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Issue with installing spring assisted band

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WiscoJoe
WiscoJoe Posts: 9
in EggHead Forum
I have an older model BGE, small size, that I got as a hand-me-down. The original band/hinge assembly was rusted so badly the lid wouldn't open all the way, even after several doses of WD-40. So, I purchased a new spring-assisted band, which is not the same band as the original. After slipping it over the base, the next step in the instructions are to place the 2" lag bolt through the square and round holes in the band and then hand-tighten it with the washer and nut. The problem is that the bolt is too short and it won't go through the hole enough to put the nut on, let alone the washer. Why would the bolt be too short? Are the older models a different size than the newer ones? I can easily go to the hardware store and get a longer bolt, but I want to make sure I'm not missing something, here. Any help would be appreciated!
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    Pic pls.  How old is the Egg?   I installed a brand new assembly on my 2008 Egg without issue.  I'm no expert so just trying to gain info at this point.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
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    I'm not sure how old it is, but I'd say probably early 2000's at the newest. Here's a pic:
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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
    edited June 2015
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    The one I'm holding is the bolt that came with the band. The one in the band is a 2.5" bolt that I purchased at the hardware store.
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    @WiscoJoe ... just make sure you've purchased grade 5 carriage bolts.  Look on the top of the carriage bolts that came with the hinge ... you should see three raised lines radiating outward 120 degrees apart.  If your replacement bolts don't have those markings then they are a grade 1 or 2 bolt with about half the strength of the supplied bolt.

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
    edited June 2015
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    @Jeepster47 Thank you for pointing that out! The replacement bolts that I bought do not have those markings. Do you know if Grade 5 bolts are typically stocked at most hardware stores (e.g. Menard's/Home Depot), or are they special order?
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    edited June 2015
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    @Jeepster47 - if the bolt is less than grade 5, do you suspect you can't get it tight enough without breaking it?

    @WiscoJoe - i see what you mean now.  Not sure why the supplied bolt wouldn't reach.  Maybe if you could squeeze the band ends a bit it would work.  Maybe it will reach now?  Looking at the picture, I not sure I see those raised lines on the bolt head that Jeepster was pointing out.  Might give it a try.   
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    @4Runner ... the band bolt application is a nightmare for the bolt ... the load faces are not parallel, and thus, the bolt ends up bent quite a bit.  You might be able to fully torque the bolt - would have to do some checking -  but, I wouldn't recommend pushing the envelope with a softer/weaker bolt.  The result of a bolt failure could be catastrophic ... the least of which is a broken dome.

    Menards shows grade 5 carriage bolts on their website.

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
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    I have used the carriage bolts from Home Depot for years and no issues. If you are worried they have stainless ones in the slide out drawers on the isle. 
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  • Toxarch
    Toxarch Posts: 1,900
    edited June 2015
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    You should be able to get Grade 5 or Grade 8 bolts at any hardware store, including Lowe's and Home Depot. They will probably be in the pull-out drawers rather than the bulk bins. Grade 8 bolts are often bronze colored. Metric bolts are marked on the heads different than standard bolts.

    Aledo, Texas
    Large BGE
    KJ Jr.

    Exodus 12:9 KJV
    Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
    edited June 2015
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    Before Jeepster47 had mentioned the Grade 5 bolts, I had already installed the non-Grade 5 bolts that I got at Menard's. I'm not sure what it is, so here's a photo of it.

    EDIT: I believe this is it, and if it is, it's Grade 2.

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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
    edited June 2015
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    Since it's from a reasonable big box store, it's most likely a grade 2 carriage bolt.  See Toxarch's chart that he posted above ... ignore the metric side and look down the inch side.  No markings is a grade 2 ... from China or Harbor Freight, then it might be a grade 1.

    There's a reason why BGE supplies our eggs with grade 5 bolts in this location ...

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
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    Alright, well I'd better remove them before something bad happens.

    Thanks so much for all of your help; you guys are great (and quick)!  :)
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  • Lit
    Lit Posts: 9,053
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    I have snapped bolts from Home Depot before. Good thing is you aren't tightening it with the dome open. They snap you put a new one on. I have never had a new one snap it's usually the 2nd or 3rd time I have loosened and re tightened them.
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  • EggHead_Bubba
    EggHead_Bubba Posts: 566
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    I need to get some of the right kind of bolts. Can they be ordered online somewhere?

    Rocky Top, TN — Large BGE • Cast Iron Grate & Platesetter • Rockwood Lump

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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
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    Well, I checked Menard's, Home Depot, and a local True Value hardware store and none of them have Grade 5 carriage bolts. The only ones I found on Menard's website are $30 because they come in a package of 18. So, the search is still on...
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    @WiscoJoe ... Went back and looked at your first picture.  I'm not so sure the 2" bolt you're holding in your hand, that came with the band, won't work.  Will you try this?  Remove your new 2.5" bolt on the top band, slide the band down on the dome until it's way too low, then try to install the 2" bolt.  You might get some one to help you or use channel lock pliers to help hold the ends together.  Once the nut is on the bolt a few turns, then slide the band up into position, and finish tightening the bolt.  You might have to use a stick and a hammer to gently nudge it back up into position.

    If that works, then use the same approach on the bottom band.  If it doesn't work, then try the bolt folks in your town ... like Fastenal (SKU - 21815 or 21937).


    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
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    @Jeepster47 I tried the original bolt for the top band and it went on easily (I had only tried the bottom one before). I then tried the bottom band with the original bolt by taking your suggestion of using channel locks and it worked like a charm! No new bolts needed! Thanks again.
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    Fantastic ... cook on!

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • WiscoJoe
    WiscoJoe Posts: 9
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    I'll be giving it its maiden voyage (well, under my ownership, anyway) tonight with NY strip steak. I've never used an egg before, so this should be fun!
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  • Toxarch
    Toxarch Posts: 1,900
    edited June 2015
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    EggHead_Bubba said:
    I need to get some of the right kind of bolts. Can they be ordered online somewhere?
    Use the part number in Jeepster's post and order from Fastenal.com
    Aledo, Texas
    Large BGE
    KJ Jr.

    Exodus 12:9 KJV
    Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.

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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    4Runner said:

    @WiscoJoe - i see what you mean now.  Not sure why the supplied bolt wouldn't reach.  Maybe if you could squeeze the band ends a bit it would work.  Maybe it will reach now?  Looking at the picture, I not sure I see those raised lines on the bolt head that Jeepster was pointing out.  Might give it a try.   
    Bingo.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
    edited June 2015
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    Jeepster47 said:
    @WiscoJoe ... Went back and looked at your first picture.

    If that works, then use the same approach on the bottom band.  If it doesn't work, then try the bolt folks in your town ... like Fastenal (SKU - 21815 or 21937).


    @Jeepster47 - the bolts you referenced are partial thread....don't you think we need full thread?
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Shiff
    Shiff Posts: 1,835
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    4Runner said:
    @Jeepster47 - the bolts you referenced are partial thread....don't you think we need full thread?
    I was wondering the same thing. I see that Fastenal has a grade 8 bolt that is fully threaded but they cost $2.50 each vs. $.45 for a grade 5 (partial threaded).  The SKU of the Grade 8 bolt is 0167147
    Large BGE
    Barry, Lancaster, PA
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    I double checked my second egg ... it's pulled the ends of the bands within about a half inch of each other.  Thus, you guys are correct.  Looks like a fully thread bolt is the correct choice.

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • 4Runner
    4Runner Posts: 2,948
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    Good deal. I found some on Amazon for relatively cheap....just had to buy a box of 100.  Lol.  I am going to replace mine since what I'm using is less than grade 5.  
    Joe - I'm a reformed gasser-holic aka 4Runner Columbia, SC Wonderful BGE Resource Site: http://www.nakedwhiz.com/ceramicfaq.htm and http://www.nibblemethis.com/  and http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2006/02/recipes.html
    What am I drinking now?   Woodford....neat
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  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
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    4Runner said:
    Good deal. I found some on Amazon for relatively cheap....just had to buy a box of 100.  Lol.  I am going to replace mine since what I'm using is less than grade 5.  
    There you go ... @RRP has the gasket business wrapped up ... and you've got enough supplies to torque down the band bolt market!

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

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  • Shiff
    Shiff Posts: 1,835
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    4Runner said:
    Good deal. I found some on Amazon for relatively cheap....just had to buy a box of 100.  Lol.  I am going to replace mine since what I'm using is less than grade 5.  
    I did some searching on Amazon and had a hard time finding the right bolts. I almost ordered a 100 piece box but realized they weren't grade 5.  I finally did find this box of 25 at a pretty good price and was eligible for prime:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009YAPIMW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

    Large BGE
    Barry, Lancaster, PA
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