Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will a ThirdHand work on all grills and grates?
I like the word "most". I've tried it on the grates used by a very popular brand of kettle cookers, and on my two personal ceramic cookers. Heavy cast iron grates posed a challenge because the cross bars have a unique shape. The ThirdHand may not work on all cast iron grates, but it does work on LARGE cast iron grates.
2. Hey, my ThirdHand won't work on my medium cast iron grate, what can I do?
I designed the ThreeFinger specifically for small and medium cast iron grates.
3. The handle seems backwards to me. Wouldn’t you get better leverage if it was reversed?
Actually, it would take some leverage to use my tools if the handle was reversed. But I wanted a tool that did not require leverage. With proper positioning, all you do is lift. The balance also makes hanging a grate real easy.
4. Are these stainless steel or can they rust?
Yep, the ThirdHand and the ThreeFinger are 1/4" diameter, grade 304 stainless steel and have one weld joining the two pieces. Stainless steel is just that, "stain less". It is resistant to rust and stains, not rust proof.
5. I have big hands, does the ThirdHand come with a bigger handle?
I thought about it, and that might be an option down the road. The handle is plenty long, which helps in the balance. It also has a return bend on the end to reduce slipping. Remember, the tool is only in use a few seconds when removing or replacing your grate.
6. That wiggle rod seems pretty simple, can't I make my own from a coat-hanger or something?
You bet you can, and I have suggested that to hundreds of folks that are in the middle of a stubborn cook. The stainless rod I use is a little larger in diameter and of course stiffer than a coat-hanger, and a lot harder to come by.
7. Hey thirdeye, do the ThirdHands come in any colors?
No, but a guy I know took some to a shop that does marine quality powder coating, and they came out really nice. If you try spray painting them at home, clean your ThirdHand with acetone to remove any traces of grease and oils. Use two coats of a really good primer, paying special attention to the bends and ends. Be sure and let it cure a day or two. Follow the primer with a couple of coats of a good metal paint, letting that cure 4 or 5 days or whatever is recommended.
Another user has used a plastic tool handle coating product on the handle of his ThirdHand.
8. You really put some thought into your designs, but are there any other uses for my ThirdHand?.
I've used mine on my Dutch oven, both to lift the lid and to remove the whole oven from my cooker. I've also used my ThirdHand to slide the oven grates out and push them back in. I have used two ThirdHands to remove a hot wok from my Big Green Egg.
One ThirdHand owner reported that he used his ThirdHand to operate the jack when changing a tire. I'm glad it was tough enough to do the job.
A friend that owns a barbecue restaurant uses ThirdHands to remove and replace grates on his commercial cooker.
9. You mentioned other "special" tools, like what?
I've made some special racks, some lump stirring rods, tools for lifting charcoal baskets from vertical drum cookers, some special duty hooks, and a few Brisket-N-Butt Stickers. Most of these things are one or two of a kind, and sometimes I need plenty of lead time to work out the design and get my hands on material. I prefer to work only in stainless steel, sometimes it's hard to come by.