Fire Grate Mod w/ BSKD

[Jeff_in_KC]

As you probably know, the BSKD has no brackets to raise the fire grate off the farkin' bottom of the firebox. It's stock grate (loosely resembled one) has about 1.5 inch legs to hold it out of the ash pan.

My question is this... what would be a good option to raise the new expanded steel grate I'm making about 4-5 inches off the bottom? I'm thinking of getting two extra straps of the reinforcement metal you bolt onto the expanded steel and bending at 90 degree angles to place in the firebox, then just set the grate on top of that. Any better ideas that don't cost a bunch? Didn't the mod sheet call for placing it on ceramic briquets? Actually, I'd rather have it higher than that.

[jt]

Get some firebrick splits and place them under it edgewise. That'll raise it 3-4 inches.

[tommykendall]

Maybe spot weld some 5/8"x4" pipe nipples to each corner of your grate?

[spicewine]

Simple solution: Take 4 Carrage bolts 3/8 x 3" long--run them through the expanded metal w/flat washer on each side---run a nut all the way up and tighten---then buy the same size Rod coupler and screw onto the end of each carrage bolt---this will allow you to adjust your grate height up or down by screwing or unscrewing the rod coupler.

4 3/8 x 3 carrage bolts w/nut and 2x flat washer $ 1.00

4 rod couplers $ 2.00
_______

$ 3.00

[tommykendall]

Mine was too complicated - I like the carriage bolt idea.

[Jeff_in_KC]

Thanks! Great ideas!

[racer_81]

4 bricks. Cheap.

[kcquer]

Jeff, just to clarify, on the 'dera the tabs in the firebox are designed to hold the direct grilling grate at different distances from the factory designed (same as the BSKD) fire grate. The Brethren and other smokers have pressed them into service for holding a raised fire grate. That said, you can order the same tabs the 'dera has in the firebox from C/B for $5 or so (Tim?). If you plan on doing firebricks in the firebox I'd choose another option as they're then in the way.

[JohnMcD348]

I was wondering what is the best way to attach those brackets to the firebox. I am still looking at buying a BSKD(atcually, just preplanning the mods I'll be making to it when I'm putting it together). Also, I noticed on the model at Lowes that the damper on the smoke box isn't really attached, just set loosely up on top. Other than welding, is there a recommended way top permanently fiix it in place?

Thanks

JTMcD.

[chad]

John;

That's a floor model demo - probably "assembled" by a Gen-Xer whoes idea of BBQ is a boneless/skinless chicken breast cooked on a George Forman "grill" -- odds are it is NOT put together correctly. The chimney damper is not designed to just sit on top! :D

[Solidkick]

John;

That's a floor model demo - probably "assembled" by a Gen-Xer whoes idea of BBQ is a boneless/skinless chicken breast cooked on a George Forman "grill" -- odds are it is NOT put together correctly. The chimney damper is not designed to just sit on top! :D

That made me smile! DF calling it like it is!

[BigAl]

John;

That's a floor model demo - probably "assembled" by a Gen-Xer whoes idea of BBQ is a boneless/skinless chicken breast cooked on a George Forman "grill" -- odds are it is NOT put together correctly. The chimney damper is not designed to just sit on top! :D

I think they think that is what you get a Burger King! :roll:

[The_Kapn]

Jeff, just to clarify, on the 'dera the tabs in the firebox are designed to hold the direct grilling grate at different distances from the factory designed (same as the BSKD) fire grate. The Brethren and other smokers have pressed them into service for holding a raised fire grate. That said, you can order the same tabs the 'dera has in the firebox from C/B for $5 or so (Tim?). If you plan on doing firebricks in the firebox I'd choose another option as they're then in the way.

OK- I'm here.
I have a set of the 4 firegrate mounts from CharBroil--got them by accident.
If Jeff wants them (he asked the question), I will put them in the mail.

If Jeff passes, any Brother that wants them is welcome--first come (after Jeff), first served :lol:

Just drill the 8 holes and bolt them in place to get adjustable shelves in the BSKD.

Jeff- speak up :lol:

TIM

[Aebs]

John;

That's a floor model demo - probably "assembled" by a Gen-Xer whoes idea of BBQ is a boneless/skinless chicken breast cooked on a George Forman "grill" -- odds are it is NOT put together correctly. The chimney damper is not designed to just sit on top! :D

I have a preassembled BSKD too, and I agree with John. The instructions in the manual say to just set it on top, and there is no obvious way to secure it any better than that. There is a sort of lip, but that's it. Of course, the manual also talks about using lighter fluid, so now I look at it a little funny, but the assembly instructions are clear.

And sliding carriage bolts through the provided firebox grill with a couple of washers works great. I have 6 instead of the recommended four (great idea, spicewine), and the new legs sit right in the ash pan. The original firebox grate is keeping my ashpan off of the bottom of the box.

Great ideas from one and all. Thank you, Brethren!

[kcquer]

My BSKD damper/raincap seemed a little iffy on the fit at first also. After some use the smoke residue will help "bond" it in. I wouldn't haul it in the back of an open truck without ensuring its security, but I don't think even at highway speed it would come off now.

[Jeff_in_KC]

Tim, I appreciate the offer but I already did the legs on my new grate. I guess I'll pass. I sincerely appreciate the offer though.

[The_Kapn]

Tim, I appreciate the offer but I already did the legs on my new grate. I guess I'll pass. I sincerely appreciate the offer though.
I see why :lol:
Another thread?
What a great job!

Great looking eats!

Now, if anyone else wants the CharBroil mounts--PM me.
First come, first served :lol:

But, Jeff has the right idea here. Well done!

TIM