Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Mr.Smoke on April 18, 2018, 09:38:42 PM

Title: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Mr.Smoke on April 18, 2018, 09:38:42 PM
Any ideas how to straighten this lid handle without sacrificing the integrity of the porcelain? I found an old post about straightening each side of the handle but nothing regarding a handle bending inwards. All help is appreciated. Thanks

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Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Travis on April 18, 2018, 10:38:20 PM
Only thing I know to do there is a very slow, careful pull and Pay attention to what's happening while you're doing it


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Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Jon on April 18, 2018, 11:57:55 PM
That looks like a really cool old kettle, at least what we can see. Unless you want to hope for the best and just give it a push...buy a nice Zavhandle and enjoy your neat find. A little crooked doesn't make it not pretty.
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Grillagin on April 18, 2018, 11:58:07 PM
@Travis speaks the truth.  This thread helped me with a recent restore.  Clamp it and twist the opposite way, up to a point.  Can't beat slow.  Mine was a two person project for it to be held solid enough.  Hope this helps.

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/straightening-a-strap-handle-the-safe-and-easy-way/msg180611/#msg180611
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Rub on April 19, 2018, 04:19:56 AM
Try tapping with a rubber mallet on the indented part from inside the lid. Sit down and put it in your lap with the handle between your legs using your thighs for a work surface. That should protect everything.


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Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Hell Fire Grill on April 19, 2018, 05:44:56 AM
JUST LEAVE IT THE WAY IT IS!
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: 1spacemanspiff on April 19, 2018, 05:47:11 AM
Nice and super sloooooooow.  That kettle is way too nice to have an oops.  Let see a family pic with the new addition.  Hoping to see you at the meet up


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Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: vwengguy on April 19, 2018, 05:53:09 AM
+ 1 for @Hell Fire Grill
Just leave it alone! Your trying to re-write your grills history.
It has been a VERY humbling experience trying to fix a simple thing that ends up causing even more damage.
Just make up a BS story how this grill flew around in a tornado and landed 75 miles away and this was the only damage!


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Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: hawgheaven on April 19, 2018, 06:17:19 AM
Yup. I'd leave it. As mentioned earlier, you can create more damage by trying to straighten it. It ain't that far off anyway... just leave it IMHO...
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: MauroBBQ on April 19, 2018, 07:12:15 AM
+1 for @vwengguy same as @Hell Fire Grill
Saludos :)


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Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Mr.Smoke on April 19, 2018, 08:06:54 AM
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will leave it as is. I really don't want to risk any further damage on a grill this old. I think it gives it character.

@1spacemanspiff photo with other addition coming soon. I'm gonna spend this weekend cleaning both of them. Once again thank you for everything.
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: 1spacemanspiff on April 19, 2018, 08:52:42 AM
@Mr.Smoke. No problem.  You coming to the meet up?
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: Mr.Smoke on April 19, 2018, 09:11:51 AM
I'm trying to work out the schedule with my wife. Would be awesome meeting other grillfellas. I saw photos from last year and looked like everyone had a great time
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: RRRanger99 on April 19, 2018, 09:16:48 AM
Absolute last resort option! Only if the handle happens to work itself loose.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-kit-p-1476033.html
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: PotsieWeber on April 19, 2018, 09:22:54 AM
I'd bolt the original back on. 

Quote from: RRRanger99 on April 19, 2018, 09:16:48 AM
Absolute last resort option! Only if the handle happens to work itself loose.

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/handle-kit-p-1476033.html
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: hawgheaven on April 19, 2018, 09:45:26 AM
Zav handles rock...
Title: Re: Straightening lid handle
Post by: MacEggs on April 19, 2018, 11:11:35 AM

A small length of 2x4 ... About a foot long.  Place it against the handle, and lightly tap it with a hammer.
Worked for me, and no porcelain damage.  Besides, you already have some around the handle ....
It's your kettle, do as you wish.