I'm not sure how to best finish this up on my ash sweep.
The steel piece that goes across and holds up the circular aluminum ring is very weak on my original design unit.
I had disassembled it, cleaned it up, and reinstalled it.
I tried bending the steel piece a little bit, but it is old, rusty, and flimsy. I wasn't convinced that it would hold up to supporting the ash tray very well when full.
I had a newer style laying around and a One Touch replacement set in the box. So I installed that, but the retainers don't pop in like they do on a newer one.
I feel foolish that I didn't know that it wouldn't pop in there.
Can I get a replacement steel bracket? What's the best way to fix this up?
At one time longtime member, @zavod44 made these bars from aluminum.
I actually got one years ago for an old master touch. Excellent quality.
If possible, I recommend fabricating one yourself using aluminum flat-bar.
Hey MacEggs,
Thanks for the reply...
After reading your thoughts, I gave it a harder look. Aluminum flat stock might work out nicely.
Was the one that you got from Zavod pretty straight across, or did it have some bends? You don't happen to have a photo that you could share, do you?
I'm going to look at the stock that my hardware store has...
Quote from: El Ruffbo on November 12, 2025, 09:15:47 AMWas the one that you got from Zavod pretty straight across, or did it have some bends? You don't happen to have a photo that you could share, do you?
No, it was essentially the same design as the original with the necessary bends.
Sorry, I do not have a photo of it as I no longer have that kettle.
If you can use the existing bar as a template, and find the right aluminum flat-bar, I think that you could fabricate something close to the original specs.
After all, you are retired (I am jealous), and have the time!
Not the same end product, but similar principle. I bought 1.2mm thick 304 (kitchen grade) stainless strips cut to size from a website which was relatively cheap and while it's pretty easy to bend, it will also hold its shape.
Quite easy to form by putting it in a vice and hammering it into a bend. Hope this helps
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20251112/837a1f08f3d00bb36ce322ff61f2e86b.jpg)
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Thank you Tommie and MacEggs!
That is a beautiful piece Tommie. Very nice!
I went with very basic. I think that I pulled it off.
1 1/2 inch wide, 1/8 in thick aluminum stock from my local hardware store.
I went a little longer than the piece that I had, thinking that flex would take some. If someone is going to go this route...don't do that. The same length is fine.
My first attempt was just long enough that it elongated the circular piece, and made installation and removal of the ash catch even more complicated/difficult than normal.
I pulled it apart, and shortened the piece a little bit, and reinstalled. I'm very happy with it.
Not beautiful, but functional. I did put a little bit of an upward bend to the piece in the center where the large hole is for the ash center shaft. That gave me just enough clearance for the sweep handle when it is in the fully closed vent position.
I hope that this helps someone!
Thanks again MacEggs and Tommie!
Perfect! Nice work
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Quote from: El Ruffbo on November 12, 2025, 11:56:17 AMThank you Tommie and MacEggs!
YES !! Nice work, @El Ruffbo !
You're welcome.
Wow, looks awesome! I've always shied away from the older SSPs due to this issue. Looks like it's not such a big deal after all! I would recommend as a yearly practice to remove the thumb screw from the bottom and put a little grease on the threads. Seems like every one I've seen have the screw rusted in the hole making it impossible to take apart to adjust the fins inside the grill if needed. Not sure you can get those parts if ever needed. Enjoy the grill!
Cheers