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Jonnyrod BBQ Fan

Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 253 Location: Pasadena, Tx.
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Posted: Oct 31 2010 Post subject: Firebox Hinges made easy |
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Here is my take on some simple, strong, and easy to make, hinges for the firebox. You can make the the same thing outta some cold rolled carbon and be in business. I made these out of a combo of 316 and 304 stainless as that is what I had laying around and I don't plan on working on this box for a long time. I built them using the same methods as you would with carbon steel to show how easy it is. I only used a porta-band, a grinder, a scratch start Lincoln in stick rod mode, and basic measuring tools.
I started with a drop of 1/2" pipe, a piece of 3/16" X 1&1/2" flat bar, and a short stick of 1/2" round stock.
I decided to go with 2 hinges, 6" long each. This would cover the the 24" linear inches of my firebox 50%. I cut 4 pieces of pipe and round stock to 3" each and 2 pieces of round stock at 6"
I beveled all the bar stock before I cut it to length to make it easer to handle. Here is the pipe welded to the bar stock, I left a run of round stock INSIDE THE PIPE when I welded it to prevent distortion.
After letting my work completely cool, I flipped it over and welded the other side. I ran a quick bead with a low profile so I wouldn't have to grind it too much to make it lay flat. This isn't a big deal with carbon as it cuts pretty easy.
I stuck the two pieces of round stock into two of the hinge bodies and cap welded them.
I will weld the hinges with the half inch round stock to the door looking down. This will allow me to remove the door for whatever reasons need be by just lifting it on or off.
 _________________ http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42423
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62257
'A welder is only as good as his last weld'........ |
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k.a.m. BBQ Mega Star

Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 26020 Location: Southeast Texas.
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Posted: Oct 31 2010 Post subject: |
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Jonny, those are what I make for firebox doors and oven doors I love them. I use an old framing square
to align the pipe and plate while tacking together. It also helps me reference my upper and lower pieces
as far as which way the hinge will fit on the door by flipping the framing square left or right on my table.
I started using them on the R/f build and love them.
I am thinking of a slightly different design on them for a curved door on my next build.
 _________________ Always remember slow and steady wins the race.
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Bdub Newbie

Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 39 Location: Hawkins, MI
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Posted: Oct 31 2010 Post subject: |
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Where would a novice like me pick up the pipe for this style hinge? Could I use gas pipe and a bolt? I've got Home Depot and Lowe's around here. Also a plethora of hardware stores. I'll be working on my firebox door soon and really like this style hinge. Thanks _________________ Mini Offset (under construction)
Brinkmann Trail master Limited Edition
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k.a.m. BBQ Mega Star

Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 26020 Location: Southeast Texas.
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Posted: Oct 31 2010 Post subject: |
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Bdub, I use SCH80 1/2'' seamless pipe that I get from my steel supplier. You should be able to use black iron pipe and rod from Home Depot or any hardware store, your tolerance might be a little loose so you will need to adjust your hinge when tacking in place so your door dose not lean inward on you. _________________ Always remember slow and steady wins the race.
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Jonnyrod BBQ Fan

Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 253 Location: Pasadena, Tx.
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Posted: Oct 31 2010 Post subject: |
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You can use the stuff from a hardware store with no problem. If you use a bolt and black iron pipe, you can put some small tacks on the bolt at the top and bottom where it fits inside your pipe. You may have to grind the tacks a little but it will take up the slop between the bolt and the pipe. A little anti-seize on the bolt will help with the rust later. The cool thing about metal is if you screw it up the first time you can cut it off, grind it, and try again. Practice makes perfect.  _________________ http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42423
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62257
'A welder is only as good as his last weld'........ |
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Bdub Newbie

Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 39 Location: Hawkins, MI
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Posted: Oct 31 2010 Post subject: |
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Thank you k.a.m. and Johhnyrod. I really appreciate your help and suggestions. Bruce _________________ Mini Offset (under construction)
Brinkmann Trail master Limited Edition
Weber Silver Gasser |
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Jerk Pit Master BBQ Super Pro

Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 1069 Location: Orlando, FL
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Posted: Nov 08 2010 Post subject: |
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What's the best way to keep these hinges lubricated, especially for grills and smokers (food grade)?
I've had my hinges seize up so much the tack weld broke upon opening? |
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ggarner BBQ Fan
Joined: 22 Mar 2010 Posts: 322 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Nov 09 2010 Post subject: |
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Depending on the thickness of the material, I believe you would be able to drill a hole in the middle and fit it with a zerg fitting so you can grease it. |
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pyronoel BBQ Pro
Joined: 29 Jan 2010 Posts: 528 Location: St. Charles-ish MO
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Posted: Nov 09 2010 Post subject: |
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I was having trouble finding mating pipes/rod around me for a repair I was doing to a trailer for someone, and went to the tractor supply store and found a pin/bushing that worked nicely for about $2 per hinge _________________ FNG Smoker |
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Jonnyrod BBQ Fan

Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 253 Location: Pasadena, Tx.
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Posted: Nov 09 2010 Post subject: |
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Jerk Pit Master wrote: | What's the best way to keep these hinges lubricated, especially for grills and smokers (food grade)?
I've had my hinges seize up so much the tack weld broke upon opening? |
As mentioned before, adding a Zerk fitting would be a good way to go if possible. The best thing is some never-seize on the pin if you can work it in. I have to make more hinges myself because a guy at work bought the stainless ones from this thread for his own pit.  _________________ http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42423
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=62257
'A welder is only as good as his last weld'........ |
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Jerk Pit Master BBQ Super Pro

Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 1069 Location: Orlando, FL
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Jonnyrod BBQ Fan

Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 253 Location: Pasadena, Tx.
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k.a.m. BBQ Mega Star

Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 26020 Location: Southeast Texas.
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Posted: Nov 09 2010 Post subject: |
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Jerk Pit Master, i like that. I did not know it existed. Thanks.
I would use the zerk though as the temp rating on the anti seize is only 475°. You might burn out your
anti seize before your welded out. With the zerk you can add the anti seize after the hinge is cool.
I have used zerks before on a build and they work great but you need to make sure the pin is not to long to touch the zerk.
These hinges were SCH80 1/2'' pipe and I had to shorten the pin for the zerk.
 _________________ Always remember slow and steady wins the race.
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