How do I install steel dowels into the side walls of my brick bbq?

Question

This is a follow up this question: How can I rig a raising/lowering mechanism to my grill?

I get the sense that trying to make a fancy mechanism will be too much trouble, so I will go with steel dowels in the side.

Obviously I need to drill some holes, which will be no problem, but do I need to use some kind of sealant, like grouting or high temp silicone? Or should I just insert them dry?

Answer 1

Long story short- go with concrete anchors. They are all-metal, so you just put them in drilled holes, and tighten (mind the force, as they could crack bricks).

Answer 2

IMO dry but tight would be fine. Who knows if whatever adhesive you might use will offgas with heat? They should really only undergo shear forces, which adhesive wouldn't really do much for.

Answer 3

Not a sealant, but an adhesive--ideally something that's not too flexible, like epoxy.

You could also use sleeve anchors, removing the washer and nut after install. Just go easy--brick won't tolerate extreme stress.

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