Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Josh G on January 18, 2017, 11:59:32 AM
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So it's been a while now and most likely we are all not as upset as we were when they first switched. For those that are using the bolt on handle, how do you like them? Any good? Or not happy at all?
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I replaced mine. I don't like the look of them. I used the Weber fireplace handles.
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POS. I sold mine.
@Jeff what ever became of your Ivory lid dude? That sucked. Did you get a replacement?
How many times will Darko comment on this question?
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It's a bad idea.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170118/d9a396988e158e68aa291300f40b9bf8.jpg)
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I agree! I am not fond of them either, but at this point I not gonna miss out on Special Edition colors offered here in Canada or other great colored new kettles just because of the taco bolt on handles.
They don't bother me anymore. Stock handles are ok and as Darko mentioned, fireplace handles or other creative options are available plus dressing up with Zav wood makes it all good.
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After enough cooks, it stopped loosening up on me, and now I don't mind it so much.
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I don't like them but I can live with them. The bolt-on makes modding possible. However, I'd prefer to use the shorter fireplace handles for aesthetic reasons.
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The one on the lid on the new 26 is junk. Not the handle so much but the nuts they provide to mount it. Had mine assembled for about 20 minutes before a buddy lifted it up and dropped the lid on the driveway. Nice little rash on the rim before I ever got a fire in it. With proper hardware though I haven't ever given it a second thought.
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Not a fan at all, one of my two 22" just will not stay tight. I've tighthened them probably 10 times in the last 6 minths or so.
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Ok, here's my performer with the original taco with a Zav handle;
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2016/06/08/IMAG0479.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/image/SWD)
Here it is with the fireplace handle;
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/18/9947c32f16ca7c8f60f82fd32ce311e6.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/image/S96)
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That's the same Zavod handle, just different light.
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You've heard me before but I really dig your fireplace handle mod! I can't believe the lighting makes that much of a difference with the handle. The lid looks a little darker but not as drastic as the handle. Looks great!
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Looking at the two, my opinion is that I don't really mind the taco so much. I would like it a helluva lot better if Brian made handles that fit the shape better.
Now, please don't take this wrong, this is in no way a complaint against Brian's work, more to do with Weber changing the shape.
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@Idahawk. Great post, it made me laugh!!
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I don't own one with the taco handle but the looks don't bother me at all. Seems to be a minority position though
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Joe, what I found to be an issue is replacing the handles with wood. Brian's handles just didn't fit the shape of the new taco. Of course, I'm not expecting him to design a new style to fit the new handles.... although that would be cool... but I digress.
In the end, any grill I get, I replace the handles with wood; a personal aesthetic, nothing more.
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I have hoarded some fireplace straps and some donor black straps for the day I land a taco bolt kettle.
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So why on the fireplaces does Weber include fiber washers to use against the porcelain to avoid damage but on the standard grills they have you bolt it directly on?
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Looking at the two, my opinion is that I don't really mind the taco so much. I would like it a helluva lot better if Brian made handles that fit the shape better.
Now, please don't take this wrong, this is in no way a complaint against Brian's work, more to do with Weber changing the shape.
What is your specific complaint about the fit? For me it is less the bottom piece not going the full length of the metal handle, but an issue with the top part of the handle rotating sometimes since there metal handle doesn't have the nubs that the old welded handles did. I'm sure I could fix that pretty easy by drilling out the metal handle then putting some studs into the holes in the top handle that would prevent it from twisting.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170119/3e94a6dbac88a6ca6b878ab9ff3f4a34.jpg)
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I must admit that when I first saw pics of the taco handle, I was not impressed.
However, when I look at my Ivory MT, the colour easily takes over and I don't care anymore about how the handle looks.
I much prefer the taco on, then removed. YMMV
And, IMO, the fireplace handle replacement looks like a welded handle that's been ripped off … then bolted back on. No thanks.
As far as usability …. I have had no issues. I made sure that it was not over-tightened.
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If I ever get a taco grill, I'm swapping in the firepit handles. I really don't like the taco handle look at all.
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Looking at the two, my opinion is that I don't really mind the taco so much. I would like it a helluva lot better if Brian made handles that fit the shape better.
Now, please don't take this wrong, this is in no way a complaint against Brian's work, more to do with Weber changing the shape.
What is your specific complaint about the fit? For me it is less the bottom piece not going the full length of the metal handle, but an issue with the top part of the handle rotating sometimes since there metal handle doesn't have the nubs that the old welded handles did. I'm sure I could fix that pretty easy by drilling out the metal handle then putting some studs into the holes in the top handle that would prevent it from twisting.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170119/3e94a6dbac88a6ca6b878ab9ff3f4a34.jpg)
It is that space between the bottom piece and the curved uprights that kind of annoys me, but as I said before, only for aesthetic reasons.
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What is the part number for the fireplace handle?
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What is the part number for the fireplace handle?
Here's the link.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
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the taco handle doesn't bother me so much, I really don't like that the wood handles spin like they do as shown above.
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What is the part number for the fireplace handle?
Here's the link.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
What is the hole spacing on the fireplace handles? Would they work on an wsm 18 where the grate straps are bolted?
searching for 1 18" straight lip twist ash pan.
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I personally don't mind the Taco handle but I only have one grill with it on it my 2010 26er
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Apparently, if you tell Brian they're for a taco, he makes them slightly different, so they don't spin.
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What is the part number for the fireplace handle?
Here's the link.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
What is the hole spacing on the fireplace handles? Would they work on an wsm 18 where the grate straps are bolted?
searching for 1 18" straight lip twist ash pan.
I can't help with that, but I do know they are a direct replacement for the bolt on taco. There was no difference in spacing.
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What is the hole spacing on the fireplace handles? Would they work on an wsm 18 where the grate straps are bolted?
The taco and fire place handles have a 5 1/2" spacing and the WSM has 6"
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Stock bolt on and one without the taco shell.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/19/2016-08-0721.57.31.jpg)
Fireplace handle.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/19/IMG_33432.jpg)
Stock welded handle.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/19/aaaaaa.jpg)
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(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/19/aaaaaa.jpg)
Did you paint the handle strap?
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(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/19/aaaaaa.jpg)
Did you paint the handle strap?
Not painted. The handle strap is from a stock black spare kettle I had. The lid was so beat up the handle practically pulled off. I also saved 3 bowl vents from the same spare kettle to go on the Green MBH. Surprisingly, I am saving that particular kettle with another spare lid and a mismatch bowl vents. Black wheels without holes will also get donated to my other project kettle.
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Nothing like hacking up a new Kettle!
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x374/dkt2/IMG_0260.jpg)
The Taco can be converted. Must be steel. Pretty hard to bend. I used a big crescent wrench. Used the cut off handle as a pattern and of coarse it was too tall. After redoing it one of my knuckle joints is pretty sore.
Per pbe gummi bear tall handles are not anesthetically pleasing. Haha.
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x374/dkt2/IMG_0263.jpg)
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Joe, what I found to be an issue is replacing the handles with wood. Brian's handles just didn't fit the shape of the new taco. Of course, I'm not expecting him to design a new style to fit the new handles.... although that would be cool... but I digress.
In the end, any grill I get, I replace the handles with wood; a personal aesthetic, nothing more.
What doesn't fit? I see them on your grill, I have one on my own? Bolts right on?
Sent from my Moto Z force Droid
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Looking at the two, my opinion is that I don't really mind the taco so much. I would like it a helluva lot better if Brian made handles that fit the shape better.
Now, please don't take this wrong, this is in no way a complaint against Brian's work, more to do with Weber changing the shape.
What is your specific complaint about the fit? For me it is less the bottom piece not going the full length of the metal handle, but an issue with the top part of the handle rotating sometimes since there metal handle doesn't have the nubs that the old welded handles did. I'm sure I could fix that pretty easy by drilling out the metal handle then putting some studs into the holes in the top handle that would prevent it from twisting.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170119/3e94a6dbac88a6ca6b878ab9ff3f4a34.jpg)
I make a fix to these handles so they don't spin. You just need to let me know your putting it on a new grill and I can easily make the modification. I have done a bunch for @Mcgolden lately
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Looking at the two, my opinion is that I don't really mind the taco so much. I would like it a helluva lot better if Brian made handles that fit the shape better.
Now, please don't take this wrong, this is in no way a complaint against Brian's work, more to do with Weber changing the shape.
What is your specific complaint about the fit? For me it is less the bottom piece not going the full length of the metal handle, but an issue with the top part of the handle rotating sometimes since there metal handle doesn't have the nubs that the old welded handles did. I'm sure I could fix that pretty easy by drilling out the metal handle then putting some studs into the holes in the top handle that would prevent it from twisting.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170119/3e94a6dbac88a6ca6b878ab9ff3f4a34.jpg)
I make a fix to these handles so they don't spin. You just need to let me know your putting it on a new grill and I can easily make the modification. I have done a bunch for @Mcgolden lately
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He did it with these and they work and look great. No spinning.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170120/686de39424bf65629ceac70d62e5b391.jpg)
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@zavod44 @mcgolden - Good to know. It hasn't really been a big deal though. What is the mod that you do to handles for newer grills?
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The bolt on taco on my 26 hasn't given me any problems. My vent and thermo is still in the right locations. My main beef with the new 22 taco is they changed the vent location. Not a deal breaker but I'll probably continue to buy older kettles unless I find a good deal on a master touch or performer. I really just need more old mbh kettles or 3 wood.
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Either way I don't think they are going to bring back the old handles. Too many claims and loss of profits.
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Either way I don't think they are going to bring back the old handles. Too many claims and loss of profits.
I think you got that right. Has to be saving Weber a ton on warranty issues with the handle not being welded on.
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What is the mod that you do to handles for newer grills?
If one is handy with tools, there is always THIS (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/handles-was-not-aware-of-this/msg102732/#msg102732) option.
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I'll send a pic, it's easier than trying to explain
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Well, I am a fan of the taco bolt on, especially when using the Vortex... The handle stays comfortable. Never had any issues with it loosening up. Love it.
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Nothing like hacking up a new Kettle!
(http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x374/dkt2/IMG_0260.jpg)
Nice work! My Copper is getting the same treatment when I done with my current project.
Did you turn it into a Master Touch? If you did, I believe that would be the first North American Copper MT. Currently, only offered in Germany as a 2016 winter special edition.
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Joe, what I found to be an issue is replacing the handles with wood. Brian's handles just didn't fit the shape of the new taco. Of course, I'm not expecting him to design a new style to fit the new handles.... although that would be cool... but I digress.
In the end, any grill I get, I replace the handles with wood; a personal aesthetic, nothing more.
What doesn't fit? I see them on your grill, I have one on my own? Bolts right on?
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OK, after reading my original post, it seems that I was not clear enough it what I meant to say. Let me clarify, @zavod44 . Brian's handles fit perfectly & bolt right on. They are designed to look like Weber wood handles. That they do perfectly. If you look at the history of Weber's plastic handles, the shapes have changed over the years. The early ones looked like the wooden handles in shape, but later they got more rounded. But in all that time the metal strap stayed the same, so if someone decided to change to a wood handle it looked the same. When Weber introduced the bolt on taco, the shape of the strap changed to those curved uprights. Brian's handles bolt on with no issue and look much better than the plastic ones that come with the grill IMO.
Heck, one of the first things I did when I got my performer was to order a set of handles from zavod44. He did not disappoint. The handle he made for me looked great, but after a while something started to bug me. It was that Weber taco. It's shape to me just looked off. Perhaps I was just too used to the original shape. That's when I ordered the fireplace handles. For me I liked the look a bit better.
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Its them darn curved uprights. Its the bottom vent on the Smokey Joe that should have gotten a new handle.
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Don't worry be happy! Have fun with it. Bolt on handles not going away anytime soon.
The Copper 3 ways. I have 1 more coming.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/2016-09-2721.27.55.jpg)(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/2016-09-2722.26.33.jpg)(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/2016-09-2722.07.39.jpg)
Either you go with the flow, or avoid a new change and miss out on great colored kettles. Your choice.
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For the life of me I can't figure out what people find so offensive about the taco handles.
I feel like someone at some point early on declared them ugly and then everyone else followed suit, lol.
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That's funny Joe. I don't mind them either. I will when I do have one someday, I would keep the shield with it. Going by greenwebs 3 different handles with the copper. The bottom one looks the best to me though, classic look, then the handle with the taco but don't care for the look of the curved handle with missing taco. Looks like it's missing something to me.
@greenweb is that the fireplace bolt on handle Darko has been using?
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That's funny Joe. I don't mind them either. I will when I do have one someday, I would keep the shield with it. Going by greenwebs 3 different handles with the copper. The bottom one looks the best to me though, classic look, then the handle with the taco but don't care for the look of the curved handle with missing taco. Looks like it's missing something to me.
@greenweb is that the fireplace bolt on handle Darko has been using?
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I agree, don't like the look without the taco at all.
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I agree with Darko on how the stock handle strap looks even more bowed out with Zav wooden handle on. I say it still looks better than stock.
Well, I had this idea of reshaping the stock handle to suit better with a custom Zav wood for awhile now. I just tried this morning. It was either scraping one good stock taco handle trying or I may have something half decent custom handle. Not perfect but it turned out ok. I am happy with it.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_105955.jpg)(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_111320.jpg)
Reshaped stock handle with a Zav Lacewood/Leopardwood wood.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_111950.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_112105.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_121422.jpg)
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That's funny Joe. I don't mind them either. I will when I do have one someday, I would keep the shield with it. Going by greenwebs 3 different handles with the copper. The bottom one looks the best to me though, classic look, then the handle with the taco but don't care for the look of the curved handle with missing taco. Looks like it's missing something to me.
@greenweb is that the fireplace bolt on handle Darko has been using?
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The 3rd pic is not the fireplace handle. It is a stock black handle strap I saved from a mid 80's spare lid.
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I agree with Darko on how the stock handle strap looks even more bowed out with Zav wooden handle on. I say it still looks better than stock.
Well, I had this idea of reshaping the stock handle to suit better with a custom Zav wood for awhile now. I just tried this morning. It was either scraping one good stock taco handle trying or I may have something half decent custom handle. Not perfect but it turned out ok. I am happy with it.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_105955.jpg)(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_111320.jpg)
Reshaped stock handle with a Zav Lacewood/Leopardwood wood.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_111950.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_112105.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/01/21/20170121_121422.jpg)
Right on greenweb. That might be my favorite version of a new handle I've seen.
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For the life of me I can't figure out what people find so offensive about the taco handles.
I feel like someone at some point early on declared them ugly and then everyone else followed suit, lol.
It's more about the cheapening of the product for me , although the new handles are butt ugly I'm more disappointed in the new ownership taking the Kettle down the path that so many other companies have. The improvement is not an improvement because we're talking about it , adding washers to make it work right all so some fat cats bottom line looks better, no thank you , colors or not .
I own one taco handle it's an Ivory Mt that I wanted so desperately and after using it and having the handle come loose several times it's been parked in the corner.
Weber Stephen will ultimately discover that if they want to compete with all the cheap ass grills on the market , they will become just that . Bad news travels , as a former BBQ store owner and now caterer Im constantly asked about the various grills on the market , I know longer recommend Traeger , when 15 years ago they couldn't be beat and for anyone that wants a Weber , I tell them to find an old one !
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I own one taco handle it's an Ivory Mt that I wanted so desperately and after using it and having the handle come loose several times it's been parked in the corner.
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:o :o Sorry to hear about that.
For heavy use you put it through, I would replaced the nuts ( stock nut is not even real nut. it only holds I thread on the bolt) to real SS nuts, flat washer followed up with a lock washer to keep the pressure on, so it does not back out. You probably tried this already, but not understanding how it would back out. If you want a real fool proof way, replace bolts to a longer SS bolts and from underside of the lid put a flat washer and lock washer then a nut... than put another nut and lock both nuts together.
I do understand what you are saying about the quality compared to old but I don't have much issues except few issues with lids that were replaced under warranty. So for me it is all good. You already have a Ivory. I would make best use out of it than parking it.
@ HoosierKettle - Thanks! I am glad you like it.
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I own one taco handle it's an Ivory Mt that I wanted so desperately and after using it and having the handle come loose several times it's been parked in the corner.
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:o :o Sorry to hear about that.
For heavy use you put it through, I would replaced the nuts ( stock nut is not even real nut. it only holds I thread on the bolt) to real SS nuts, flat washer followed up with a lock washer to keep the pressure on, so it does not back out. You probably tried this already, but not understanding how it would back out. If you want a real fool proof way, replace bolts to a longer SS bolts and from underside of the lid put a flat washer and lock washer then a nut... than put another nut and lock both nuts together.
I do understand what you are saying about the quality compared to old but I don't have much issues except few issues with lids that were replaced under warranty. So for me it is all good. You already have a Ivory. I would make best use out of it than parking it.
The hardware was the first thing I replaced ,I never bothered with that fake stuff Weber supplied and I chucked the grey wheel covers as well . I didn't do the fiber washers first time around so I had to add those
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@ Idahawk - good point about using fiber washer. I take it that you are referring to a high temp gasket material ( same as car engine gaskets)to go between the lid and the bottom of the handle to avoid metal to porcelain contact. I use them as well to avoid possible porcelain chips. Once bolts have been torqued properly ( not too tight ) and after few heat cycles, then re torqued to seat the gasket, then with another nut to lock in both should do it.
I have not used the double nut on my handles as they are fine the way it is, but there is no way the handle is coming loose with this method.
Good luck with your Ivory. I have always enjoyed your cooks with your Ivory. Hope to see it in action again soon.
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@greenweb If you have time can you post a picture of the fiber washers you use. Are fiber washers all pretty much the same?
Thank you!
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@greenweb If you have time can you post a picture of the fiber washers you use. Are fiber washers all pretty much the same?
Thank you!
What I use is a high temp Gasket material similar to this https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Gasket-9615MRG-Compressed-Material/dp/B00068OLEW on vehicle engine application. I cut to size and use hollow punch to make holes.
Not sure if required, but if you want, I could take pics of what I use, cut and center punch and put it together lid handle assy. on the lid.
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@zavod44 @mcgolden - Good to know. It hasn't really been a big deal though. What is the mod that you do to handles for newer grills?
Here is the mod for the new style handle, I cut a small groove in the bottom of the top piece, and then I take some material off the walls of the bottom piece.
looks like this
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z276/zavod112/IMG_20170121_112913365%201_zpsrfpqlsqm.jpg) (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/zavod112/media/IMG_20170121_112913365%201_zpsrfpqlsqm.jpg.html)
Compared to a normal handle bottom
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z276/zavod112/IMG_20170121_112921614%201_zpsyvm4lu6j.jpg) (http://s193.photobucket.com/user/zavod112/media/IMG_20170121_112921614%201_zpsyvm4lu6j.jpg.html)