Quick Fixes That Bottom Hole in Your Charcoal Grill

If you are a true bbq lover then you must know the importance of well-maintenance of your grill, especially a charcoal grill. When you use your grill frequently, you’ll notice that as time passes, some parts become damaged and need to be repaired. However, what do you do when you discover a hole in the bottom of your beloved grill?

Obviously, you will be worried. The small hole in your charcoal grill bottom can cause big problems for you, so you need to repair it as soon as possible. Don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll tell you simple and effective solutions to fix that hole and get your grill back in action.

Whether you’re a pro griller or a newbie, these simple methods will help you repair your charcoal grill and maintain your love for grilling.

Reasons Why Holes Form

First of all, you need to know why charcoal grills might get holes in the bottom. Here are a few such justifications:

• The first main reason is the poor maintenance of your grill. When you don’t clean your grill regularly, it can cause wear and tear which will cause holes to form later.
• Over time, the grill begins to rust due to moisture and facing high heat in the grilling process. That can lead to the formation of holes.
• Charcoal produces ash after burning. When you don’t clean this ash after every use, it’ll absorb moisture in itself. As a result, it’ll speed up corrosion and rusting, leading to hole formation.
• If you have stored your grill in a place where the moisture exists. So the metal can rust easily which will cause holes later.
• Improper care or accidents can cause dents or damages in the bottom of a charcoal grill. These damaged areas can weaken the structure and eventually result in the formation of holes.

Above are some reasons for forming holes in the grill bottom but the important thing is to fix it.

How To Fix Hole In Bottom Of Charcoal Grill

What You’ll Need

• Wire brush / Sandpaper
• Metal sheet
• Measuring tape
• High-temp epoxy (adhesive) glue
• Safety gloves

Step 1

The first step is to clean the grill thoroughly. Use a wire brush to remove any rust, debris, or food particles from the area around the hole. When you have cleaned the area around the hole, rub the edges of the hole with sandpaper. This will make the edges smoother.

You can also cut the hole’s edges a little with any cutter to saw. This will allow you to seal the hole tightly.

Step 2

The next step is to measure the hole. If the hole is small, simply use the epoxy glue to fill up the gap. But if the hole is bigger, then you will need sheet metal to fix the gap.

Step 3

As I said before, if the hole is small then you will use adhesive glue. Simply, start it by placing the bead of glue around the hole and fill up the gap completely. When it is done, leave it for about 24 hours to dry completely.

Step 4

When the hole is big, you will use a metal sheet to cover the hole. Simply cut the piece of metal sheet with a scissor or any metal cutter and it should be slightly larger than the hole. Put a thin layer of high-temp epoxy glue on the cut metal sheet and then around the edges of the hole.

Place the sheet on the hole and make sure it covers the gap properly. Gently press the sheet for about 2 minutes. You can also put some glue around the sheet edges after covering the hole. It’ll make the fixing process more secure. And leave it for about 24 hours.

Now a question arises here can you use any type of metal sheet to cover the gap? The simple answer is no, you will only use the high-temp compatible sheets. For example, stainless steel.

Tip: You can also use aluminium foil as a temporary fix, but it may not be as durable. Simply fold the aluminium foil paper twice and place it on the gap.

Step 5

Once the epoxy glue is completely dry, you can perform a test by adding a small amount of charcoal to the grill and lighting it. If there is no sign of smoke coming from the repaired area, it means your grill is ready to make your favourite dishes.

Remember, you can’t use your grill until the glue is completely dry. If you use your grill while the fixing process is drying, your fixed hole may come loose and your effort may be wasted.

Related: Can You Spray PAM On Grill

How Do You Prevent Forming Holes in Your Grill

Along with fixing the hole, it is also important to know how to prevent it. Here are some preventive measures to follow which can extend the lifespan of your charcoal grill.

The best way to avoid the hole from forming is to clean your grill regularly, both inside and outside. If you see any rust, try to remove it immediately with a wire brush.

When not in use, store your grill in a dry place and use a high-quality grill cover to protect it from moisture and the elements. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.

However, grills are made to handle high temperatures but too much heat can weaken the metal, which could result in holes or other damage. So try to use the grills at medium temperature.

Season your grill. Seasoning creates a protective layer on the metal surface. This process helps prevent rust and corrosion.

Final Words

Preventing and fixing a hole in the bottom of your charcoal grill is a simple process that can save you time, and money. If the hole is small, you can fix it by using high-temp epoxy glue. Otherwise, you’ll need to patch with a metal sheet as told above. I would advise you to always keep your grill clean.