Help - Install Tel Tru Thermometers

TheHojo · Dec 12, 2014

Just ordered and received two tel-tru's that I need to install on my smoker - unfortunately, they require a hole large enough for a 1/2 inch NPT connection - the current ones I have that I want to replace only have a hole large enough for a 1/4th inch NPT. Instalation instructions call for using a 7/8th drill bit and to use the installation kit (which I have). Is it possible to use a hand drill with a 7/8th drill bit to enlarge the holes that currently exist and hold the thermometers I want to replace - thank you

ButtBurner · Dec 12, 2014

I drilled a smoker out for a thermo with a Unibit (step drill bit)

worked great. they are very handy to have around anyway

pjtexas1 · Dec 12, 2014

I don't know how much it would cost but I would check to see if I could return them and get the correct ones. Just another option.

HBMTN · Dec 12, 2014

When I built my smoker in 2007 I drilled the holes for 1/2npt with a 1/2 drill hand drill. The pipe was 3/8" steel wall and I did not have any problem.

THoey1963 · Dec 12, 2014

Yeah, get one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-1-4-in-to-1-3-8-in-Step-Drill-Bit-59009SEN/100662408

AussieMatt · Dec 12, 2014

THoey1963 said:
Yeah, get one of these:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-1-4-in-to-1-3-8-in-Step-Drill-Bit-59009SEN/100662408

If you've got a Harbor Freight nearby, get it for about 1/3 the price.

SmittyJonz · Dec 12, 2014

Use Oil with them Step Bits or they Dull Fast - ESp. The Harbor Freight Cheapos.....

TheHojo · Dec 12, 2014

What kind of oil do you use and can you just use a standard hand held drill with a unibit to get through 1/4 inch steel?

SmittyJonz · Dec 12, 2014

You can use WD40 but there is Cutting Oil sold in lil clicker cans.

http://www.warrenpipe.com/hardware-store/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=1024

Tap Majic is a common one.

viking72 · Dec 13, 2014

See;

[FONT=&quot]http://www.teltru.com/p-610-barbecue-grill-thermometer-bq225-2-inch-dial-and-4-inch-stem.aspx[/FONT]

Later,
Doug

IamMadMan · Dec 13, 2014

TheHojo said:
Just ordered and received two tel-tru's that I need to install on my smoker - unfortunately, they require a hole large enough for a 1/2 inch NPT connection - the current ones I have that I want to replace only have a hole large enough for a 1/4th inch NPT. Instalation instructions call for using a 7/8th drill bit and to use the installation kit (which I have). Is it possible to use a hand drill with a 7/8th drill bit to enlarge the holes that currently exist and hold the thermometers I want to replace - thank you

Yes you can, but use a lower speed so it doesn't get away from you. As indicated above a good uni-bit would work as well.

Yellowhair42 · Dec 13, 2014

You don't need cutting oil. The most important thing is keeping the bit cool. Slow rotation speed and just use water to keep it cool.

Help - Install Tel Tru Thermometers

TheHojo

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ButtBurner

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pjtexas1

somebody shut me the fark up.

HBMTN

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THoey1963

somebody shut me the fark up.

AussieMatt

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SmittyJonz

somebody shut me the fark up.

TheHojo

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SmittyJonz

somebody shut me the fark up.

viking72

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IamMadMan

somebody shut me the fark up.

Yellowhair42

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