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How to Install True North Baffles for Wood Stoves and Inserts
One of the most important elements in any wood stove is the baffle. Wood stove baffles offer a necessary layer of protection for your firebox. If the baffle is damaged or cracked it could cause the steel at the top of your firebox to warp. Now that we know what the baffle does, let’s learn how to install True North baffles for wood stoves and inserts.
Which model do you have?
True North Wood Stoves and Inserts come in two sizes. They are both the same width but the TN19 / TN20 is about 7″ deeper. This is the best way to tell which model you have.
The small wood stove or insert is called the TN10. If you have either of these models this is the baffle set you will need.
If you have the larger of the two stoves, the one that’s about 28″ deep then you have a TN19 or TN20 and will require the baffle set below.
Now that we have the correct baffle, let’s get down to business.
Tools required:
- vise-grips
- hammer
How to Install True North Baffles for Wood Stoves and Inserts
The Chimney connector pipe should be disconnected from the wood stove to clean and inspect the chimney. Only if this is not possible should you remove the baffle assembly.
IMPORTANT : DO NOT OPERATE WITH BAFFLE ASSEMBLY OR INSULATION REMOVED.
True North Wood Stove Baffle Removal
- With a set of vise-grips, grasp the front baffle tube on the right, slightly away from the baffle air assembly. While squeezing lightly use a hammer to hit the pliers and pull the tube to the right to disengage the tube from the hole on the left. Allow the tube to hang freely from the hole on the right.
- Repeat step #1 for the second air tube.
- Grasp the front edge of the left half of the baffle board and tilt up at the back. Guide the board down and through the door opening.
- Grasp the right half of the baffle board and slide it over to the left.
- Tilt the back of the board up and guide it down and through the door opening.
- Reverse the process to replace the baffle assembly.
True North Wood Stove Baffle Installation
- Insert one half of the baffle board above the two back air tubes inside the firebox. Slide it over to the right and allow it to rest on the baffle air assembly.
- Ensure that the second half is inserted to allow the two cuts of the baffle boards to overlap. Insert the other half of the baffle board and allow it to rest on the left side of the baffle air assembly.
- With the holes facing upward and the notch to the left side, insert a baffle tube into the hole in the baffle air channel on the right at an angle. Then raise and insert it into the opposite hole on the left side of the baffle assembly.
- With a set of vise-grips grasp the baffle tube on the left, slightly away from the baffle air assembly. While squeezing tightly, use a hammer to hit the pliers and push the tube to the left to engage the tube in the hole on the left.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the remaining baffle tubes.
- Slide the baffle board halves together then separate slightly to ensure there are no gaps on either side of the baffle board.
- Push baffle board tight against the rear of the firebox.
Other Recommended Maintenance
It is a good idea to go ahead and change the door gaskets and windows gaskets when you are doing the baffle. This will ensure a good strong seal resulting in an efficient burn.
There is only one door gasket as it will fit the TN10, TN19, and TN20. See our post on How to replace your door gasket for a detailed explanation.
Use this window gasket for your True North stove.
Last step, light a fire and relax!
Thank you for reading our post, learn how to install True North baffles for wood stoves and inserts. Please let us know if you have any questions at all, and also leave us a comment to let us know what you’d like to see! We’re happy to answer any requests!
Thank you and happy burning!