newcomer with a problem lid

AgingCarnivore

Help! The lid on my XL BGE is starting to stick, in the closed position. I mean it requires a hammer to knock it open. About 18 months into my BGE journey, I've been delighted with the Egg's performance -- until now. My rapping on the handle risks ruining the integrity of the construction, but otherwise, I cannot open the Egg. All points bulletin for insight. Anybody? -- (signed) Baffled in West Texas

caliking

If it's the hinge that's binding, have you tried WD-40 or something similar?

Langner91

First, quit hitting it with a hammer.  

Something must be in a bind.  Can you post some photos of the hinge bolts, etc. in the back?  One of them is probably too tight or in a bind.  Can you look at the hinge while someone applies upward pressure on the handle?  Do you notice one side move and the other side not?

Something has to be in a bind.  Forcing it is only going to make it worse.

I searched for "bind" and found this:

The hinge bolt that connects the lower hinge to the dome band tightens up over time. Loosen it up slightly and see what happens.

Langner91

One of the members here had the same problem.  @Photo Egg was good enough to post a photo.  Probably how he got his name.

RRP

As warned above…NEVER even have a hammer even NEAR  a ceramic BGE!

Jstroke

I’m going out on a limb. Having no clue what your weather is like this time of year. No chance it’s frozen/frosted shut?

ColbyLang

Not in west TX

CGS

also check the four pivoting bolts/nuts on the two back hinges. they should not be locked down tight. The little plastic warning tag should spin freely. 

Around us, we have a problem on grills assembled by hardware (Ace) guys. They have the hardware store mentality, if it is loose tighten it down. 

t

AgingCarnivore

You EggHeads got me chuckling with your good-natured replies. Per recommendations, I will examine the hinges and bolts, searching for what might well be a simple remedy. Thanks for the input.

Photo Egg

AgingCarnivore said:

You EggHeads got me chuckling with your good-natured replies. Per recommendations, I will examine the hinges and bolts, searching for what might well be a simple remedy. Thanks for the input.

Since the only thing holding the dome to the base is the hinges and bolts…it will seem stupid simple when you find the problem. And you will then know what to look for in the future and keep it lightly oiled and maybe help the next person looking for similar help on the forum.

paqman

pics or it didn’t happen 

AgingCarnivore

how do I post photos? tried several times, failed.

AgingCarnivore

Aha. When in doubt, read the instructions, Einstein. Good to know this is common enough to command space on the Egg website. End of mystery. Next, I need to learn how to post photos.
{quoted directly rom the website: "Otherwise, to open the EGG – ONLY WHEN IT IS COOL – carefully insert a flat object such as a putty knife between the dome and base gasket and slowly work the flat edge around the circumference of the base. This should loosen the seal enough for you to be able to open the EGG."}

JohnInCarolina

AgingCarnivore said:

Aha. When in doubt, read the instructions, Einstein. Good to know this is common enough to command space on the Egg website. End of mystery. Next, I need to learn how to post photos.
{quoted directly rom the website: "Otherwise, to open the EGG – ONLY WHEN IT IS COOL – carefully insert a flat object such as a putty knife between the dome and base gasket and slowly work the flat edge around the circumference of the base. This should loosen the seal enough for you to be able to open the EGG."}

That button on the desktop version of the site will do it.