On Dec 21, 4:58*pm, "Not@home" wrote:
I have a metal link screen suspended by metal rings from a steel rod
right in the front of my fireplace opening. *Over the years, it has
become harder and harder to open and close the screen, although I can't
see any rust. *If this wasn't a working fireplace, I would just
lubricate it, but most of the lubricants I have are shown as very
flammable on the label. *The only exception is some ancient high
temperature grease that is so old there are no warnings on the label,
not even about causing cancer in California.

Should is risk it? *It wouldn't actually be in contact with the flames,
but about a foot away. *Or is there some other lubricant that would be
better suited? *Hate to burn down my house experimenting.

Try sanding the top of the rod with coarse sandpaper, no lube will
hold up except maybe graphite but if it moved before its just oxidised
and sanding should help alot. If its the rings a quick going over with
a round file where it touched the rod would help