Wood Stove Stovepipe Installation
- Unless you are dealing with a very heavy-duty metal stovepipe that is made of thick material, you won't need a hacksaw. Not only is it unwieldy, but it also increases the chance of injury.
Straight hand shears are good for cutting flat sheet metal and should be used if you are using a snap-lock stovepipe. Cut and trim the metal to size before snapping it together to make the stovepipe. Be sure to get a pair with a lightweight body and replaceable steel blades, as these are the most durable.
If you are trimming a stovepipe that already comes in its round shape, you will need a pair of aviation hand shears rather than straight ones. Make sure that you buy a good pair, because cheap knock-offs don't just fail to work, but could also lead to injuries when the blade slips. - Measure the distance between the stove's exit chamber and the chimney. Be sure to add on the distance that the pipe is inserted into each. Mark the pipe and cut it to the required length before fitting the interlocking joints together with a pair of shears.
If you place the two straight edges next to each other and shuffle them around a bit, the pieces should interlock together and hold in place without requiring any crimping. Slide the stovepipe to connect the stove and the chimney. Try to run the pipe so that it falls downwards into the stove, as this will prevent any creosote from collecting on the outside of the pipe if it drips. - The stove should be located at least 3 feet from the wall through which you intend to install the stovepipe. Give the pipe a clearance of at least three times the pipe diameter from the wall. If you are passing the pipe through a combustible wall, it is recommended that you build at least a 4-inch brick wall up against it.
Allow a 9-inch airspace around the stovepipe to any combustible materials to reduce the likelihood of fire. Finally, after all these precautions are taken, you can fit the stovepipe through the wall and connect it to the chimney.
