I want to add a thermometer to my HLT. Not so much concerned with the weldless part ( done that before), wondering if i can use a compression fitting around a stem thermometer. I kinda tried a 1/4 o.d. comp ring around a piece of poly tubing with the stem inside of the tubing, it all didnt tight up enough I think. Didnt water test it. Anybody did this before?
I made one like this for my bucket HLT. I just used the compression fitting then two washers of which I cannot remember the size but they slid easily but snuggly on the stem of the thermometer. Inbetween the washers I used an o-ring again size escapes me but snug. When I tightened the washers got crushed into the flare shape. No leaks. Unfortunately the thermometer does not reach in far enough to measure the correct temp.
It will work if you remove the ferrule (or discard the nut that has an integrated ferrule). Put the nut on the probe, then a stack of about 5 small Orings, then put the fitting together. As you tighten down, the Orings crush and create a seal. I'm sure you could also do this with teflon packing rope that you'd find in the faucet repair section of Lowes.
DIY weldless thermometer
Linear Mode
