Fireplace inserts

epd1088 · Post by **epd1088** » Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 1:54 pm

Have any of you guys installed your own inserts and how difficult is it to do yourself? I have a masonry fireplace that I would like to put an insert into. The chimney is brick and the flue is clay tile. I’d like to use the existing chimney and not install a steel liner to save on costs and maintenance. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Toddburn · Post by **Toddburn** » Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 7:44 pm

Sounds like you have a good setup for a insert as long as your clay tiles are in good shape your good to go. Insert installation isn’t very hard except for the weight, one strong helper makes it easier. I’m a big Hitzer fan they make two the 503 and 983. You need to remove your damper on your chimney if you have one then extend a piece of stove pipe into your first clay liner and pack with fire proof insulation and your good to go. I have the 983 and it’s a beast! Best of luck. Tons of knowledge on this forum on Hitzer inserts.

BlackBetty06 · Post by **BlackBetty06** » Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 7:50 pm

I’ve put two harman magnafire inserts in at my house. Long story why there were two. Anyway, get yourself about 8-10 feet of stainless flex from a liner install from your local stove shop or chimney sweep. Take the damper out of your fireplace and cram the liner up into the first smoke tile or as far up the flue as you need to. Then take a pipe or broomstick or whatever and pack fiberglass around the piece of flex up in the chimney. Then stuff the remainder of the damper with fiberglass. Get your strongest buddy lined up along with some cold beer and pizza and slam it in and call it a day.

BlackBetty06 · Post by **BlackBetty06** » Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 7:53 pm

Where are you located? I have a hunk of liner that I used to use that you can have. It’s a real thick wall piece and I only used it two seasons. I use freestanding stoves now.

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 9:43 pm

Pretty much like they said...
If the fireplace pulled a good draft with a wood fire...
No smoke rolling into the house...
A short 7-10 foot piece of liner past the smoke shelf and you are good...
Pack it with Rockwool...
Attach with stove adapter to insert...
'Search' for installs using 'Hitzer 503'...

epd1088 · Post by **epd1088** » Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 11:39 pm

BlackBetty06 wrote: ↑
Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 7:53 pm
Where are you located? I have a hunk of liner that I used to use that you can have. It’s a real thick wall piece and I only used it two seasons. I use freestanding stoves now.

I am in the Poconos area

LouNY · Post by **LouNY** » Wed. Dec. 04, 2019 7:31 pm

When I installed mine the one thing that helped the most was laying a sheet of light weight metal down to slide the insert in on,
then remove that as the final step.
My 503 wasn't to bad with all the removable pieces and firebrick removed, lightened up slid in and out on the sheet metal nicely getting every thing lined up and squared up, then the metal pulled out and the stove reassembled.

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Wed. Dec. 04, 2019 10:11 pm

Cardboard or hardboard will do also...
Any thing that helps it slide...

Toddburn · Post by **Toddburn** » Thu. Dec. 05, 2019 5:52 am

Motorcycle/atv jack works wonders moving stoves.

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Thu. Dec. 05, 2019 6:13 am

Food and beverages...
Luring a few hands to help...

BlackBetty06 · Post by **BlackBetty06** » Thu. Dec. 05, 2019 10:33 am

epd1088 wrote: ↑
Tue. Dec. 03, 2019 11:39 pm
I am in the Poconos area

Ok scratch that. Fuel costs more than its worth. I’m in Lancaster area.

ASea · Post by **ASea** » Thu. Dec. 05, 2019 4:37 pm

I have a Chubby installed in my fireplace now. It was a pretty straightforward install. Black stovepipe into chimney flue. I use a baro damper on mine and replace all the pipe every three years or so. I'd like the clean look of an insert. I like the look of the DS for my Living Room. Please post pictures when it's installed.