Expanded metal basket

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billbo

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
Aug 19, 2007
1,393
34
Upstate NY
I went to Lowe's and when I asked where the expanded metal was you would have thought I was speaking another language. Not only did they not know what it was, they also didn't have any.

Off to Home Depot. They have two styles, 1/2" and 3/4". I picked up the 1/2". Will this be OK or do I need the 3/4"?

What I bought is pictured below. The 3/4" came in 24X24" sheets so I would need to cut it. I was hoping to avoid that but if need be I will. Thanks agian guys for your help. I'm gonna start on the other parts for now.
 
This seems to be a pretty common experience.
biggrin.gif
One member even posted that the clerk was standing under a sign that said "Expanded Metal" while the exchange was taking place.

You'll probably want the 3/4". You'll definitely want 3/4" if you are going to use expanded metal for the bottom. If you use a small Weber replacement grate for the bottom, you may want to try and find a welding or fab shop in your area and have them cut an 8" x 44" piece of 3/4" #9 expanded metal. It works perfectly for the round sides.

Dave
 
I am using the 13.5" Weber grate. Do you think the 1/2" will work with that?
 
Hmm . . . I THINK it would work since it is just for the sides, but never actually having had one with 1/2" on the sides I could not say for sure.

Dave
 
Not in a uds but I made a basket out of 1/2" for my Weber kettle. I used it for the sides and the bottom and it works perfect. No problem getting enough air and small pieces of lump don't fall through it.
 
Seems to be working fine in the UDS too. See my thread on UDS build. I was hesitant but so far so good!
 
Just to update everyone who may find themselves in this situation, the 1/2" expanded metal works fine. I would make sure you use the Weber grate for you base though and not the expanded metal all around as that may not allow the ash to fall through.
 
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