And this is why we buy Webers

[LightningBoldtz]

So for those of you who recall I got a great score on a 15 Weber Master-Touch back on Jan on a floor model.

Today @SixZeroFour was kind enough to send me a strap from a fireplace so it can look more natural.

When I took the original handle strap off this is what I found


Called up Weber, shipping out a new lid no questions asked, this is why we purchase and support Weber products.

[SixZeroFour]

Glad to hear you're getting sorted out... Does the new handle strap cover most of the chip once installed?

[ramsfan]

I had the exact same problem on my Ranch Kettle. I bought it brand new and discovered a chip in the exact same spot - right where the hole for the handle bolt goes. I never realized it was damaged until I took the handle off one day so I could put vintage wood handles on in place of the plastic ones. I called Weber and they sent out a new lid. The new lid developed the same problem, Weber sent out a second new lid. The second new lid developed the same problem, Weber sent out a third new lid. The third lid developed the same problem, Weber sent out a FOURTH new lid and a special set of washers to go between the handle and the strap. That's what was causing the problem.

I had the first model year (2012) for the new redesigned handles with the higher profile. Apparently, when I was lifting the heavy lid, the strap was placing stress on the enamel right at the hole, causing it to chip and break at that particular spot. The spot was down to bare metal and I feared it would start rusting. I bought the grill brand new as I do with all my Webers and considering the fact I paid full revenue for it, I wanted it right  ...and Weber made it right.

Keep in mind, these are lids for a Ranch Kettle, not a 22.5. Each lid had to be delivered by a freight truck - not cheap. That is exactly why I buy and support Weber products.

[LightningBoldtz]

Special set of washers?

I wonder if I should put some heat proof nomax between it?

[iCARRY]

Probably those fiber washers.


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[addicted-to-smoke]

Never thought about it before, but even with a 22's lid I can see that area becoming stressed, and maybe with heat, causing the paint to either chip or rust there as the metal flexes a tiny bit.

[demosthenes9]

I had the exact same problem on my Ranch Kettle. I bought it brand new and discovered a chip in the exact same spot - right where the hole for the handle bolt goes. I never realized it was damaged until I took the handle off one day so I could put vintage wood handles on in place of the plastic ones. I called Weber and they sent out a new lid. The new lid developed the same problem, Weber sent out a second new lid. The second new lid developed the same problem, Weber sent out a third new lid. The third lid developed the same problem, Weber sent out a FOURTH new lid and a special set of washers to go between the handle and the strap. That's what was causing the problem.

I had the first model year (2012) for the new redesigned handles with the higher profile. Apparently, when I was lifting the heavy lid, the strap was placing stress on the enamel right at the hole, causing it to chip and break at that particular spot. The spot was down to bare metal and I feared it would start rusting. I bought the grill brand new as I do with all my Webers and considering the fact I paid full revenue for it, I wanted it right  ...and Weber made it right.

Keep in mind, these are lids for a Ranch Kettle, not a 22.5. Each lid had to be delivered by a freight truck - not cheap. That is exactly why I buy and support Weber products.

Wow, that's some serious customer service.  With all those lids, I'll have to keep you in mind in case I run across a ranch kettle that's going for cheap because it has a badly dented or missing lid.   

[LightningBoldtz]

Probably those fiber washers.


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What rubber washers?  Any issues with this?

[ramsfan]

Probably those fiber washers.


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What rubber washers?  Any issues with this?

I would definitely make sure those washers are suitable for an extremely hot surface such as a grill lid if they are rubber washers? The washers that Weber sent me were specifically designed for the hot surface  temperature of a grill lid. 

[iCARRY]

I would be worried with those if they are rubber. That lid gets very hot. I was thinking of the washers that came with my WSM.


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[LightningBoldtz]

I took them off, not a huge deal, if it happens again I will have weber replace it again and request the heat proof washers.