How to Replace Your AdjustaGrill Stake | DIY Guide
How to Replace Your AdjustaGrill Stake
The AdjustaGrill stake is built to last decades — solid 5/8" tapered carbon steel doesn't bend, break, or hollow out like cheaper competitors. But if you've had yours since the 90s, passed it through rocky ground a thousand times, or simply lost it on a river trip, here's exactly how to replace it.
What Size Stake Does the AdjustaGrill Use?
The original AdjustaGrill stake is 5/8" diameter solid carbon steel, tapered to a point, approximately 24" in length. The taper is what allows it to drive cleanly into hard ground without needing a mallet.
If you're sourcing a replacement from a hardware store, look for a solid round steel rod — not hollow, not galvanized — at 5/8" diameter. A standard rebar stake won't work because the diameter and taper are different.
The Easiest Option — Order Direct
The simplest replacement is to order a genuine AdjustaGrill stake directly from adjustagrill.com. It's machined to the exact spec your swivel arm was built around, so fit and function are guaranteed.
Hardware Store Option
If you need a field fix fast, here's what to look for:
- 5/8" solid steel round rod, minimum 24" length
- Carbon steel or hot-rolled steel — avoid galvanized near food and fire
- Tapered or pointed end — if it's blunt, a metal file and 10 minutes will get you there
Home Depot and Ace Hardware both carry solid steel rod stock in the metals section. Grip-Rite and similar brands carry rebar stakes but verify solid construction before purchasing.
Installing the Replacement Stake
- Choose your spot — look for firm ground away from roots and rocks
- Push the stake in by hand to start the hole straight
- Drive with a rubber mallet if needed — never a metal hammer which can mushroom the top
- Check vertical with a quick eyeball — the swivel arm needs a straight stake to rotate cleanly
- Attach the swivel arm collar and tighten
- Test the swing — it should rotate 360 degrees without binding
Tip from 30 Years in the Field
On river trips where ground is sandy or loose, drive the stake at a slight angle away from the fire — about 5 degrees. This counteracts the outward pressure of the grate when loaded with a heavy cast iron pan.
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