Installation of Tel-Tru BQ300 BBQ Thermometer in 18.5 WSM

[Heloflyer]

Tel-Tru BQ300 BBQ Thermometer installation looks pretty straightforward, but when I took off the Weber Thermometer in the lid, it has a much smaller diameter hole. Is there a best way to expand the hole to 1/2" diameter using a standard 18Volt drill? (Makita) I want to expand the hole, which is a curved painted surface and then spray it with appropriate paint to keep it rustproof. The trick will be to keep the drill from wandering since I don't have a pilot hole to anchor it.

[Jon Solberg]

Hey helo,

the existing thermometer should have a hole that pass's thru the lid and give you a hole to use as a pilot?



From here its a half inch hole saw from done.

I wouldn't worry much about rust proofing You will see when you take out the existing therm thats just bare metal in that hole..

[Heloflyer]

Great, I wouldn't have noticed it was bare already. I really like the glow feature on the replacement because I tend to start real early with something like a pork butt

[eugenek]

You can use a step drill bit that help ease the transition between hole sizes. I used one for installing the lid hinge on my WSM to minimize chipping.

[Heloflyer]

I just saw your post and will give it a try. Thank you