DIY Handle Brackets.

[timothy]

I had a couple of E-mails from members who wanted to know how I made the handle brackets on my 18.5" WSM.
I did em a few yrs ago and I cannot find any of the original pics of that particular mod, so I had a extra piece of 1/8" x 5/8" x 12" Aluminum Flat Stock leftover and a little spare time for myself.
So first you want to find the center of your FS.

Then using the inner part of a replacement handle, roughly line up that center line with the hole.
Keep the FS in line with the inner section with a good gripand using your free hand simply bend the FS over
And for starters this is what you get.
Now to the stand , that was 1 1/4"
I don't have a vice, so I did this to come up with this.
I cut the excess legs off at 7/8" using Linemans Pliers.
Then just used a Bastard File to smooth out the rough edges, and give it a little round-over.
And this is what you get

I got to roll and get back out of town, but here's a few more pics.
Any questions, please ask.

Tim

 

[Jim Lampe]

Nice Tim!
I made a pair of handles a couple years ago... used some stainless butt used equipment at work to make the bends.
here is the only photo i found, I know i have others butt i can't find them.

I cannot imagine NOT having handles on the midsection.

 

[timothy]

Thanks Jim!
There has been a few threads on folks who made up some brackets, but it usually involved knowing somebody in a metal, or fab shop to do the work.
I wanted to make em so the average joe (me) with basic hand tools could make some up.
I choose ALuminum, cause it's fairly easy to bend by hand, and it's the same material used on the WSM legs ( although slightly thinner )
Oh, love that shot of your kettle covers all facing the same direction..

Tim

 

[Jim Lampe]

I wanted to make em so the average joe (me) with basic hand tools could make some up.

I getcha Tim, i'd do the same if i weren't in fabricating.
Before these were made, i ALMOST bought metal handles from the hardware store, butt I decided i wanted the handles to look like Weber handles.

 

[timothy]

butt I decided i wanted the handles to look like Weber handles.

true dat Jim.
I know a lot of folks are happy with the vertical garage door handles (no holes, no fuss)
A very easy and practical way to add handles on a WSM.
Butt like you, I wanted the same horizontal look and feel as my OTG.

Tim

 

[Ryan Ko]

How does the aluminum hold up with the weight? I would think they would have a tendency to bend.

 

[timothy]

Originally posted by Ryan Ko:
How does the aluminum hold up with the weight? I would think they would have a tendency to bend.

With a little over 2yrs of use they are holdin up just fine. I always add the meat to the cooking section then lift it onto the charcoal bowl. Now I wouldn't recommend this but the most weight that I lifted was 60lbs of butts, the handles flexed a little but didn't shear or bend at all.
But of course with any mod YMMV.

Tim

 

[Ryan Ko]

Tim,

Thanks for the answer. I was thinking that stainless would be stronger, but it would also be harder to work with. I may try the aluminum.

 

[StanSulli]

I know a lot of folks are happy with the vertical garage door handles (no holes, no fuss)
A very easy and practical way to add handles on a WSM.
Butt like you, I wanted the same horizontal look and feel as my OTG.

Tim

Tim,

How did those no holes, no fuss people add handles without drilling holes?

 

[timothy]

Tim,

How did those no holes, no fuss people add handles without drilling holes?

For the 18.5" like mine, they did this with the Genie garage door handles http://virtualweberbullet.com/handles.html

Tim

 

[Dwain Pannell]

I added garage door handles years ago and the cover still fits. I used existing holes for the strap hardware. However, I rarely if ever use the handles. I simply lift the mid section with gloves on. I've often thought of removing them but then think what the heck, they're there now so just leave em.

 

[timothy]

However, I rarely if ever use the handles.

I can see why, unless you added two more in the back, two handles upfront seems like a pain to use.

Tim

 

[Dwain Pannell]

I can see why, unless you added two more in the back, two handles upfront seems like a pain to use.

Tim

There are four total. Two more in the back.

 

[timothy]

There are four total. Two more in the back.

Gotcha, and I get why you don't use them, seems an unnatural way to pick up something round and somewhat heavy.

Tim

 

[Bob Ivey]

That's why I installed my Weber handles horizontal. For me it is easy to pick up and at 65 the only way I will do it. Looks great and the stock cover fits fine.

 

[Kevin L (NKY)]

For the lid i would use a weber handle, for the barrel i followed Chris's suggestion and used these handles as they lay flat when not in use and the cover slides right over them and the mount horizontally,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JQYVGEK/?tag=tvwb-20

 

[EricV.]

resurrection of a 12 y/o thread.....

 

[Kevin L (NKY)]

resurrection of a 12 y/o thread.....

Because you can. What may not be important to you is a big question to new WSM owners.
I

 

[TonyUK]

You could use something along the lines of this:


It comes with an integrated bolt. Utilising the bolt hole on the grate straps, no drilling required. It will lay flat. There are literally hundreds of designs to choose from.

 

[EricV.]

I went fairly beefy on my 22 with these: