Those expensive charcoal blocks have a nasty habit of quickly pitting and/or cracking.

Sodium Silicate or "waterglass" is a quick and cheap fix. It can be found at most hardware stores or chemical supply houses. We I paid about $2.50 for this 2 oz. bottle at Ace Hardware. It is labeled "Stove Gasket Adhesive" by Rutland Products.

First, file the surface flat with a course file, then simply smear the soldering surface of the block with this thick clear liquid. Let it dry overnight so the pitting problem will be slowed and the block will last much longer.

To repair a cracked block, paint both of the inside cracks with the sodium silicate and piece together. Let it set and dry overnight. Viola, you have one piece again.

The block on the right was repaired and the top surface coated with this product. We recommend leaving the sides uncoated to allow for heat and gas to escape.

Click on the picture to return to Tips.