[rattlsnak]

Every fire place Ive ever had has had some type of rod or lever that actuates the damper from outside the fireplace. But anyway, yes, I will have to make something it appears. A few challenges would be that the rod has to be pulled straight out and in, meaning when the fireplace is operating, the rod will stick straight out about "12-14 inches, and then i will need something to hold the rod in place when its closed so the weight of the damper wont push the rod back out.. hmmmm.