Large Egg Band Bolts

JerseyEgger

Hi everyone. Hope you're having great day. So I'm doing move number one tomorrow to temporary quarters then in October (either 15th or 30th) I make the move to my new place where I can finally start egging again after a year of not being able to. I picked up a a demo large at PA Eggfest. When I got it the lid was not aligned with the lower vent properly. I basically had to remove the bands to turn the lid straight. In hind site I guess I should have just waited because I am contemplating taking it apart gain to move.

My concern is for the band bolts. As we all know they bend when you tighten them. If I remove the bands again in order to transport the egg body and lid separately, do you think its OK to use those same bolts again for a third time?

The guy helping me move is slightly injured and he refuses to back out so I am just trying to make it a little easier on him. I don't think my couch or dresser weigh that much LOL. I'm gonna be anxious to get Eggin' once I get into the new pad so the delay of having to order new bolts will be tough LOL. As usual all opinions are appreciated

fire egger

I have re-used mine in the past, however they are just galv. stove bolts, availble at any of the big box home centers or a local hardware store, cheap and easy to find, I usually keep a set on hand.

Lit

I get the stainless steel ones from Lowes. Pack of 4 is like $8. I have had to cut my bolt before because it was so bent the nut wouldn't come off. Word of advice if you didn't save the little plastic piece to lock the band together when you remove it make sure you put a zip tie or something around it in the back. It makes it much easier to put back together.

Capt Frank

A. I think you can reuse your bolts with no problem. Just remember to lock the hinge shut with the little plastic keepers that came with the egg or some zip ties if the keepers are gone. You only have to loosen enough to slip the dome off, you don't have to completely dismantle it. When you re-assemble, loosen the lower band a little, then install the dome and tighten the bands down a little at a time together.

B. There is nothing special about these bolts. they are 5/16x2" galvanized carriage bolts, available at any hardware store. So replace them if you wish.

After you have done a few cooks, go back and check the bolts for tightness, heat can make them stretch.

Hope this helps

JerseyEgger

Thanks! I have the plastic doohickies.

JerseyEgger

Thanks a bunch! I'm kind of anal so since you provided the size I'll probably just replace them LOL

CatalinaEddy

I just assembled my LG BGE Friday and followed the assembly instructions to the letter. There is a recessed dimple in the front of the lower and upper part of the Egg that is supposed to be the center. I've noticed that this dimple appears off-center from the Big Green Egg name that is on the cover and off-center from the centerline of the vent opening, which is where I want it to be.

So what I am saying is that it might not have been carelessly assembled like you think. It bugs me when things are out of whack like that, as I'm sure it does you, so I will be moving the bands around soon to where I think they should be so my eyes don't feel insulted every time I look at my BGE.

The bolts are cheap enough, but I wouldn't think they need replacing so soon...I don't plan on replacing mine, anyway...but if it makes you feel better, by all means replace them. Stainless steel makes lousy bolts (SS tends to gall and seize, tensile strength not too good) but they are pretty and don't rust and corrode. The main thing is that you check the tightness of the bands periodically, especially the first few times you use your BGE.

Mike in Abita

Why not remove the hinge mechanism from the bands and leave the bands attached to the dome and base?