hole to be left unclosed to release your AC in the summer and heat in the winter. – Jason