Expert: James Ball - 10/22/2009

Question
My friend's 60 year old California ranch has some fireplace maintenance and repair needed.  Currently she has a nice Tube-style blower unit inserted in the fireplace, a severely deteriorating damper, which I have managed to remove the door, clean the fire and smoke box free of most buildup and debris.  I have installed a new chimney mount flue damper (with the cable) and I want to know how do I remove the original damper frame that remains above the firebox?  Do I need to remove the blower unit to actually access the full frame?  I know my way around most power tools so anything you can enlighten me with is greatly appreciated.  Does it have to be removed in pieces?  Sawsall?

Answer
Hello Carla, if I understand you correctly this was a cast iron damper and saddle (the frame) the saddle is cemented in place when they built the fireplace we do not take the saddle out just leave it in place and use the top mount damper with cable and you should be fine.
James