bulkhead thermometer order fail

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by corbmoster, Jul 22, 2016.

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  1. corbmoster

    corbmoster Pundit (848) Dec 15, 2014 Texas
    Trader

    I ordered a thermometer with a 2.5 inch probe for my 8 gallon megapot. Problem is, nothing else came with it. It has 1/2" mpt. What do I need to attach it to a kettle? A couple of high temp 1/2 inch washers and a slim 1/2 inch ss nut? Something like this?
     
    #1 corbmoster, Jul 22, 2016
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2016
  2. Naugled

    Naugled Pooh-Bah (1,944) Sep 25, 2007 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    That's zackly what you need. And a way to make a hole in your kettle...
     
    #2 Naugled, Jul 22, 2016
    corbmoster likes this.
  3. corbmoster

    corbmoster Pundit (848) Dec 15, 2014 Texas
    Trader

    Thanks! I did get titanium coated step bit and cutting oil. I also have a nail to ping a dimple. I'veseen enough videos on how to do it that I shouldn't be nervous, but I am :slight_smile:
     
    #3 corbmoster, Jul 22, 2016
  4. Naugled

    Naugled Pooh-Bah (1,944) Sep 25, 2007 New York
    Pooh-Bah

    good luck, stainless is tricky to drill.
     
    #4 Naugled, Jul 22, 2016
  5. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    If you're new with a step bit you can shake the jitters by practicing on a scrap piece of metal. When it's showtime, try cutting a 2 x 4 the diameter of your kettle and place it as a brace for rigidity. Use the scrap ends for "chocks" so the kettle doesn't try and roll away from you. If you drill slowly you'll finish quicker. Final suggestion, consider placing the probe as low as possible in the kettle.
     
    #5 PortLargo, Jul 23, 2016
  6. CADETS3

    CADETS3 Initiate (0) Dec 3, 2014 Texas

    Don't be nervous. I work with metal everyday of my life and it was super easy when I drilled holes all over my kegs. I do suggest that you use a .250" drill bit to get the hole started after you make a center punch. It'll be easier on your step drill. Keeping it cooled down won't be 100% necessary unless you go balls to the wall with the RPM. Just run the RPMs nice and slow and hold firm pressure against the kettle. One other thing, make the hole as small as possible to get a *perfect* leak free seal. I actually made mine just barely large enough where I actually threaded in the fittings through the sidewall of the keg. The kegs are only about .06 thick.
     
    #6 CADETS3, Jul 23, 2016
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