Installing a Better Thermometer on my Weber Kettle

In this video, I demonstrate how to install a thermometer on my Weber Kettle charcoal grill.
This is the 3 inch thermometer. amzn.to/2OeMAyj
This is the drill bit set. amzn.to/2LAjnQ3

[@OldTrancer]

Exactly what I am looking to do on my new Weber kettle and I have the very same thermometer. Never heard of a Step Drill bit before so finding your video has saved me money going out and buying a single large drill bit for a single job. Many thanks for the video.

[@jhitt79]

I used to use a step drill bit almost daily at work. I would need to drill 7/8 holes in electrical boxes. So I'd take my sharpie and color the 7/8 step black. When I "buried the black" I could see that I had the correct size. You could do something similar like take a red paint marker and color the next higher step so you'd know to "stop" at red. I know you're already done with this small project but this tip could still help you/someone else next time.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks!

[@johnsalas6]

I am an aircraft structural metal repair mechanic and instructor. Any time you are drilling any type of metal, steel, titanium,etc, start by using g a #30 pilot drill and ALWAYS USE A SLOW SPEED AND HEAVY PRESSURE. THAT WAY YOU WONT DULL YOUR DRILL BIT. ALSO IF DRILL BIT STARTS SMOKING, STOP AND INSERT TIP IN AN OLD CANDLE WAX. HOPE THIS HELPS ON YOUR NECT DRILLING PROJECT.

[@alfredmorency8296]

I am a machinist, you would do better when using a step drill to forgo a pilot hole they tend to make a rough hole that will produce chatter that will continue even after you switch to the step drill, start with the step drills point and ease it in smoothly( you can use tape or a paint marker on the drill to show how deep to go). You should get someone to hold the top of the grill down on a sturdy table or bench to hold it still and use both hands on the drill. Making a layout mark and triple-checking it is a good idea, using a center punch is a must or the drill will walk.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks for the tips!

[@nhlninetyfour]

Alfred Morency and drill slower

[@VAULT-TEC_INC.]

Should’ve used a few drips of cutting fluid too. And remove the cooking grates from the interior.

[@RM18188]

Nice tips everyone. I used duct tape, then a hole punch, then a step bit. Worked perfect. Thanks!

[@CookingwithRick]

Hi Jim, you did a awesome job installing the thermometer that will be a big help when grilling.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks Rick!

[@catboyzee]

Very informative video, just what I needed to see. Thanks for posting.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks! I really like this thermometer!

[@mikeruizesparza1514]

I did the same installing a River Copuntry Thermo on my weber kettle and that way you can precisely read the grate temp. Congrats

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks!

[@Paisteboy]

Looks like it's mounted so low on the lid that it will interfere with food on the grill in that area.

[@thomastommy1192]

Cool video thanks for sharing. I hope you have a blessed week.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thank you!

[@owenwillis4194]

Man I had a black and decker corded drill just like that one in 1975. If it works why not.

[@dp55414]

Me, too
!

[@brandonmurray9448]

Just ordered the same thermometer, thanks for the video! I’m new to the Weber 26 and I just ruined a rack of ribs assuming the dang factory thermometer was worth a crap...it’s NOT!

[@eduardouchiyama9015]

Thanks for posting the link of the bit set

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@cutabove9046]

What I discovered is that when indirect cooking using the slow and sear the area opposite the stock thermometer is just about 100 degrees lower. That saves me from fooling around drilling holes and buying new thermometers. When the stock thermometer over the coals reads 350 degrees I know the area where the meat is sitting is right at 250 degrees. Besides, I usually use a remote thermometer on long cooks.

[@chito091185]

That's what i figured out too...didn't want to mess with my baby...cheers!

[@stangbang100]

Mine is about the same as well...

[@Myndfuxx]

i just got mine a few weeks ago...slow n sear also ... i noticed that when the dome temp over the coals reached about 350 is when the white smoke starts to clear up ...now im shooting to keep 400 on the dome ...

[@caesar90291]

For smoking around 250ish, the Weber lid thermostat is usually around 50 degrees higher. Or just get a digital grate and meat thermometer.

[@hkdiesel]

Thanks for the info and how to.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

You're welcome. Thanks for commenting!

[@PawlaczykMichael]

your hands seem to be much better im so glad for you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks! It varies from day to day.

[@EightTicks8]

Thanks. Now I know how to do this.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

You're welcome!

[@user-ju3cg3lh9n]

Nice video, ❤

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thank you!

[@johngriffin5996]

I'm glad that you had a relatively good day with your hands so you could install the thermometer.
I hope it gives you the more accurate readings you are looking for and the probe doesn't get in the way.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks! I'm kind of paying the price today but hopefully it will work out good!

[@chadmccann9946]

How far up grom the lif rim, fid you center your hole?

[@bobbyraytalksabouteverythi7883]

Looks good. My hands won't let me do anything like that.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks! Yeah, I can't do stuff like this very often either.

[@chadmccann9946]

How far from the lid rim did you center the hole?

[@tbahder]

I see that you did not use a LavaLock® 12 Grey High Performance BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal SELF Stick gasket? Do you need to use a gasket?

[@RA-rf4nz]

Nice job! Can you put the link to the spring loaded punch too? Oops! I just noticed the step drill set comes with the punch. Going to order it now. :)

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thanks! It comes with the drill bits. It's in the set.

[@alliehunter9896]

Does it bump your food on the grate?

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Sometimes but it's not much of a problem.

[@bigw1552]

We you locate it in that spot, can you still use the lid hook?

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Good question! I haven't tried it. I'm cooking some ribs on it right now but I'll let you know.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

I just tried it and it works. You can still hang the lid from the hook.

[@bigw1552]

Good to know, thank you sir!

[@Herohector]

Does a grommet would help to seal the thermometer a little bit tighter or is not needed?

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

I didn't use one.

[@OK-kw4rv]

Does smoke leak out?@@TosTinManEasyCooking

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

@@OK-kw4rv No, it’s a pretty tight fit.

[@mulletATheart]

I've seen other videos where they spray paint the exposed metal with high heat paint. Is that not necessary?

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

I don't seem to have any problems from not painting it and it sits outside.

[@mulletATheart]

Thanks.

[@Hutchbullterrier1]

The video isn’t visible.

[@nhlninetyfour]

Are these gauges made in the USA? Is anything made here anymore?? I want a quality USA made gauge for my kettle if anyone knows a company

[@jdwheeler.357]

Tel-Tru

[@LITTLEROCK2517]

boo

[@yousircantknow8987]

I would have mowed and seeded my lawn, cleaned my grill, then installed a gauge.
Thanks for the video.

[@alaskanbigsalmon1]

Too fricken low. It will hit all your meat on the grill.

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

It does once in a while but I just position the meat so it's not directly in front of it.

[@toxiicclouds9288]

Aww no intro 😞I don’t really care. Love ur video🔥

[@TosTinManEasyCooking]

Thank you!

[@veoquenoesunproblema]

haha, when I saw this I bought the thermometer and then I heard him say "it should be better" then I found: "damn, he doesn't even know or is not sure about it, he just believe it without testing first haha" craps.