Here is another quick little how to if you don't want to go the video route. Check out my how to on the Kamado Joe Air Lift Hinge not holding the lid / dome as well as how to fix your KJ lid not latching. Now onto the Kamado Joe Dome Lid Alignment Adjustment!
It's really hard to tell from that picture but the top dome lid is not aligned with the bottom.
This picture shows a much better view of the alignment. Not only is the dome lid uneven it is also not seating properly flush to the bottom. This will cause a leak and make temperatures fluctuate and harder to control.
Ok I lied there is a video. In this one you can see the Kamado Joe's band moving on the bottom. This causes the air lift hinge to shift up and down which doesn't help with the alignment. So how do we fix it and get the Dome adjusted?
As you can see by the highlighted text in the above picture we need to adjust aka tighten the nuts and the bolt.
Use an 11/16 to adjust the Kamado Joe's band and tighten it. I used an Allen wrench on the bolt to prevent it from moving as I tightened it. I tightened the band before going through and tightening all the nuts.
It's a 10mm to adjust the smaller nuts.
The latch wasn't properly alighted so while I had my tools out I went ahead and fixed it. Just loosen the nuts and slide it back into proper alignment. The larger nuts use a 13mm.
Let's test it out! In the above video you can see the band barely moves compared to the first one. If it does, just tighten it a little bit more till it is secure.
Now you can see the lid is starting to get more flush and there is less of a gap in alignment. Adjust as needed till the Kamado Joe's dome lid sits flush and closes smoothly. Now your Kamado Joe Dome Lid Alignment Adjustment!
I used my DeWalt's Mechanics tool kit for this as it had everything I needed to adjust the bands. As of writing this article the 108 piece set is 51% off. Check often as DeWalt runs frequent sales on Amazon.
I use the Kamado Joe Classic II and the Pit Barrel Cooker! Check out flavorflamebbq.com for more information on the Kamado Joe, accessories, fuel, meats and more! FFBBQ participates in some affiliate programs so by purchasing from links you are helping support the site and we may earn some commissions! So far FFBBQ has made a few dollars! Thanks for helping to keep the flame going!
