That’s funny you have a hand trowel. When I was using my OKJ I had a mini hand saw sitting on my fire box for the same use lolHave to try something before mext cook .it works fine when cold but as warms up, self closing option kicks in. I have a trowel holding vent open
Glad you got it handled. Tri Tip looks excellent Happy smokineasy Fix. Just Smoked a porkTri Tip On my OK Joe Highlander smoker....