Suggestions needed on removing Ash Sweeper on Weber 22" Kettle

[RichardCullip]

I'm in the process of trying to replace my ash sweepers on my old Weber 22" Kettle and I'm stuck. I can't remove the old ash sweeper as the level is stubbornly locked in place. Weber (and a plethora of YouTube videos) show how easy it is to use a flat head screw driver and a firm tap with a mallet to unlock the tab from the slot that is locking everything in place. Unfortunately I can't seem to get that stubborn tab loose so I can't remove the lever. Any suggestions on how to unlock that the tab so I can disassemble the ash sweeper?

[fuzzydaddy]

Flip it upside down and carefully use a hacksaw on the lever. I had to do that once when nothing else worked. If I recall correctly it took a couple of cuts.

[RichardCullip]

Thanks for the hacksaw suggestion. I'm going to give the screw driver and mallet a few more whacks to see if I can knock it loose. Then out will come the hacksaw....

[RichardCullip]

Thanks for suggesting the hacksaw method. It worked!

[Purc]

I just replaced mine about 6 weeks ago. PITA for just one person and only 2 hands. I scraped the bowl and all around the sweeps. Needed a screw driver and of course a hammer with the bowl upside down to get the sweeps off. Keep trying. I also bought my new sweeps from Amazon. They were about half the price as the Weber OEM. So far so good after a number of cooks.

[RichardCullip]

My attempts with hammer and screw driver have failed to knock the handle loose. Hacksaw might be my next method.

[LA Pork Butt]

Would an application of WD 40 help?

[RichardCullip]

It just laughed at the WD40. Hacksaw took care of it. Mission accomplished.

[RichieB]

As a mentioned somewhere else the sweeps are frozen and I ordered the replacements so a few days ago, I maneuvered it off the deck. I took some serious scolding from my wife for doing that. Today I was able to remove the old. It wasn't easy but WD-40 certainly helped. What did we do before YouTube? I cleaned the tub using Dove Powerwash rinsed with the hose on jet. Then more Powerwash, scraped and rinse. Not perfect but around the sweep cleaned and shiny. It's drying and tomorrow I'll put in the replacement.

[Purc]

3 hands are better than 2 in replacing the sweeps. Ask her to lend a hand and the replacement will be very easy.

[RichieB]

Thanks Purc I plan on her help
Again, some YouTube videos recommend it.

[RichieB]

Tomorrow winded up being 10 days later with the help of Nancy, its replaced and back up on the deck. Most likely won't use for a couple of days as I have a line up of griddle meals for today and tomorrow.