first mod done!

[KrisDecker]

Did the charcoal grate mods. Thanks for the detailed posts to all who did this!

My biggest surprise was how pricey those eye bolts are! This mod cost over $50 in materials! (including the second grate)

 

[Jim Lampe]

My biggest surprise was how pricey those eye bolts are! This mod cost over $50 in materials! (including the second grate)

well Kris, using two grates is usually for those burning lump coal to keep small pieces from falling thru... if you burn lump, you're all set.
But using FOUR eye bolts, in my opinion, is overkill.
You only have two hands. or do you....?

 

[Eric S.]

Looks fierce. Stainless steel hose clamps would have saved you $38.

 

[Len Dennis]

I've never needed to lift the charcoal grate while hot in the manner your bolts suggest. You might be better off to use two of those bolts on the bottom meat rack. Makes it real easy to lift out when loaded up instead of trying to slip something under an edge and lifting it up.

 

[Clint]

using FOUR eye bolts, in my opinion, is overkill.
You only have two hands. or do you....?

I've never needed to lift the charcoal grate while hot in the manner your bolts suggest. You might be better off to use two of those bolts on the bottom meat rack. Makes it real easy to lift out when loaded up instead of trying to slip something under an edge and lifting it up.

Nice mod but I agree with these two.

 

[KrisDecker]

I've never needed to lift the charcoal grate while hot in the manner your bolts suggest. You might be better off to use two of those bolts on the bottom meat rack. Makes it real easy to lift out when loaded up instead of trying to slip something under an edge and lifting it up.

Thanks for the suggestions!

I read that putting 4 bolts would make a stable surface to put a cooking grant right over the coals for searing... That appealed to me. I'll have to look at how the lower cooking grate fits tomorrow-- might be worth adding handles there too

I dont think the stainless zips were pricey-- it was the eye bolts-- $9 something each

 

[Clint]

I read that putting 4 bolts would make a stable surface to put a cooking grant right over the coals for searing... That appealed to me.

That makes sense. The first GREAT steaks I made were cooked with the grate resting on the fire ring with the WSM in the little black egg config. I think your way will work just as well.

 

[Chris in Mi]

Instead of eye bolts, I used 2 square u bolts. Gives a nice flat area to set the cooking grate on.