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Author Topic: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?  (Read 320 times)

Zrschaef

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  • Posts: 241
Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« on: April 05, 2022, 04:18:18 AM »
The sweeps on my recent roadside find are completely stuck. The grill is a 2019 so they aren't  that old. They have a decent amount of surface rust on them but not rusted through at all. Anyone have any tips on freeing them up?

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app


bamakettles

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Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2022, 05:25:09 AM »
Heat and patience.  They'll work free with a little coaxing.

Zrschaef

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  • Posts: 241
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2022, 06:28:18 AM »
Do you ever use penitrating oil or anything?
Heat and patience.  They'll work free with a little coaxing.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app


bamakettles

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Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2022, 06:41:29 AM »
Do you ever use penitrating oil or anything?
Heat and patience.  They'll work free with a little coaxing.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app
Depends on what's stuck really.  If the sweeps are stuck to the bowl, it could be old grease that's solidified and some heat will/could loosen them up.  If you're talking about the older thumbscrew underneath then yes, lots of penetrating oil and heat never hurts maybe with a small torch.  The only thumbscrew sweeps I've ever tried to loosen I broke the screw and drilled out the whole thing then replaced with an entire new set of the modern version.  If you could elaborate on exactly what is stuck, others may chime in with their experiences.

bamakettles

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Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2022, 06:42:31 AM »
Pictures of what you're working on would also help.

stillgriller

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 666
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2022, 08:41:23 AM »
Stills fix for every Weber problem. Just send it to me.
Happiness is found under the lid of a charcoal grill.

Dave in KC

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  • Posts: 453
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2022, 03:41:43 PM »
Post a pic or 2 for sure.  I have never seen a kettle that new
with such an issue.
On older kettles, I just take a grinder/cut-off wheel
and cut it off from the underneath side of the bowl.

Zrschaef

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 241
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2022, 05:30:31 PM »
Do you ever use penitrating oil or anything?
Heat and patience.  They'll work free with a little coaxing.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app
Depends on what's stuck really.  If the sweeps are stuck to the bowl, it could be old grease that's solidified and some heat will/could loosen them up.  If you're talking about the older thumbscrew underneath then yes, lots of penetrating oil and heat never hurts maybe with a small torch.  The only thumbscrew sweeps I've ever tried to loosen I broke the screw and drilled out the whole thing then replaced with an entire new set of the modern version.  If you could elaborate on exactly what is stuck, others may chime in with their experiences.
Thanks for the help! A healthy dose of heat did the trick! I guess I didn't give it enough torch the first time. Looks/smells like a ton of grease and ash had it glued together

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app
« Last Edit: April 05, 2022, 05:34:47 PM by Zrschaef »

Zrschaef

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 241
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2022, 05:47:57 PM »
Post a pic or 2 for sure.  I have never seen a kettle that new
with such an issue.
On older kettles, I just take a grinder/cut-off wheel
and cut it off from the underneath side of the bowl.
Judging by the amount of ash and grease in this one when i found it, I don't think it was taken care of very well

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app


502BBQ

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 802
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps?
« Reply #9 on: April 05, 2022, 07:23:52 PM »
Easy Off oven cleaner does wonders as well.

stillgriller

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 666
Re: Tips for Frozen/stuck rusted in place sweeps
« Reply #10 on: April 06, 2022, 04:33:43 PM »
If it’s the newer design one touch, the sweep handle may have a small tab that secures it in place, and it must be twisted 180 degrees to get the handle out. That tab can snap, as I recently figured out. Good luck.
« Last Edit: April 06, 2022, 04:37:25 PM by stillgriller »
Happiness is found under the lid of a charcoal grill.