$10 thru the wall therms, pics too!

The Pol · 03-17-2007, 06:16 PM

Here it is, spent alot of time in a quandry over just how to do this simply and efficiently. What you see here is a 10 gallon tun, in which I drilled a 1" hole with a hole saw. I purchased some #5 1/2 SOLID stoppers, drilled them with a 3/16" drill (just so I could squeak the probe through) The stopper is installed on the inside so that water pressure only makes the seal stronger. Tested today with 10 gallons of head pressure and no sign of any leaks. $10 per tun baby.

http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u189/PolTavern/

The Pol

**Orfy** · 03-17-2007, 06:19 PM

KISS

Good solution.

The Pol · 03-17-2007, 08:05 PM

Thanks, yah, why spend $55 for a metal headache???

Pol

**EdWort** · 03-17-2007, 08:18 PM

Looks pretty sweet to me. Thanks for the idea! Here it is inside the forum.

Cheesefood · 03-17-2007, 08:39 PM

I'm thinking about this for a thermometer:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1279378

**Orfy** · 03-17-2007, 09:04 PM

That looks good. I like the built in timer.

kvh · 03-17-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheesefood

I'm thinking about this for a thermometer:

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1279378

I *JUST* bought that thermometer today at Target. If it's not the same brand name, it's the same exact model sold by someone else. (Just checked, it's called TrueTemp.) I think it was $16.99.

Currently it's keeping watch over 2 "lagers" (notice the quote marks, we'll se how they turn out) which are hibernating under a space blanket on a metal shelf, being slightly warmed by a desk lamp on my unheated porch.

I had an IKEA brand thermometer which worked fine until suddenly everything was 85 degrees, all the time.

I'm working towards some AG batches, but will be starting at the 3 Gal recipe size for space and equipment concerns. This is a good idea.

kvh

The Pol · 03-17-2007, 11:46 PM

Those therms with the wire leads, I have had nothing but headaches with. Be sure that the wire stays dry, or it will read 400 degrees in the shade. Mine failed completely in no time, I also read alot of reviews stating the same about those therms. NOW, if you did what I did so that the wire lead stays dry and cool, it may last a long time! Simple solution and easy reading! KISS

Pol

**Bobby_M** · 03-18-2007, 01:11 AM

I have the exact thermo and I got it at Target for $17. I've mentioned that the waterproofing solution is silicone air tubing from the pet phop. A little food grade silicone sealant at both ends and you're good to go. I don't know if the one piece probe thermos like yours has temp alarm and timer built in, but it's an awesome feature to have at least on your kettle for heating your sparge and knowing when to check for boilover.

The Pol · 03-18-2007, 01:16 AM

I have never had a therm on my kettle, and since the coolers are a "no heat" item, I dont have the alarm. I used to on my old and now disfunctional thermometer. My kids think my new 10 gallon setup is soooo cooool!

Pol