Make a Barbecue Mop

A common tool in any barbecue arsenal, the mop is used to baste meat while it's on the grill or smoker. The mop looks like a miniature floor mop, and is essentially a cotton-string head on a handle, so it's easy to make your own! This mop has the added bonus of having a removable head for easier washing.

Steps

 * 1)  [[Image:Zip_Ties_456.JPG|thumb]] [[Image:Chair_Stoppers_618.JPG|thumb]] Gather your supplies. Consult the "Things You'll Need" list below.
 * 2)  [[Image:Cut_Dowels_380.JPG|thumb]] Cut your 7/8" dowel into either two 12" pieces, or two 18" inch pieces.  The longer the handle, the less likely you are to burn yourself while using the mop!
 * 3)  [[Image:Drilling_Chair_Stoppers_578.JPG|thumb]] Drill two holes on opposite sides of the chair stopper with a 1/8" drill bit.  Drilling from the inside will make it easier to feed the zip tie into the holes.
 * 4)  [[Image:Inserting_Zip_Tie_885.JPG|thumb]] [[Image:Inserted_Zip_Tie_574.JPG|thumb]] Insert the zip tie into one hole, and back out through the other.  Make sure the large, square end of the zip tie is on the outside of the stopper, not the inside.
 * 5)  [[Image:Glass_64.JPG|thumb]]Find a cylindrical object around which to wind your cotton string or twine, approximately 4-5" in diameter.  A small oatmeal container works well.
 * 6)  [[Image:String_Wound_Glass_789.JPG|thumb]] Wind the string about 100 times around the cylinder, pausing every 5-10 wraps to push them together.  If you need to, slide the string off of the cylinder to make room, but be sure not to let it unwind.
 * 7)  [[Image:String_Clump_180.JPG|thumb]] Slide the string off of the end of the cylinder.  You should have a clump of string in a rough circle.
 * 8)  [[Image:Tying_String_Clump_972.JPG|thumb]] Making sure the ends of the string are not dangling loose, place one side of the clump of string into the zip tie/chair stopper.
 * 9)  [[Image:Tightening_String_Clump_34.JPG|thumb]]Tighten the zip tie as tight as you can without breaking it or damaging the chair stopper.  Clip the excess from the end of the zip tie.
 * 10)  [[Image:Finished_Head_81.jpg|thumb]] [[Image:Finished_Head_on_Mop_921.JPG|thumb]]Push the finished head onto the dowel.
 * 11)  [[Image:Drilling_Handle_Hole_266.JPG|thumb]] If you want to create a loop to hang the mop on, drill a hole in the end of the dowel with the 1/8" bit.
 * 12)  [[Image:Inserting_Wire_160.JPG|thumb]] Thread about 5" of wire through the hole.
 * 13)  [[Image:Twisting_Wire_331.JPG|thumb]] [[Image:Bending_Wire_625.JPG|thumb]] Twist the ends together, and fold them over.
 * 14)  [[Image:Hiding_Wire_154.JPG|thumb]] [[Image:Hidden Wire.jpg|thumb]]Pull the twisted ends through the handle to hide them.
 * 15)  [[Image:Final Product.jpg|thumb]] Add the mop to your other barbecue tools and enjoy!

Tips

 * Leaving the square connecting part of the zip tie on the outside of the stopper allows the head to attach more flush with the handle.
 * To prevent any mop sauce from absorbing into the wooden handle through the holes in the chair stopper, you may want to wrap the end of the dowel with plastic wrap before attaching the mop head.
 * When using a mop sauce, keep it in container on the grill (Pyrex dish, aluminum pan, etc.) or in a pot on the stovetop to kill any bacteria the mop may pick up.
 * You can use any 100% cotton string, yarn, twine, or even thin braided cotton rope. Store-bought mops typically use cotton twine, available at hardware stores.  The twine is less likely to stick to itself, which creates a more even distribution of the mop sauce over the food. 2lb or 3lb weight twine works great.
 * To wash, use dishwashing detergent to get most of the grease out, and either throw the head in the dishwasher, or washing machine.
 * A bit of glue where the zip tie goes will help keep the string in place.
 * You can cut the strings once they are tied (and glued) in place so they are loose instead of in loops.
 * Feel free to paint or stain the dowel.
 * If the mop unravels or needs to be fixed, simply remove the head, cut the zip tie, and start over.

Warnings

 * Use standard precautions whenever sawing, drilling, or doing any potentially dangerous activities.
 * You may want to give the dowel a general sanding before you use it.
 * Use caution when mopping or basting that you do not burn or melt the parts of the mop.
 * Be sure to wash the mop well to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Things You'll Need

 * 1 7/8" diameter wooden dowel (at least 18" long), usually comes in 36" lengths
 * 1 plastic zip tie
 * 1 rubber chair stopper with a 7/8" inner diameter
 * about 30 yards of 100% cotton string, yarn, or twine.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make a BBQ Hat and Apron
 * How to Barbecue Safely
 * How to Build a Temporary Brick Barbecue
 * How to Celebrate National Barbecue Month