Is One Hook Enough on the PBC?

[bep35]

I have six racks of St. Louise Ribs to cook and only eight hooks. Is one hook enough to hold up a rack of ribs as they get to the end of the cook? I don't want them falling into the fire. What has your experience been?

[pkadare]

I've always used a single hook, but I do hook them 2 or 3 ribs down from the end. Never had one fall.

[PNWsmoke]

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/charcoal-drums-barrels-and-bullet-smokers/pit-barrel-cooker/1229967-8-rack-rib-cook

[hoovarmin]

It should be fine as long as you don't overcook them. That's a really subjective notion, but after 2 hours check them often. Funny thing, even if one falls in the coals it will probably be just fine if you fish it out before too much time. Order more hooks today so you can double-hook and not have to worry anymore.

[fzxdoc]

What hoovarmin said. You'll probably be just fine with one hook placed in a solid rib space, maybe 3 or more ribs down. But order more hooks for next time; they're a relatively inexpensive form of PBC insurance.

Kathryn

[Spinaker]

I always double hook when I can. There is no reason not too, unless you run out of hooks.

[JCBBQ]

Yep. What Spinaker said. Once you lose a rack to the bbq gods you’ll always double hook.

[HawkerXP]

Double the thinner looking ones. I've had a few that would have fallen if I didn't double. Like above, I place hook below the third bone.

[tdimond]

I did a single hook the first time I made ribs and had a casualty. I've been double-hooking ever since.

[Soonerpop]

I’ve never double-hooked in the PBJ. I hook 2-3 bones down. Haven’t had a problem.

[shify]

I always single hook racks (usually since I cook six half racks and only have 8 hooks) and have sacrificed one (half) rack to the PBC gods. The hook slid through the meat about 5 min before I was about to pull them off (only noticed cause suddenly smoke started pouring out). If you make sure to hook in the middle you should be fine. The rack I lost was hooked a little off-center and I’m guessing the uneven weight caused it to pull sideways thru the meat almost like a knife vs vertically and held up by the bones and the meat gave out.

since the loss, I keep a close eye and add a 2nd hook to any that look like they might slide off in the last ~30 min of the cook.

[Livermoron]

I've never used two hooks and have done 6-8 ribs multiple times. I generally hook them 2-3 ribs in. Never had one drop on me...

[RichieB]

I never thought to double hook. Never had an issue. I cut the rack in half so it's not too close to the fire and the bottom gets over done. It's worked out so far.

[bep35]

Used single hooks on all racks. No issues with ribs dropping into the fire. Thanks everyone!