Hey Jules I know you have said or shown before but do you use normal stainless nuts and washers in the inside of the kettle or do you use a split washer or any locking type hardware? I would like to re-work one of my tacos.
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I just use a ss 1 1/4" fender washer and bolt inside the bowl. Don't have to worry about the bolt coming loose because if you'll be able to make the bolt very tight without having to worry about damaging the porcelain. The key here is to slightly deform the washers to follow the contour of the lid. Place the washers on a 2"x4" and very gently tap the center with a ball peen hammer. Make some adjustments if necessary. Also make sure to sand and polish the washers to eliminate any sharp/jagged edges that may come into contact with the lid. I don't use a split washer because it will put too much strain toward the center of the large washer.
1" fender washer placed between taco shell n lid. Trimmed and rounded on the outside to keep flush with the taco shell. You'll see it on the next photo.
This is how it look like with the trimmed washer.
Washer is barely visible and doesn't look out of place.
1 1/2" fender washer to spread out the strain created by the nut n bolt.
This photo is for reference only. It's not the actual carriage bolt. Trimming one side allows the bolt to be installed very close to the vertical portion of the strap. Just trim enough material as necessary until the bolt slides in the strap hole and sits flush.