Raising the grid with bolts

markem

I am headed to Home Depot in a couple of hours to get some fire bricks and also get a weber grid and some bolts (or u-bolts) for making a second raised grid.

In the pictures that I've seen on this forum, it looks like people are using 4" bolts.  Is this the recommended?  Has anyone used 6" ones?

I plan to use the raised grid for both direct - after sear - grilling and adding a second layer to smoking operations.  I also plan to use the fire bricks to see how they do for me - can never have too many toys!

Advice and recommendations greatly appreciated.

buzd504

I think I used 6 inch bolts. (I think I got a 17" grid)

Only advice I have is to get stainless.

I didn't want to bend the bolts to sit on the fire ring, so I got washers for the feet, too (so they can sit on the bottom grid).

You might consider double-nutting the top washer - mine come loose a lot.

markem

Thank you, @buzd504.  I plan to use the double nut and a lock washer.  Thinking hard on setting it up to sit on the bolt heads or just go with u-bolts.  Stainless on the grid is a solid idea - thanks!  

I did forget to mention that I have a large.  Mea culpa.

BBQ Hippie

I used 6 inch stainless steel bolts and washers with an 18 in weber grid. That gets me to the felt line. I then used 4 inch bolts and a 13 in grid to create a third level high in the dome. It's versatile and cheap. Now I want a half moon stone so I can create a cool zone.

grege345

Fwiw I used all thread for adjustment purposes. Nut,washer, nut on the bottom and nut,washer,grid,washer,nut for the raised grid part. I've upgraded since but it worked well. I also used the fire bricks too for a while. Upgraded with woo but that worked well.

RRP

To each his own, but I have never gone to the trouble of making a standing grate like that mainly because of storage. Two or three fire brick standing on edge with an auxiliary grate on top is so easy, quick and knocks down for storage.

markem

Thank you @BBQ_Hippie and @greg345!

markem

Very nice setup, @RRP.  Definitely a low space setup!

henapple

I love mine. I'd go as long as possible to allow a bb underneath. Carriage head on top and you'll need the washers on the bottom. Stainless is gonna run you high tho.

Jeremiah

Fwiw I used 4 inch ss bolts. Cost about $16 including the grid. Works ok but I still want either an ar or a swing rack.

henapple

As you can see...I'm a clean freak

DMW

I would say use 3 bolts instead of 4. I started out with 4 and recently took 1 off and moved the other to the center of the opposite side of the 2. Less expense and less interference with the food below.

Canugghead

From my pre AR and extender days, shown upside down ... 

Notched washer below the grid allows bolt to be closer to rim. Carriage bolt head serves as feet, no need for additional set of washers and nuts.

Durangler

henapple said:

As you can see...I'm a clean freak

OMG!!! ) )

henapple

@DMW‌ ...+1 on the three bolts. The only thing I question about the bricks is losing room on the bottom? I also like that I can take it off and set it on the table. I have a swing rack attachment that I never use. I'd like an ar but really just don't need one right now.

NPHuskerFL

Materials I used to build it (all SS) (4) 5" 7/16 carriage bolts, (4) flat washers, (4) nuts, (4) round nose nuts and SS grid. Pretty simple set up and total cost was around $45 or so. Can easily be removed and can cook below w/ no issues.

NPHuskerFL

+1 @henapple‌... With this set up I'm fine w/ out AR. Would it be cool? Sure but, this setup has allowed me to do Spatchcock raised, pizza way up in the dome, brisket etc etc. Hasn't failed me yet. IMHO it has been worth the $45 or so cost to build.

henapple

I didn't have near that much $ in mine but I didn't use ss hardware

markem

I went with the weber 22" grid, 4 1/2 x 6" stainless bolts.  Bolt head down (resting on the bottom grid) and lock washers on the nuts.  The 6" bolts puts the top grid at the "just fits" level.

Love playing around with this egg!