Hinge taps

The hinge taps or clicks

The hinge and the bands are under high spring tension. The manual: never loosen the bands or take the hinge apart without the hinge disengagement kit fitted, because the hinge cannot be removed safely without it. Any change of dome, base or bands needs two people, gloves and safety glasses (the Classic II's 2025 manual; the Big Joe's dome is heavier still). Refit the base band first, front pin first, with a helper holding the hinge (Kamado Joe Europe).

Kamado Joe Europe: the spring is seated badly. Fit the tube and nut so the spring is unloaded, turn the spring about 2.5 cm (1 in) round by hand, close the dome, then take the nut and tube off.