Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: SixZeroFour on July 27, 2023, 10:20:56 AM

Title: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: SixZeroFour on July 27, 2023, 10:20:56 AM
Hoping someone might have a possible fix for me...

Essentially a small tab bowl vent on one of my brownies has as a soft tab (bends back and forth fairly easily when hot) and its probably not far off from snapping off of the daisy vent completely. Does anyone have any experience with a fix? I would imagine welding entirely across the seam would be difficult due to the thickness (or lack there of) the aluminum, but could a couple tiny tack welds on either side of the tab firm it up if the welder knows what they are doing? I'd rather not replace the vent if at all possible.

This is a top vent obviously but sortof what I had in mind:

(https://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/tabs.jpg)

Any insight appreciated!

Matt
Title: Re: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: ASpitzer on July 27, 2023, 10:27:38 AM
A small gusset of JB Weld or a similar product? Maybe something similar that is more silver colored? It would have to stand up to the heat since it is a top vent. It seems like really thin aluminum even for a good TIG welder to attempt but then again maybe not.
Title: Re: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: bamakettles on July 27, 2023, 12:34:27 PM
I've had good luck with JB Weld grey putty for various projects.  I'd think a dab of that right in the bend would fix it up.
Title: Re: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: Stoneage on July 27, 2023, 03:28:04 PM
JB is great stuff, but I'd use it to attach a small "L" bracket to the weakened tab.
Title: Re: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: SixZeroFour on July 28, 2023, 11:44:41 AM
Cheers all - I thought of trying JB and may give it a go on a practice vent.

Would still love to hear if anyone has any alternate options!
Title: Re: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: Stoneage on July 29, 2023, 10:30:56 AM
drill & tap a small"L" mending bracket? Or nut & bolt even. Steel pop rivets?
Title: Re: Soft lower bowl vent tab ... any solutions out there?
Post by: Zulu Kono on July 29, 2023, 12:35:50 PM
I'd be inclined to do nothing to it,
and wear a mitt when adjusting it.