Can anyone help me get this unstuck?!

[WatchingSwimming]

I just emptied the ash pan on my log burner and put it back in but have managed to get it completely stuck at an angle (see attached). I cannot for the life of me budge it, and DH is away for work so can't apply his strength to see if it'll move. It's got no give it all and now I am both cold and frustrated and a bit stressed out that it'll never move ...any ideas mumsnet?!

A gentle technical tap with a hammer?

Have you got any bike oil to drip on the stuck bit? You’d have to wipe it off thoroughly before using the fire.

I've got WD40 somewhere. Might that work?

Do you by any chance have a rubber mallet? Or something similar that you could use to whack the side that's sticking out the most to get it back in.

Hit it with a hammer. I'm not sure I'd put wd40 on it, although I don't know why.

Which side would I hit with a hammer?? The left ?

Yes, but I would then recommend 'flaming off' the WD40 with a long match before you set a new fire or it might all get a bit exciting.

Wrap hammer in tea towel

I take it you’ve tried everything, but it looks like tapping the bottom right corner up is what is more likely to succeed, rather than trying to pull it all out or push it in as it is now.

Hit the right side.

Tea towel over the hammer head to prevent dents. Light taps

My chemistry lecturer swore by hitting stick things with something wooden and kept a rolling pin for such moments.

It might just have been stuck glass bottles, but I didn’t pay much attention in chemistry.

Ok wrapping a hammer in a tea towel...

But it needs to move towards the right?

Yes, I agree. It needs to wiggle up to the right.

Meant to quote this as my agreement!

Yes, hit the right.

Just checking in to see who's suggested lube and a fish slice...

Zooming in on your pic, the right side looks like the box joint has come a little out of alignment - tap that.

Oh it worked!! A couple of gentle-ish taps with a hammer wrapped in a tea towel. Thanks so much mumsnet, the WatchingSwimming family will now be warm this week...

Glad it worked! 🪵🪵🔥🔥