Drill or weld on my Red Kettle Gasser

[Red Kettle Rich]

I just got a red kettle gasser - I think its 2nd generation - no funny vent on the top and no wheels - it looks like an MBH without vents.  When the weather cools down I'll take pics & let you guys perv it.

One of round cross section MBH type handles is loose on one end - Should I drill thru and use a red painted stainless bolt to fasten it or get it welded?  Might the heat of welding damage the finish?  Any help will be appreciated 

[MikeRocksTheRed]

Not sure if it would work or not, but since that grill isn't going to get nearly as hot as we can get our charcoal kettles, JB Weld or something like that might do the trick.  My Kettle Gasser will only get up to about 435 degrees and that takes a bit of time.  Mine does have the vented lid, so yours might get a little hotter, not sure.

[Travis]

Is that the new one you showed me last week? If so, I'd have that tacked. I don't believe it would hurt the finish at all, Rich.


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[swamprb]

They are going to have to grind off any porcelain coating to get a decent tack or bead

[saxart]

I've welded on kettles many times.   You can usually find a spot of exposed metal to make the contact without any grinding needed, but it helps to wire-brush it first.  It's almost undetectable after a weld and doesn't really mess with the finish at all.  If you know someone with a welder, have them go at it with a low setting.  It only takes about 2 seconds of actual welding.