How to pass temp. cables into kettle??

[Tony Kopacz]

Two cooks in with the Auber 1615 and the Maverick 732. I am very happy with their performance and the results of the cooks...ribs and a pork roast.
I am passing the cables through one of the top vent holes. No problem with the Auber cable, it's 6' long. However the cables on the Maverick are 3' and are painfully short. Has any one devised a way to pass the cables through the lower section of the kettle so that they are sealed and removable after the cook? I am thinking of using silicon caulk to seal a groove cut vertically in the side of the kettle at the mating point of the lid. Ideas welcome.

[Jerod Broussard]

3/16" hole just above grate height.

I run an Auber and two Mavericks through mine.

[Dr ROK]

I don't remember who had the original idea, but I copied it and it worked great. Drilled a couple holes just above grate height (as noted by Jerod Broussard ) and then use some threaded pipe like the stuff that goes in lamps. Cut a couple pieces for each hole and then you can also get threaded caps that screw on for the outside and a simple nut screwed on the inside to hold it in place. No open holes when your not using your thermometer probes. I couldn't find a picture of it, so I posted some links where you can see what I'm talking about. Not sure they are all the same size, but you will want them all the same size. You should be able to get them at any hardware store.

http://www.antiquelampsupply.com/product/1731_18-ip-steel-all-thread-nipples

http://www.antiquelampsupply.com/product/4838_916-inch-brass-bracket-cap-8-32-tap

http://www.antiquelampsupply.com/product/4799_78-inch-brass-nut-38ips

[Medusa]

I believe my probe holes are 1/4" (Mavericks). I just use 1/4" bolts with washers / wingnut to close off unused holes. 1 above food grate for meat, 1 above food grate for temp probe, 1 below food grate for taking temp if cooking low. Sometimes I only need 1 probe, e.g., ribs, wings.

[Tony Kopacz]

Thanks guys. The problem is with the food probe on the 732, it's got a 90 deg. bend in it. If I used the pipe it would need to be a large diam.. I could still do it though and seal the pipe with putty as with any hole during the cook.

[Dr ROK]

I can run my 90 degree probes through the lamp sized pipe. Just make your piece of pipe about a quarter inch or so. The shorter the better. Just enough to give enough threads so you can screw the nut on the inside and the cap on the outside.

[broilking4]

There probes with 6 foot cables available for the 732. I got some from Amazon.

[broilking4]

And I just discovered there is also a straight food probe available for the ET732 & ET 733

http://www.amazon.com/6-Foot-Replacement-Hybrid-Probe-Maverick/dp/B016AO6B6G/ref=sr_1_3?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1454685167&sr=1-3&keywords=maverick+replacement+probe

[MBMorgan]

Like most everyone here, I drill a hole just barely large enough to accommodate the probe(s). If I'm not using probe(s), I plug the hole with a short nut & bolt finger tight. Easy!

[Medusa]

Here's a C&P from an earlier post...

Hi Munch

I had no issues with a center punch on my Weber OTS, but mebbe I was lucky. I did place a block of wood on the inside to prevent any metal "punch out" when the bit runs through the kettle. Pilot holes are essential!

Below is info from a previous post of mine. I really don't mess with placing the grommets that much, tho. I have found (tips from this site) that black binder clamps do a great job of cutting down leaking kettles!

Hi Burn,

I use these as someone else here recommended them. McMaster-Carr High-Temp Grommets item # 1061T11. You get 25 for $6.14 - www.mcmaster.com

I split them (recommended by same person) and work them around the cable so I don't have to push the probe through them. A little bit of a pain to fit into the grill, but they work very well. Easy to lose, though (due to the split) if you are pulling cables out and not paying attention.

Panel hole diameter of 1/4 and panel thickness of 1/16 is perfect for Weber Kettle & Maverick Probes. I used a steel punch to make an indent, then drilled 1/8 hole as pilot, and finished with 1/4. Hold a block of wood where you are drilling so you don't get sharp edges in the metal when the bit goes through.

Drilled 1 hole about 2 inches above the lower grate and 1 hole about 2 inches above the upper grate. I use 1/4 inch hex bolt with washers / wing nut to close off any hole I'm not using.

Highly recommend 6 foot probes if you can get them for the 732. I have a 733.

HTH,

--Ed

[Nieuport]

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/pitmaster-general-discussion/99489-using-temp-probes-in-a-weber-kettle

The curved food probe can be curved thru the 1/2" length of pipe.

[fuzzydaddy]

I drilled ~3/8" holes in both my 22" and 26" kettle and have never plugged them with anything and never noticed any temp control issues. I do have to use binder clips on my 22" as the lid will leak a lot without them. The 26" lid fits very snug, in part because of the weight of it. I just installed a BBQ Guru adaptor in my 22" so I can use my PartyQ for long cooks. I also have the ceramic adaptor for my BGE. When I get the bucks I'm going to look at the DigiQ DX2 so I can run both at the same time and just because I want one.

[Siouxfan]

Instead of drilling, I put a ring of Nomex gasket on the kettle lid, leaving a 1/4" gap in it. Then just line the wires up with the gap!

[Danjohnston949]

Siouxfan, Good to here from you Again It Been Awhile? Could you Post a Pic? Your Northern Fighting Sioux Fan! I Don't Give a Damn What the NCAA Says!
Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[Siouxfan]

No problem! I am on vaca till next weekend, so look for it after that.

[Huskee]

I'm an under the lid guy. Simple, no extra effort and no extra supplies.

[DWCowles]

I'm like Huskee under the lid or thur the top vent

[Danjohnston949]

DWCowles, & Huskee, I have been doing the under the Lid Method every since Aaron advised Me to do it that way! He also gave me His Billing Address in case the Probe got cut! Hasn't Happened Yet very little if any heat loss Noted!
Eat Well and Prosper! From Fargo ND, Dan

[Jon Solberg]

This is what I do. I know its a re-run. I'm just cable management OCD. I dont block unused holes or use grommets

https://vimeo.com/134139647

[Danjohnston949]

@Jon Solberd, You're the Man Jon THE MANNNNN! Just Thought You Should Know! Dan

[DWCowles]

That's to much like work to me Jon Solberg