How to Remove Fireplace Doors

This article is on how to remove fireplace door assemblies. I will give you step by step instructions and some cool ideas as well.
Just about all fireplace doors are an assembly consisting of the external glass doors, the internal screen doors and a supporting frame. The frame is what is actually holding the assembly to the brick.
**If you have used the fireplace recently wait 24 hours before preceding**

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Flashlight
• vacuum (shop vac type not required but nice)
• extra set of hands for removal

1. I would first recommend cleaning out the fireplace and then vacuum around the inside of the frame assembly.

2. Next get the flashlight and look inside the fireplace at the frame assembly, around the edge you will find four or six mounts that clamp the door assembly to the brick. They are clamped to the brick using a screw.
   These screws will either be thumbscrews (these have a flat head on them) or a standard Phillips or straight head screw.

3. Next loosen all screws around the frame while supporting the door assembly so it does not fall. If the thumbscrews cannot be turned by hand use the pliers to loosen them.
   Now the entire assembly will slide out.

4. At this point you can clean or replace your door assembly. For the cool idea see below.
   
   Now you are ready to reinstall and all you do is slide the door assembly back in place and tighten the clamps

Tips & Warnings

• Now for the cool idea. If you have the old brass type or just want a new look this is a good, inexpensive way to do it. Take the door assembly outside and thoroughly clean and dry. Lightly sand the metal parts of the door assembly with some 300 grit sandpaper or some steel wool will work. Now mask off the glass doors and any part you do not wish to paint. Now you can go to a hardware store and pick out your choice of heat resistant paint, they have some "hammered finish" spray paints that look nice. Next apply paint according to manufacturer's specifications and let dry, note here that I would let dry outside for a few days so that the paint smell is gone. Now remove the masking and clean the glass and you are ready to install. You can also paint the brick for a cool look and doing both really dresses up a room.
• Make sure you have not used the fireplace in the last 24 hours and there is no burning or smoldering debris.