Removing BGE from table?

KiterTodd

I did a search on this and found several old posts with varying recommendations.  Also missed some old links so wanted to visit this again.

I'm long overdue for some granite repair on my egg table.  I have to remove the Large BGE to do it.  This was put in place by 3 workers who brought it over.  I can't get it out by myself...  I can lift it up an inch or two, with effort, but can't get purchase to do a straight lift safely.

I found a few suggestions that I wanted to ask about;

1) Disconnect the lid.  I don't have the plastic hinge locking thing and am otherwise scared to detach a perfectly alligned lid and try to get it back on.

2) Stand on the table and lift straight up.  I'm not sure about this but may try it.  Seems like a good way to wreck myself.

3) Somebody sells an egg lifter which I guess is a strap you put around the egg, but I can't find the link.

Open to any advice on this.  Even if there is a strap I can make out of a wide yellow walmart ratchet strap.

THANK YOU in advance for any helpful tips!

Langner91

Mine went into the table in pieces.  That's how it will have to come out.  I did it all by myself.  The base is the heaviest part and if you get your hand through the cleanout hole, you can lift it easier.  The base alone weighs 50 pounds according to this:

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1184080/component-weights-large-bge

fishlessman

the clips are more a pain to use than anything on the old bands. hold the dome open and the springs pry off easier then remove the dome. wear gloves reaching in to grab the lower vent, it can be sharp enough to give a good cut

HeavyG

https://smile.amazon.com/PotLifter-Gardening-Lifting-Equipment-Ultimate/dp/B002ECFFJ8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=15BCN02OU6G0C&dchild=1&keywords=potlifter+heavy+lifting+tool&qid=1623174635&sprefix=potlifter,aps,147&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTTBWNjJDMTJCMFBFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ4NTkyM0k0WEhUQk1QMERDSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODc4NjU4MlBMUzMxNUtYNkgyWSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Dondgc

KiterTodd said:

2) Stand on the table and lift straight up.  I'm not sure about this but may try it.  Seems like a good way to wreck myself.

Yes it does. And yes it is. 

RRP

HeavyG said:

https://smile.amazon.com/PotLifter-Gardening-Lifting-Equipment-Ultimate/dp/B002ECFFJ8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=15BCN02OU6G0C&dchild=1&keywords=potlifter+heavy+lifting+tool&qid=1623174635&sprefix=potlifter,aps,147&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTTBWNjJDMTJCMFBFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ4NTkyM0k0WEhUQk1QMERDSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODc4NjU4MlBMUzMxNUtYNkgyWSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I have had one of those PotLifters for years and love it. Back when I was carrying my small to eggfests and contests I would use that PotLifter to carry it all by myself as if it was a buffet bag! 

Since then I don't use it as often, but besides having my wife help me to move heavy ceramic pots inside for the Winter I have also used it to move some heavy chunks of unspilt wood trunks. 

As for merely using a PotLifter as the OP wants to do, then unless he can get the straps down through the opening in his table and on to his BGE PLUS having 2 STRONG helpers to lift it up, then I don't believe a PotLifter will help him!

My advice to the OP...just hire a couple strong young guys and give them a couple cases of beer! 

KiterTodd

fishlessman said:

the clips are more a pain to use than anything on the old bands. hold the dome open and the springs pry off easier then remove the dome. wear gloves reaching in to grab the lower vent, it can be sharp enough to give a good cut

Thanks. I have two eggs... one I got 10 years ago and it has “old bands” I guess. The one I’m moving is more recent and has a different spring setup. The egg opens farther and easier. I should get a picture of it I guess...

...anyway, I’ll try what you said and see if I can open the egg and more easily remove the springs by hand.  It’s all new to me. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Mattman3969

You can use zip ties to hold the hinge closed.  

KiterTodd

Mattman3969 said:

You can use zip ties to hold the hinge closed.  

What a great idea.  I didn't think of that.

So, with the egg closed I just zip what exactly?  Below are some pictures of my LBGE hinge as I know there have been some changes over the years;

SmokeyPitt

I don't think you need to worry about the zip ties or locks with the new bands. Just open the lid slightly and remove the springs (if you decide to take it apart). 

FWIW I replaced my bands and then a month later found a big crack in the base and had to do it again after getting a replacement base (under warranty!). It really wasn't bad and with the new bands went back together pretty easily. 

A couple of other options:
CGS Chariot - Ceramic Grill Mover – Ceramic Grill Store

Easy Lifting Strap | Southern Outdoor (southernspecialtiesoutdoor.com)

OhioEgger

I had to do it myself when we moved to a new house a few years ago.
First, I just loosened the lower band and took the dome off. 
Then removed the inside pieces.
Then I put a couple of blocks in front and back of the table, ran a board under the Egg, and levered it up until there was enough above the table surface that I could get my arms around the base and lift it to the table top.
At that point, the cleanout opening makes a nice handle (be sure to wear thick gloves to protect your hand as others have mentioned.

ColbyLang

Check out the chariot on ceramic grill store site. 

shtgunal3

As others have said above, open the dome and slip the springs off. Very easy.

nolaegghead

Turn the table upside down?

Mattman3969

KiterTodd said:

Mattman3969 said:

You can use zip ties to hold the hinge closed.  

What a great idea.  I didn't think of that.

So, with the egg closed I just zip what exactly?  Below are some pictures of my LBGE hinge as I know there have been some changes over the years;

I was referring to the style of bands before that one.  I’ve now clue on the mechanics of the new style. Sorry 

KiterTodd

Mattman3969 said:

I was referring to the style of bands before that one.  I’ve now clue on the mechanics of the new style. Sorry 

Thanks, Matt.

I have two eggs, one new style posted above.  That is the near term problem.

I also have the older style which I have to take apart for an upcoming move. I have to take a look at that Spring and see if the Zip Tie solution is obvious or not.

XLAggieEgger

I've had great luck going to my dealer and asking to borrow their lifting band. It essentially resembles the bands that go around the base / dome, however, with handles on either side. Grab a buddy and get after it! 

fishlessman

KiterTodd said:

Mattman3969 said:

You can use zip ties to hold the hinge closed.  

What a great idea.  I didn't think of that.

So, with the egg closed I just zip what exactly?  Below are some pictures of my LBGE hinge as I know there have been some changes over the years;

with this band, open the dome, the springs come off by hand. note that the spring hook is down, if you put them on the other way the fall off when opening the dome

KiterTodd

fishlessman said:

with this band, open the dome, the springs come off by hand. note that the spring hook is down, if you put them on the other way the fall off when opening the dome

Thanks.  One more stupid question.  Sorry... want to get it right the first time.

Once the springs are off, do I loosen the band on the lid or the base?  (which part carries the band during the move).

Thank you

Langner91

The base is the heaviest part.  Take the bands with the dome.  Lighten the load!

stlcharcoal

-Zip tie the band shut.
-loosen the band and take the dome off
-take the bands off
-take out the fire ring, firebox, and fire grate.
-open the draft door and hook your arm down into the base gripping the draft door opening
-if possible, have somebody spot you so it comes out straight and you don't bump the sides

Pretty easy, and definitely the safest way to move a BGE by yourself.  Don't be intimidated about pulling the dome and/or band off......it's really not a big deal to get them realigned once you've done it a few times.

Money_Hillbilly

@stlcharcoal Jonathan please contact me interested in knives.