How to avoid clogs from small lump pieces

eggnewtoy

Any suggestions?  thought about finding a piece of screen to put on bottom of egg too avoid clogs.  Thx

buzd504

When I stir old charcoal, I push it to one side so I can make sure the holes are clear.

I don't know that I would use a screen - it's going to block airflow a lot more than you would think.  I've seen it posted that the screen on the draft door blocks roughly upward of 50% of the air flow.

NPHuskerFL

Load larger pieces toward the bottom (fire grate).  This is especially ideal when doing a L&S. But, more than anything stir the lump, clear firebox & fire grate holes before lighting and remove ash as needed (do this before lighting for what should be obvious reasons). 

SmokeyPitt

There are some after market charcoal grates that allow for better airflow. 

Stainless High Heat Charcoal Fire Grate Upgrade for Large and MiniMax Big Green Egg Grill 
by High-Que 
Link: http://amzn.com/B004XU1FES

...or the Kick Ash basket. 
http://www.kickashbasket.com/

I have the high Q and it definitely helps.  The KAB also blocks the holes on sides of the fire box. 

One other nice thing to have is a wiggle rod.  Get a piece of steel rod from the hardware store and bend an L on the end.  Use it to poke up through the holes through the bottom draft door to clear obstructions.  

500

Make or buy a wiggle stick.  Stick it through from the bottom vent to clear clogs.  I will stick it in and shake the fire grate to release clogs.  I made my wiggle stick out of two twisted drop tile ceiling grid wires; twisted together for strength, bent a 90 and shaped a loop handle.

eggnewtoy

I bought the kickash basket and love it. Thx SmokeyPitt

LKNEgg

I use a wire hanger to clear clogs.   Just bend how you like it and very economical!