Every time that I try to lift these grates for any reason, while they're hot. They fall... Right onto the hot coals. Even when it's cool, they fall obviously but it's only a slight aggravation then. The one that's on the right demonstrates the problem, although it obviously happens with either side. When I try to lift it up, it falls completely onto the coals. While its not catastrophic, its still an aggravation. I don't think a simple hook would solve the problem. But I'm definitely looking for a simple solution.
My problem solving, and fabrication skills is like Rube Goldberg lol. I know this from years of experience. I can copy something else very well, just not design anything. I have access to materials, and equipment to make something. I just need ideas. So I'm wondering if a simple, elegant solution already exists. Its a simple problem I know. But I'm stumped for a small, easy solution.
A hook would be obvious, but then its a question of balance. I don't want to balance with my hand. A well built spatula would be my next guess. But the grates run the wrong way for that to work well. Besides, I'm looking for solid retention, and that warmer would get in the way anyhow. My last grate had expanded metal for the surface, so there was no problem. I really like the porcelain coated grates here, and don't really want to replace them. I'm sure that I'm missing the obvious, as this must be a well worn path I'm going down. What I'm really wanting is a store bought, easily sourced, item. But if not I can make something. A Google search turns up a huge variety. Some look like they'd work better than others. There's one that looks like a cross between an old school potato masher, and a spatula, with upturned hooks on the end. So far that seems the best.
I'm looking for something that would still be solid, holding the grate with a pound of meat on it as well. Any more weight, and I'd fully expect to have it supported elsewhere. What are you guys using? What works? Any ideas?
My problem solving, and fabrication skills is like Rube Goldberg lol. I know this from years of experience. I can copy something else very well, just not design anything. I have access to materials, and equipment to make something. I just need ideas. So I'm wondering if a simple, elegant solution already exists. Its a simple problem I know. But I'm stumped for a small, easy solution.
A hook would be obvious, but then its a question of balance. I don't want to balance with my hand. A well built spatula would be my next guess. But the grates run the wrong way for that to work well. Besides, I'm looking for solid retention, and that warmer would get in the way anyhow. My last grate had expanded metal for the surface, so there was no problem. I really like the porcelain coated grates here, and don't really want to replace them. I'm sure that I'm missing the obvious, as this must be a well worn path I'm going down. What I'm really wanting is a store bought, easily sourced, item. But if not I can make something. A Google search turns up a huge variety. Some look like they'd work better than others. There's one that looks like a cross between an old school potato masher, and a spatula, with upturned hooks on the end. So far that seems the best.
I'm looking for something that would still be solid, holding the grate with a pound of meat on it as well. Any more weight, and I'd fully expect to have it supported elsewhere. What are you guys using? What works? Any ideas?
