What kind of wire to connect the charcoal ring to the grate?

[MichaelM]

Is my memory serving me well... Copper?

Don't want to using anything that will be toxic.

Curious about the life span of wire in such a high heat environment

 

[J Grotz]

I tried wire first but it didn’t last. Then I used metal zip ties like these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H16WK6G/?tag=TVWB-20

Problem solved.

 

[MichaelM]

I was also considering weaving between the charcoal grate rather than add another grate and take up extra head-room in the charcoal chamber.

 

[DrewS]

I just used stainless steel hose clamps from Home Depot/Lowes. So far no issues, $1-2 each and used 4 of them.

 

[Jim C in Denver]

I was also considering weaving between the charcoal grate rather than add another grate and take up extra head-room in the charcoal chamber.

I don't think the 0.25 inch you save is really going to matter much to you. : )

I'd recommend going big on this -- add the criss cross charcoal grate; bolt the two grates together with square u-bolts (handles) and washers; and wire the ring to the original grate. The 3-in-1 for the win! $15 bucks cost.

Only suggestion I'd make is to use shorter u-bolts -- so the tops of the handles stay below the top edge of the ring. Do that and you'll still be able to put a cooking grate directly onto the ring when in grill mode.

Charcoal Grate Modifications - The Virtual Weber Bullet

A few charcoal grate modifications that will improve the performance and ease of use of your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.

www.virtualweberbullet.com

 

[Michael Richards]

I tried wire first but it didn’t last. Then I used metal zip ties like these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H16WK6G/?tag=TVWB-20

Problem solved.

Just order!!!

 

[MichaelM]

I was also considering weaving between the charcoal grate rather than add another grate and take up extra head-room in the charcoal chamber.

I don't think the 0.25 inch you save is really going to matter much to you. : )

I'd recommend going big on this -- add the criss cross charcoal grate; bolt the two grates together with square u-bolts (handles) and washers; and wire the ring to the original grate. The 3-in-1 for the win! $15 bucks cost.

Only suggestion I'd make is to use shorter u-bolts -- so the tops of the handles stay below the top edge of the ring. Do that and you'll still be able to put a cooking grate directly onto the ring when in grill mode.

Charcoal Grate Modifications - The Virtual Weber Bullet

A few charcoal grate modifications that will improve the performance and ease of use of your Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.

www.virtualweberbullet.com

You might be right...

I bought a 24x24 piece of expanded metal mesh for the coal grate and returned it. It was stupid expensive considering a second rack is what.. $8?

 

[Kevin L (NKY)]

I used .041 safety wire, in several locations, being a aviation mechanic I have a few rolls laying around.

 

[MichaelM]

I used .041 safety wire, in several locations, being a aviation mechanic I have a few rolls laying around.

I have a few rolls of that as well. Easy to work with.

 

[timothy]

I used Rebar- tie wire, the plain steel not coated. Its held up since 09, and being a Carpenter I had a few rolls lying around.
As far as adding handles, U bolts etc, I'm all for doing any mod that suits you, but If you look at the WSM charcoal ring it already has holes.
Put some gloves on and pick it up, shake it, turn it over, dump out ashes, no need IMO to add anything.
Easy.

Tim

 

[Karl Quist]

I used copper wire because it's what I had laying around. If it doesn't hold up, I'll put some of those stainless zip ties on.

 

[Geo S]

The annealed tie wire works good, I had some laying around, It's 14 guage, it's held up so far, cheap in the mason supply in 1# rolls

 

[Jim Strickland]

I used SS wire 3 yrs ago and it has worked well so far.