A jammed pellet grill auger can quickly turn a relaxing barbecue into a frustrating repair job. This common problem, often caused by moisture-damaged pellets expanding and seizing the auger mechanism, can leave you feeling helpless. Many online solutions suggest forceful methods that risk damaging your grill, but there's a better way. This guide outlines a simple, effective, and non-destructive technique to free your jammed auger, using readily available tools and a methodical approach. Forget about potentially damaging brute force; this method prioritizes controlled torque and careful manipulation to safely restore your grill's functionality.This easy fix guide will walk you through the process of freeing a seized auger without resorting to harsh methods. We'll show you how to utilize a shop vacuum, a strategically placed bolt, and a pipe wrench to gently yet effectively break free the swollen pellets. The entire process takes only about 15 minutes, minimizing downtime and maximizing the lifespan of your pellet grill auger. This cost-effective solution prioritizes prevention as well, reminding you of the importance of covering your grill after each use to avoid this common problem altogether.
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The Problem: A Soggy Auger
My pellet grill auger became completely jammed. This happened after a rainstorm following a grilling session where I neglected to replace the cover. The rain seeped into the auger tube, causing the pellets to absorb moisture and expand significantly.
The swollen pellets effectively seized the auger mechanism, rendering it immobile. I tried various online solutions, including flushing with water and heating, but nothing worked. Many suggested methods involved disassembling the auger and using force, which seemed overly aggressive and potentially damaging.
I've seen pellets swell to almost double their size when wet. This is a common problem with pellet grills left exposed to the elements.
My Solution: The Bolt Trick
Instead of brute force, I opted for a more refined approach. Since the water hadn't reached the top of the auger tube, the pellets at the top were still dry. I removed them using a shop vacuum.
I then used a bolt – I found one that fit snugly inside the auger shaft – to reinforce the auger tube's thin walls. This would prevent crushing as I applied torque.
I reattached the motor assembly and used a pipe wrench on the auger shaft. Applying counter-clockwise torque (to unscrew the jammed auger), I gradually freed the seized mechanism. The bolt helped prevent the auger tube from collapsing under the pressure.
The Repair Process: Turning and Cleaning
Once the auger started to turn, it was clear that previous attempts to simply pull or push it were futile. The auger was too tightly bound by the swollen pellets.
After breaking the initial seizure, I continued turning the auger counter-clockwise to fully unscrew it. This freed the remaining swollen pellets. I then used the auger itself to remove the remaining pellet debris.
The process took about 15 minutes from start to finish. The auger was partially corroded where the swollen pellets had been lodged.
Conclusion: A Successful Repair
This method proved far more effective than brute force or other methods I'd seen online. The key was using controlled torque, preventing damage to the auger tube with the added bolt for support.
By focusing on turning the auger instead of directly pulling or pushing it, I was able to easily free it from the obstruction. The entire repair was completed quickly, resulting in a fully functional auger.
This method is a cost-effective and efficient way to deal with a jammed pellet grill auger caused by water damage. Remember preventative measures like covering your grill after use to avoid this issue entirely.