Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: lksdrinker on September 29, 2017, 07:16:34 AM

Title: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: lksdrinker on September 29, 2017, 07:16:34 AM
Grabbed a firepit from someone on Craigslist last night and cant wait to put it to use.  This is my second weber scored off of Craigslist this week.  Grabbed an 18" Sam Adams kettle the other day and have plans to pick up a 26" kettle later tonight!

What are my options as far as replacing the handles?  Are they one and the same as the kettle handles?

(http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=97801&title=20170929_091247_Custom_copyc.jpg)
(http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=97809&title=20170929_091250_Custom_copyc.jpg)
(http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=97817&title=20170929_091253_Custom_copyc.jpg)
(http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/pHosting.php?do=show&type=f&id=97825&title=20170929_091301_Custom_copyc.jpg)
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: JEBIV on September 29, 2017, 07:20:08 AM
Same as the single screw on the kettle
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Cellar2ful on September 29, 2017, 07:29:27 AM
Weber use to sell the fireplace handles (part#61486).  1-800-446-1071          eRepacements also use to sell them but it is now a discontinued part on their website.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: JEBIV on September 29, 2017, 07:31:17 AM
Quote from: Cellar2ful on September 29, 2017, 07:29:27 AM
Weber use to sell the fireplace handles (part#61486).  1-800-446-1071          eRepacements also use to sell them but it is now a discontinued part on their website.
Then i must have mispoke I thought they were the same
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Bob BQ on September 29, 2017, 07:34:11 AM
Quote from: JEBIV on September 29, 2017, 07:31:17 AM
Quote from: Cellar2ful on September 29, 2017, 07:29:27 AM
Weber use to sell the fireplace handles (part#61486).  1-800-446-1071          eRepacements also use to sell them but it is now a discontinued part on their website.
Then i must have mispoke I thought they were the same

You're correct, Joe. Any wood or older-style plastic handle will work on this handle strap.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Lowbrass on September 29, 2017, 07:43:28 AM
Great find, I am restoring one that I got from @Bob BQ this weekend!  Can't wait to use it!
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: JEBIV on September 29, 2017, 07:51:39 AM
I just recently scored one also with no handles, my 2 Chicago 5th anniversary handles are headed for it
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Cellar2ful on September 29, 2017, 08:11:56 AM
Sorry, I was talking about the metal handle itself Joe. I thought @lksdrinker was asking about replacing the metal handle.  You are correct.  The single screw wood handles from the kettles will fit the fireplace also.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Hetron on September 29, 2017, 08:49:31 AM
FYI before using the fireplace, put a couple pounds of sand in the bottom.  I have found this will insulate the bottom and help keep the porcelain from cracking and crazing.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: cbpeck on September 29, 2017, 09:45:49 AM
Quote from: Hetron on September 29, 2017, 08:49:31 AM
FYI before using the fireplace, put a couple pounds of sand in the bottom.  I have found this will insulate the bottom and help keep the porcelain from cracking and crazing.

I completely agree with recommendation to use sand. Not only will it protect the porcelain, but it will also keep the fireplace from blowing away in a stiff wind.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: JDD on September 29, 2017, 09:51:50 AM
Yes same handles, you can buy them from @zavod44 .
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Bubblehead on September 29, 2017, 10:07:54 AM
You can get a new set here.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: zavod44 on September 29, 2017, 10:17:05 AM
Quote from: Bubblehead on September 29, 2017, 10:07:54 AM
You can get a new set here.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
Let me know if you need some.  Mine will be much better than the lousy replacement ones Weber sells....

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: JEBIV on September 29, 2017, 10:19:23 AM
Quote from: zavod44 on September 29, 2017, 10:17:05 AM
Quote from: Bubblehead on September 29, 2017, 10:07:54 AM
You can get a new set here.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
Let me know if you need some.  Mine will be much better than the lousy replacement ones Weber sells....

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
What he said ^
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: lksdrinker on September 29, 2017, 10:27:27 AM
Awesome thanks for the info guys...I'll have to get in touch with @zavod44 for those handles!  How do you go about determining the age on these?

Quote from: Hetron on September 29, 2017, 08:49:31 AM
FYI before using the fireplace, put a couple pounds of sand in the bottom.  I have found this will insulate the bottom and help keep the porcelain from cracking and crazing.

The guy I bought it from lit his first few fires before he read the manual.  He made sure to remind me to use sand before I light my first fire!  There is already some crazing unfortunately.

Quote from: cbpeck on September 29, 2017, 09:45:49 AM
Quote from: Hetron on September 29, 2017, 08:49:31 AM
FYI before using the fireplace, put a couple pounds of sand in the bottom.  I have found this will insulate the bottom and help keep the porcelain from cracking and crazing.

I completely agree with recommendation to use sand. Not only will it protect the porcelain, but it will also keep the fireplace from blowing away in a stiff wind.

I wouldn't have thought of the added benefit of the sand like that!
Quote from: JEBIV on September 29, 2017, 07:51:39 AM
I just recently scored one also with no handles, my 2 Chicago 5th anniversary handles are headed for it
I guess its common for these handles to get lost ?
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on September 29, 2017, 11:03:09 AM
Quote from: lksdrinker on September 29, 2017, 10:27:27 AM
I guess its common for these handles to get lost ?

The handles were finished in some kind of bright, almost orange finish or stain but not actually protected very well. And unlike with a grill that might get pulled back in a garage or under the eves when not used, these would get left outside.

I still think it's a neat product; you can walk into any home improvement store today and see fire pits for sale, but Weber's grill reliability didn't transfer over to their fire pit.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Bubblehead on September 29, 2017, 11:47:55 AM
Quote from: zavod44 on September 29, 2017, 10:17:05 AM
Quote from: Bubblehead on September 29, 2017, 10:07:54 AM
You can get a new set here.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-fireplace-p-1475698.html
Let me know if you need some.  Mine will be much better than the lousy replacement ones Weber sells....

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

You are absolutely correct.  I picked up a set for a project and the bamboo handles that come with the set are pretty crappy.  I was more posting the link for the metal straps.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: AZ Monsoon on September 29, 2017, 04:49:34 PM
On the left is what the original handles look like after they've sat outside for a few years (even under a Weber cover in AZ). The stain or whatever was just flaking off.
(https://i.imgur.com/ytNK4Nc.jpg)
Title: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Lowbrass on September 30, 2017, 07:29:37 AM
What kind of/how much sand?  Do those who use it have trouble cleaning and separating it from the ashes when cleaning up after a fire?  Does anyone use a charcoal grate to set the logs on?


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Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: SixZeroFour on September 30, 2017, 08:53:28 AM
A charcoal grate works really well - that's what I use at home. Don't use sand in mine, but if I did I would use kids sandbox or "play sand" as it is generally quite clean.

Nice find!
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: SixZeroFour on September 30, 2017, 08:55:30 AM
Oh... and don't do this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9gXV8Gkjs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9gXV8Gkjs)
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: mcgolden on September 30, 2017, 09:03:13 AM
I would also recommend putting and old 22" cooking grate in the bottom if you have one. It creates good airflow underneath your wood and protects the bottom a bit.


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Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Lowbrass on September 30, 2017, 12:17:40 PM

Quote from: mcgolden on September 30, 2017, 09:03:13 AM
I would also recommend putting and old 22" cooking grate in the bottom if you have one. It creates good airflow underneath your wood and protects the bottom a bit.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)

As opposed to or in addition to sand?


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Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: MTW524 on September 30, 2017, 02:09:49 PM
Quote from: cbpeck on September 29, 2017, 09:45:49 AM
Quote from: Hetron on September 29, 2017, 08:49:31 AM
FYI before using the fireplace, put a couple pounds of sand in the bottom.  I have found this will insulate the bottom and help keep the porcelain from cracking and crazing.

I completely agree with recommendation to use sand. Not only will it protect the porcelain, but it will also keep the fireplace from blowing away in a stiff wind.
Agreed. Go to the hardware store and get real play sand too. Regular dirt will rust out the finishes.

Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)

Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: lksdrinker on October 02, 2017, 08:23:33 AM
Quote from: SixZeroFour on September 30, 2017, 08:53:28 AM
A charcoal grate works really well - that's what I use at home. Don't use sand in mine, but if I did I would use kids sandbox or "play sand" as it is generally quite clean.

Nice find!

Quote from: MTW524 on September 30, 2017, 02:09:49 PM
Quote from: cbpeck on September 29, 2017, 09:45:49 AM
Quote from: Hetron on September 29, 2017, 08:49:31 AM
FYI before using the fireplace, put a couple pounds of sand in the bottom.  I have found this will insulate the bottom and help keep the porcelain from cracking and crazing.

I completely agree with recommendation to use sand. Not only will it protect the porcelain, but it will also keep the fireplace from blowing away in a stiff wind.
Agreed. Go to the hardware store and get real play sand too. Regular dirt will rust out the finishes.

Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)



Good call on the charcoal grate!  I had some pool filter sand that I used before lighting my first fire in it this weekend!
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: captjoe06 on April 10, 2018, 08:24:55 AM
Just to catch up. Will the nylon reinforced handles work on the firepit? After just one use with brand new wood handles it's obvious they're not going to hold up. 


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Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on April 10, 2018, 10:10:42 AM
I would think the wood handles would hold up if they are treated/protected. That's the thing with the Fireplace handles. Weber put that weird orange-y finish on them, but not an actual protectant such as polyurethane or even spar varnish.
Title: Re: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: pbe gummi bear on April 10, 2018, 07:22:09 PM
Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 10, 2018, 10:10:42 AM
I would think the wood handles would hold up if they are treated/protected. That's the thing with the Fireplace handles. Weber put that weird orange-y finish on them, but not an actual protectant such as polyurethane or even spar varnish.

I think the fireplace handles are also made out of bamboo.
Title: grabbed a firepit off of craigslist; what to do about the handles
Post by: Bob BQ on April 10, 2018, 10:23:56 PM
Quote from: captjoe06 on April 10, 2018, 08:24:55 AM
Just to catch up. Will the nylon reinforced handles work on the firepit? After just one use with brand new wood handles it's obvious they're not going to hold up. 

I put taco shells on my fire pit... the wooden handles are holding up great! Would probably do a good job protecting the bulking reinforced handles, as well.