Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: mdb240 on September 24, 2017, 02:50:51 AM
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I was just curious about the taco handle. I don't currently own one (looking to get the ree in Nov) but are the shield and handle part two separate pieces? With all the talent on this board why hasn't someone come up with a way of custom making a new handle that would bolt on?
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Like so?
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/12/30/not-a-fan-of-the-new-handle-and-heat-shield-design-no-problem-go-retro/
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Try this...
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/if-you-hate-the-taco-this-will-really-burn-your-biscuit!/
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I actually don't mind the taco. Yeah, it's annoying to keep tightening the bolts. However, I like the ability to lift the lid without putting a glove on.
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I actually don't mind the taco. Yeah, it's annoying to keep tightening the bolts. However, I like the ability to lift the lid without putting a glove on.
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From the very first, I replaces the cheap Weber fasteners with real bolts. I've never had to tighten them.
BD
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I recall @greenweb doing some simple, yet effective looking mods ….
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/sharing-innovative-kettle-mod-ideas/msg272548/#msg272548
He may have done a few others …. Can't quite remember.
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I liked the Greenweb fireplace handle mod.
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Mr Greenweb has as many inventive cool mods as he does whippy handles from Chicago......he even left with some of mine second last time he was here!!! Shiiiiiieeeet.
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I like mr greenwebs work on his performers and master touch kettles. Always improving upon the look.
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I came up with so many tacos when they were required -it's for CE/UL compliance and heat. I had one that clipped in the existing holes of the performer style lid handle (for the old thermometer). At the time, weber had big issues with it because it was considered a turn off to buyers as suddenly there was this weird winged thing. People knocking knuckles, what if someone has a bigger hand, what if people think it doesn't get hot. It was mind-numbing sitting in those meetings.
It's good to see their acceptance and a lot of the creative ideas everyone comes up with. And any mod involving a beer can ranks high in my book....
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It's good to see their acceptance and a lot of the creative ideas everyone comes up with.
Acceptance? Not a 100%.....not even close I would think.
They look cheap, come loose, wiggle around causing porcelain chips and in general make some of us seek out older models exclusively.
I guess they protect some from getting their knuckles marked up....I guess. Never really had the problem myself but then again I never did cook much with a Kettle.
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Well it had nothing to do with Weber and everything to do with CE/UL requirements. The construction and how the requirement is applied is on the company. They could get away with it simply with distance and another handle material -such as wood. It has a lower emissivity -it's in part, the illusion that something is not as hot as something else and how objects handle heat. Thus.. a nylon handle is hotter than a wood handle even though they are the same size and distance from the heat source. So in testing, what is that temperature of that surface.
The knuckle reference was with a taco in place, someone would hit their knuckles on the edge and cut themselves -one of the debates at various meetings.
Acceptance, I would have to agree about how they look and how it's been executed and the results thereof. A lot of the Euro kettles at the time had a lot of assembly required. Then there as a push that this was ok.
I'm surprised they haven't included a powder coating kit as part of assembling a grill. The more effort they could pass to the consumer, the better for the company because they didn't have to pay for it.
They could have those handles and everything assembled very nicely. Open the box, and done...
As for the chips, don't they include some fiber washers like what used to (are they still?) on the WSM? The very point was to prevent chipping.
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However, I like the ability to lift the lid without putting a glove on.
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If you rock a fully lit large basket of coals on a newer 26.75, you will still need a glove.
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I actually don't mind the taco. Yeah, it's annoying to keep tightening the bolts. However, I like the ability to lift the lid without putting a glove on.
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From the very first, I replaces the cheap Weber fasteners with real bolts. I've never had to tighten them.
BD
Just got my first new in the box weber, and its the first I've owned with the taco. While assembling it I thought to myself that this handle is certainly going to be coming loose quite often. I'll surely be swaping the hardware for something better somehow!
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[/quote]
Just got my first new in the box weber, and its the first I've owned with the taco. While assembling it I thought to myself that this handle is certainly going to be coming loose quite often. I'll surely be swaping the hardware for something better somehow!
[/quote]
You can always slightly damage the threads of the fastener thus creating a locking feature and prevents the nuts from walking out. There are a few high temp Loctites available as well which should do the trick, but aside from that... I agree with you
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Just got my first new in the box weber, and its the first I've owned with the taco. While assembling it I thought to myself that this handle is certainly going to be coming loose quite often. I'll surely be swaping the hardware for something better somehow!
[/quote]
You can always slightly damage the threads of the fastener thus creating a locking feature and prevents the nuts from walking out. There are a few high temp Loctites available as well which should do the trick, but aside from that... I agree with you
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Well, I'm not surprised to hear this is an issue especially considering the "wrench" they provide for the job!
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is the wrench that little stamped one that also comes with the WSM?
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You can always slightly damage the threads of the fastener thus creating a locking feature and prevents the nuts from walking out. There are a few high temp Loctites available as well which should do the trick, but aside from that... I agree with you
My 26er came with the very cheap, stamped metal, pretend nuts. There was no way that I was going to trust them when I can a couple of old coffee cans filled an assortment of old nuts and bolts. Maybe Weber has upped their game since I got mine. But I would've been embarrassed to send those cheap a$$, hollow nuts out, especially when someone had just dropped three bills on the cooker.
But, I haven't given it second though since then and enjoy the hell out of cooking on my 26er, at least 3-4 nights a week ! ! !
BD
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Like so?
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/12/30/not-a-fan-of-the-new-handle-and-heat-shield-design-no-problem-go-retro/
This is the first mod I'm going to do to the new limited red.
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You can always slightly damage the threads of the fastener thus creating a locking feature and prevents the nuts from walking out. There are a few high temp Loctites available as well which should do the trick, but aside from that... I agree with you
My 26er came with the very cheap, stamped metal, pretend nuts. There was no way that I was going to trust them when I can a couple of old coffee cans filled an assortment of old nuts and bolts. Maybe Weber has upped their game since I got mine. But I would've been embarrassed to send those cheap a$$, hollow nuts out, especially when someone had just dropped three bills on the cooker.
But, I haven't given it second though since then and enjoy the hell out of cooking on my 26er, at least 3-4 nights a week ! ! !
BD
I have the same coffee can. Good choice on replacing things with quality hardware.
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Aside from a esthetics, the taco handle is poorly designed. Don't be surprised if 4-5 years or even much sooner from now there will be a lot of chipped or cracked porcelain around the bolt area. Lifting the lid put uneven pressure on top of the lid causing chips and cracks on the porcelain. A fix for this issue is to use a large ss fender washer on top and inside the lid to spread out the strain especially when lifting the lid vertically. Make sure the washer follows the contour of the lid and the bolt is snug... not too loose or too tight. You can shape the washer by placing it on top of a wood and hitting slightly with a hammer until the washer follows the contour of the lid. Finnish it off by sending /polishing the washer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170926/6967d9d6524cd55c2b8c0c8eb836ad86.jpg)
1 1/4" washer. 1 1/2" is the max size without being too visible.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170926/4605984f7d4da7b710cd962cfcaa3c52.jpg)
The corner edges of the taco coming to contact with the lid will cause lid porcelain/enamel damage.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170926/6bd4b351acfb1f50f4e97f2a10a59739.jpg)
I used 1 1/4 washer inside the lid because it's the largest i have on hand. 2" or even larger would be better.
JV
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Or just buy and exclusively use older kettles from CL. That's my plan.
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Aside from a esthetics, the taco handle is poorly designed. Don't be surprised if 4-5 years from now there will be a lot of chipped or cracked porcelain around the bolt area. Lifting the lid put uneven pressure on top of the lid causing chips and cracks on the porcelain. A fix for this issue is to use a large ss fender washer on top and inside the lid to spread out the strain especially when lifting the lid vertically. Make sure the washer follows the contour of the lid and the bolt is snug... not too loose or too tight. You can shape the washer by placing it on top of a wood and hit slightly with a hammer until the washer follows the contour of the lid. Finnish it off by sending /polishing the washer.
JV
Good tips right there.
You know.. once you own one, well then.. you have one, they made a sale. Perhaps the golden age of Weber peaked when the last of the welded parts left the building.
The corner edges of the taco coming to contact with the lid will cause lid damage.
I use 1 1/4 washer because it's the largest i have on hand. 2" or even larger would be better.
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Or just buy and exclusively use older kettles from CL. That's my plan.
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Get 'em while they're hot!
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Or just buy and exclusively use older kettles from CL. That's my plan.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Get 'em while they're hot!
I still prefer a " property designed and installed bolt -on handle". Can't stand the rust that forms on the weld area especially on the colored kettles. Older kettles are not so bad but the kettles manufactured just before the transition to the taco is unacceptable. Rust starts to form as soon as you start using the grill. Cost-cutting issues?
JV
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Like so?
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/12/30/not-a-fan-of-the-new-handle-and-heat-shield-design-no-problem-go-retro/
This is the first mod I'm going to do to the new limited red.
I've been considering the same. I have a box of two fireplace handles in my office here at work. Originally, they were going to go on a stacker for the limited kettle but I'm rethinking.
Are you going to try to match the red or murder that sucker out?
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Like so?
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/12/30/not-a-fan-of-the-new-handle-and-heat-shield-design-no-problem-go-retro/
This is the first mod I'm going to do to the new limited red.
I've been considering the same. I have a box of two fireplace handles in my office here at work. Originally, they were going to go on a stacker for the limited kettle but I'm rethinking.
Are you going to try to match the red or murder that sucker out?
I'm going to try to match the red with High Temp paint then add some Zav wood.
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Method #1.
Using fireplace handle strap. Of course, Zav's exotic wood sets it apart from your normal taco handle kettle.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_3656.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_3652.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_3655.jpg)
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Oh yeah forgot about adding the Uncle Al whitewalls, nice touch.
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Method #1.
Using fireplace handle strap. Of course, Zav's exotic wood sets it apart from your normal taco handle kettle.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_3656.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_3652.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_3655.jpg)
@greenweb
Your kettles are the classiest and best executed I've ever seen.
JV
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Thanks JV !
Method #2.
Reshaped stock handle strap with shell removed. Modded with a double rivet Zav handle to give that retro flair.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_4031.jpg)
C&B Lime in Gen 4 Performer with a Taco shell back on.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/26/IMG_4747.jpg)
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Grass, not Lime Green ...
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Personally, I don't think there is anything wrong with the taco handle.
Some may claim that they look cheap, come loose, wiggle around causing porcelain chips. I do not fall for this.
Besides, they look amazing with a custom handle provided by @Hell Fires Garage !!
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/27/IMG_7772.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/27/IMG_7786.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/27/IMG_7769.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/27/IMG_7770.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/09/27/IMG_7789.jpg)
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Mac while I don't have personal experience I still think they look cheap and horrible with the plastic and even the nice Zav wood handles.
However, with the HFG handle it looks very industrial and really bad ass.
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"@greenweb
Your kettles are the classiest and best executed I've ever seen."
Absolutely.
And he is a Canadian......plus a wonderful human being and close personal friend of mine.
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DAMMIT, I just want TACOS now!
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"@greenweb
Your kettles are the classiest and best executed I've ever seen."
Absolutely.
And he is a Canadian......plus a wonderful human being and close personal friend of mine.
Yes! Every time I see his posts I think of Better Homes and Kettles. Thank you Greenweb.
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JV, MrHoss, and Kettlebb - thanks for appreciating my mods/kettles, but can not take the credit for being the classiest or the best executed kettles as there are so many great modded kettles from other members. JV custom SSPs, MacEggs custom wood table to name a few.
By the way, MacEggs Ivory with HFG handle looks awesome! Another way to change up a boring plastic stock handle.
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Grass, not Lime Green ...
I called it a Lime not a Lime Green.
Why? Here is a thread from last year comparing different color greens. Check out my last post on that thread. :) :) ;)
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/lime-green-color-comparison-can-we-say-70's-lime-kettle/msg255831/#msg255831
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Haha no, I have no problem with anything you choose to call your Grass Green grill. I just find it easier to refer to them by Weber's names.
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Just put together my first taco. Interestingly, the installation of the handle is the very last step. After an otherwise very easy build, I struggled for better part of 20 minutes to attach the very cheap stamp nut/washer combo. After much frustration I abandoned the cause. First cleaning run will be without a handle. The otherwise very enjoyable process of unboxing a new toy was stymied Screwing around with the handle. I will be running to the hardware store tomorrow for SS hardware to finish the job.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171020/9d8d9de72daf8de710c0bfd3405abb8c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171020/890794bd72a14b750a255f56c7d8e0b9.jpg)
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Method #3.
Using spare Gen2 performer handle assy. Here it is on my Taco bolt-on Spring Green Lid. Using cut out high heat fiber gaskets.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/10/21/IMG_4551.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/10/21/IMG_4562.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/10/21/IMG_4564.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/10/21/IMG_4563.jpg)
Creation of my Gen1 Euro Spring Green Master touch using new taco handle Canadian Special Edition Spring Green kettle.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/10/21/IMG_4580-2.jpg)
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In fifty years, people are going to be clamoring for a rare taco handle and going on about its cool touch!
....mostly because Weber will have switched back to welded handles by then.
But honestly, I do not mind the taco at all,except for it coming loose occasionally.
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I have a newer 26.75" with a taco and you know what?
It hasn't chipped, rusted, come loose, or become bent like welded handles I have had on various Weber's over the years.
Just saying.
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I like all of the handle mods. I'm with @Mike in Roseville
I have a 2015 MT with taco and no issues. Just got it seated correctly during installation. I did tighten till the supplied tool could not go any tighter and then just a little more with a wrench. Porcelain is all good and never had to re-tighten.
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Don't really eat taco but I love my taco handle with a slight modification.
JV
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I have a newer 26.75" with a taco and you know what?
It hasn't chipped, rusted, come loose, or become bent like welded handles I have had on various Weber's over the years.
Just saying.
One thing that i really dislike about welded handle is the rust especially on the colored kettles. Just can't stand rust and it happens to be on the most visible part of the kettle. Using a Vortex or a variation of it makes it even worse because of the concentrated heat directed toward the handle. So yeah I'll take a taco handle anytime.
JV