DIY (myself!) Project - Repair Fire Pit Holes - help!

Parent Cafe
1

<p>So, sometimes the hubby isn’t too quick on getting jobs important to me done… ;)</p>

<p>Our fire pit (freestanding, round) has a few rusted through holes in it. The rest of the the bottom is not currently rusted and seems decently sturdy. I’d like to try and solve the problem myself and surprise the hubby if I can actually get it done myself. So I’m looking for step by step instructions on how to patch the holes myself!</p>

<p>There are probably 3 or 4 holes. The largest being like 1 x 2 inches - not exactly sure, probably need to take a better look. Is there some type of filler I can use?? A couple step process where I fill with something, sand and then spray with a metal based paint???</p>

<p>I’ve heard that it’s pretty hard to find replacement bowls. I love the firepit base and don’t want to replace it. Help??!</p>

2

<p>Its a little hard without a picture to give proper advice.</p>

<p>The freestanding, portable fire pits I’ve seen are made of relatively light metal, and I believe that most of them have holes in the bottom of the pit to drain rain that gets into the pit. I’m wondering if your holes are the drain holes that have enlarged themselves by corrosion and heat consumption. </p>

<p>In any case, on a spherical surface with relatively thin metal, its difficult to patch a hole. Its especially difficult to patch one where the surface is subjected to a lot of heat. I think my first step would be a thorough search for replacement bowls. If you can find the manufacturer, sometimes they are able to do things that aren’t advertised on their website. </p>

3

<p>There aren’t any drain holes that are visable, but there is a raised thingy in the middle of the bottom of the fire pit that must have a drainage hole in the bottom. Clearly it’s not enough though and some standing water has been a problem in the pit. </p>

4

<p>Most likely the material is cast iron or cast aluminum. Outside of getting a new fire pit, I suggest lining the bottom with rocks, brick, or even large sheet metal you can cut. You can always ask the nice folks at Ace hardware, Home Depot, or Lowes for other suggestion.</p>

5

<p>I think I have my next project.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.firepitsite.com/blog/restoring-an-old-fire-pit/”>http://www.firepitsite.com/blog/restoring-an-old-fire-pit/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

6

<p>^^^They always make it look so easy!</p>

7

<p>Thanks EK!!! Our fire pit IS round so that may be little more difficult. Maybe I won’t get it done myself, but this might at least encourage H to help me get it done!</p>