How to Cut a Hole in a Grill Firebox

Measure the end diameter of the firebox to locate the center. From the center point, draw a straight line to the bottom of the firebox. This marks the bottom center on the firebox.

Measure up 3 inches from the bottom center. Mark this point on the end of the firebox.

Attach a 2-inch bi-metal hole saw to a 3/8-inch corded drill. A cordless drill cannot sustain enough power to cut through the heavy metal on the firebox.

Place the centering bit in the hole saw on the mark you made 3-inches from the bottom of the firebox. Put a slight amount of pressure on the drill’s trigger to allow the hole saw and centering bit to rotate slowly. Continue with the slow rotation until the centering bit begins to penetrate the metal.

Depress the trigger fully on the drill to operate the drill at its highest power. Push the drill into the firebox as the hole saw rotates to help the saw cut through the metal.

Attach a 1/4-inch metal drill bit to the drill. Drill a hole about 1/2 inch above the hole you cut in the firebox to attach an optional damper.

Remove the lid from a can of vegetables or soup. Drill a 1/4-inch hole through the lid along the edge.

Thread a 3/4-inch No. 10 bolt through the lid. Place a No. 10 washer on the bolt and then insert the bolt into the 1/4-inch hole you created above the 2-inch hole in the fire box.

Secure the bolt to the firebox with a No. 10 nut. Do not over-tighten the nut to ensure the can lid rotates on the bolt.