New WSM 18.5 handle and grommet mod

[TMueller]

Just got this for Christmas. After lurking here and swiping some ideas, here are my first mods to my new smoker. Thanks for the good ideas.

Handle mod - found some $2.00 handles at home depot, bought stainless hardware. (was planning on drilling new holes) Low and behold, the handles almost lined up with the factory holes, so a little squeeze in the vice and they fit perfect with the factory hardware.







Grommet. I used the lampsocket tube idea described in detail on this site - I removed a factory screw, and enlarged the hole to fit the tube - tightened up the nuts, just like factory, except its brass not chrome or stainless - -

 

[Tony R]

That's great that the handle fit I to the factory holes. Nice job.

 

[Chad Bman]

Does the cover no longer fit?

The cover on my 18 is waaaay tighter than the cover on my 22. I installed handles on the 22, and planned on the same for the 18, but there just ain't no way.

 

[PeterZ]

Whats the white stuff on the ground ? =)

Peter

 

[TMueller]

Does the cover no longer fit?

The cover on my 18 is waaaay tighter than the cover on my 22. I installed handles on the 22, and planned on the same for the 18, but there just ain't no way.

I honestly didn't check to see. I have a spot in the garage where it's going to be stored, so I'm not sure if I'll even use the cover

 

[Dave O]

Handles look good, I put them on mine as well, I always wondered why Weber never put them on the mid section - it is PITA to move with out them

 

[James Lake]

Nicely done....I love that last picture!