Drill bit for kettle temp probes?

[Kettle_man]

I've just got the Maverick LT-733 thermometer. I'd like to drill the hole(s) in my kettle bottom to put the probe wires through . Do I need a metal bit for that? About what size? Both probes through the same hole? Grommet to protect wires?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

[Dr ROK]

You'll want a metal bit that is larger than your probe. If the probe has a bend in it, you'll want it big enough to accommodate the bend. I drilled a hole big enough for a short piece of threaded "lamp pipe" and used a couple flat nuts to hold it on. Also have a cap that screws on the outside when not using probes.

[RonB]

I bought a 3/4" brass close nipple and used a step bit to drill the hole. I was fortunate enough to drill the hole the right size so that I could screw the nipple directly into the hole. I did use a brass nut to lock it in place. I do use a silicon plug to plug the hoe when not using a probe. I also use the plug when I'm using probes to help control air entering the grill.

I suggest drilling the hole just far enough below the rim of the bottom of the kettle to prevent the nipple from interfering with the lid when it is in use. I wish I had drilled the hole in mine a bit higher to make it easier to inset the probes.

[phoccer]

I second the step drill bit comment. Let's you gradually increase the size to get to what you need.

[Steve R.]

I learned to start with a smaller bit than the probe and then bore it out to a size slightly larger than the probe. I wouldn't insert the probe far enough for the wires to contact the kettle. 2 or 3 inches in is really all you need and that keeps it out of the vicinity of the meat, which can throw off your readings if you get too close.

[Medusa]

Somewhere on this forum I have a more detailed post, but the short and skinny is that...

1. Used 1 small punch to make an indent where I wanted the holes.

2. Used 1/8 inch bit for pilot holes.

3. Stepped up to final diameter of 1/4 inch.

Didn't buy any special bit, just used common bits on hand. You should hold a block of wood inside the kettle to prevent any ragged edges when the bit punches through.

I have 3 holes. 1 down low and two about 2 - 3 inches below the rim. Unused holes are closed off using 1/4 inch bolts, washers, and wing nuts. The white circles on the picture below shows the 2 (upper) that I use most. Hole up front is for grate temp probe and hole to right is for meat probe.

Hope this helps, --Ed

[gcdmd]

Why carriage bolts rather than regular common bolts? What do you use the other, down low, hole for? TIA.

George

[Medusa]

Actually, I think I did use common bolts... so used to having carriage bolts around for different projects.

I think I put the lower hole in for measuring temp at the charcoal grate level. I've never cooked anything on this grate, though... but it is an option.

[gcdmd]

Thanks, Ed. What do you use the down low hole for?

[Mr. Bones]

While cleaning my newly acquired 18.5" WSM today, I noticed it has been drilled with 2 1/4" holes on th' left side, doubtless for probes...
Well, at least I didn't do it.
Guess I might have an excuse to finally use my 732, now...

[TheCountofQ]

2 1/4" holes!! Just how big are these probes you speak of??

[Mr. Bones]

hopefully ~1/4" minus, so I don't haveta enlarge th' holes TheCountofQ

[TheCountofQ]

HaHa!! I read that as 2 & 1/4". Not 2 x 1/4". Was thinking the size of probe an alien might use on Jenna Haze.

[Wando52]

I run my probe through the vent at the bottom, still able to function the vent without issue. Holes in the side might keep the wire a little cleaner, but you won't have to put a hole in the grill.

[phoccer]

Here is the guide I followed for my mod.

[fuzzydaddy]

I drilled my probe holes with an old bit I had and it wasn't easy. Then when I drilled my 26" kettle for the PartyQ adapter I bought a quality step bit and it cut through like butter.

[Jimmie Rhoden]

Thanks for sharing that information, I've been seriously thinking about drilling a hole in my 26 inch Weber kettle for the probes. I see a quality step bit in my future now, I'm not sure but there has to be a video out there on how to do this process that I can look at before I proceed with this procedure. If any of you good folks out there know of one please share I don't mind looking at four or five different videos

[Willy]

Step bits are great, but expensive and they can "get away from you". I had zero trouble drilling my kettle with plain old titanium bits. Start a 1/8" and step up to probably 5/16 or 3/8. Really easy.

[phoccer]

True, step bits can get away from you. The key for me was to put very little pressure on the bit and let it work it's way through. If you push on it too hard, you'll blow a big hole in the kettle.

[Histrix]

I added an UnknownBBQ Weber Hinge to my kettle a couple years ago. Lot of holes to drill. Not difficult but a bit of a pain especially if you're not familiar with drilling in metal and take the necessary precautions/methods to keep the bit from skating and messing up the porcelain.

Instead of drilling holes some folks will just take a hacksaw or Dremel and cut a slot in the lip of either the base or the lid. By cutting a slot you only need a cut large enough to keep the wire from getting crimped when the lid is on. A lot smaller opening and a lot easier that drilling holes.