Dome Type Smoker Tips

[Cajun1]

Just recently I went online to order some parts for my Cajun Cookin' smoker. After ordering the parts, I started looking around at how others smoke meats on their smokers. I have been using these dome type smokers for well over 30 years.
Anyway, I saw in some pics that people were using a length of rope to seal the cover to the body. I have never tried this before. Is this done to keep the heat and smoke from escaping? What type of rope is being used?
Also, when I bought my 1st smoker eons ago, the charcoal pan had a 3/4" hole in the center for letting air in. Now the newer pans don't. Was this discontinued for safety reasons? I drilled several 1/2" holes in my new pan.
Any tips anyone has about the dome type smokers is greatly appreciated.

[k.a.m.]

Welcome to the ring Cajun1, looking forward to seeing some pics of your cooks.
Yes the gasket helps seal the lids. The most common is stove gasket material made by Rutland. It does come in different sizes.
http://www.amazon.com/Rutland-Stove-Gasket-Rope-91/dp/B000FKDMN2
The hole in the pan was discontinued because of fire hazards.
I hope this helps.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker