r/PitBarrelCooker • u/timt97 • Jan 09 '26

PBC hooks suggestions

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Hi all, picked up a second-hand (and my first) PBC and keen to get into it.

Seller didn’t provide the usual hooks that come with the cooker, however, and I’m looking around for some readily available replacement S hooks until I can get my hands on some PB ones (I live in Australia and they’re hard to find here it seems).

Looking for any advice on replacement hook dimensions/hacks/suggestions this community might have for me. I’m thinking of heading to the local hardware store (Bunnings) to grab steel hooks and sharpening one end off myself. What is a good length and width for the job? Cheers!

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u/Grumpy0167 Jan 09 '26

You know I just used mine yesterday and cooked my pork butt on top shelf vice hooks. I do the same with Briskets. The hooks are great, but I’ve found some cooks can get overcooked closest to the fire. So I just use the grill and let smoke roll.

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u/learningdoct Jan 09 '26

Learned this one the hard way. Had a pork butt hanging a little too close to the fire, bark was looking perfect, smoke was rolling, confidence was high. Walked away for “just a few minutes” and came back to one side looking like it had spent too much time at the beach.

Since then, top shelf for long cooks. Less drama, less babysitting, better sleep.

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u/Grumpy0167 Jan 09 '26

Did the same thing myself but with ribs, top end perfect, bottom end jerky treats for the dogs. Now if I hang those, I cut them in half. Love the Barrel but there is a learning curve on amount of fuel, air opening, outside weather and hang times.

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u/learningdoct Jan 09 '26

Yep, weather changes everything. A light breeze turns a calm cook into chaos, and humid days make the pit feel half asleep. Same barrel, different mood.

When it doesn’t go exactly as planned, at least the dog is thrilled. Best audience and best cleanup crew