WSM with 4 1/4" holes in the bottom

[Kenneth KC Carlton]

This past weekend I bought another 18.5 WSM from a yard sale and didn't realize that in the very bottom of the bottom section someone had drilled 4 1/4" holes in the center of the bottom below the fire grate. I am wondering if that is some sort of mod someone is using? I plan on putting some bolts in the holes and just using the normal vents to control heat, I think it will be impossible to smother the fire out with those open holes in the bottom... My question is does anyone know the purpose behind the four holes?

 

[Brian Moriarty]

I've seen where folks have drilled a drain hole in the bottom of the bowl.

I would just use some nuts and bolts to seal them

 

[Bruce Bissonnette]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_139385-37672-881264_1z0yk90__?productId=3013212&pl=1

Go to your local Lowes or Home Depot or local hardware and pick up some hole plugs. These should work fine.

 

[Eric S.]

There should be enough ash covering them that you should be able to smother your coals.

 

[Len Dennis]

They probably experienced rain filling the bottom when the unit was left unprotected. Obviously they didn't know about this site

 

[Dustin Flavell]

Funny I bought an 18 on CL earlier this summer and didn't notice the 14 holes drilled in the bottom. I started to plug and decided to buy new replacement bowl from weber. At 76 bucks it was worth it. Something to consider if plugging it is a hasel...