Remote probe thermometer wort proofing

[Sbarnard80]

Just went to home depot and got some tubing and 2 sizes of o-rings. They actually had a pretty big selection of these. Should be clear in the pictures the exact sizes I got. They work perfectly with the probe I have which is from a maverick wireless thermometer - the same one I use for smoking.

In the long run, maybe mine are snug enough but the tubing easily fit over the probe and since I was using the straight BBQ probe, I just pushed it through the 18 inches or so of tubing - no lube needed. I slid the tubing further down the braid so the connection to the probe would not get wet and put that end of the tube in some hot water for a minute. Pulled it out and dried it quickly with a paper towel and I was able to get it to stretch over the orings which go snugly around the probe. The ballpoint pen trick someone earlier mentioned helped push the orings in place while I pushed the tubing over them. Only took a couple of minutes - BTW, I put 2 orings under the tubing as a precaution. I didnt think the small orings would then stretch enough to safely secure the outside, so you can see in the pictures that I got a larger pack for the outside. Again 2, 1 after and 1 before.

I dunked the whole thing in some hot water for 30 minutes an no leak. We'll see it works during brew time but I'm optimistic I have a workable solution for my setup. I think I only spent about $7 for the orings and tubing.

 

[Sbarnard80]

Tried it out this weekend with my session IPA and worked like a charm. No water got past the Orings. Was much nicer to sit back from the couch and watch the temp go up than hover over my pots with a temp fork dipping it in every few minutes.

 

[JDFlow]

Why not just clamp the tubing on?

 

[JimCharb]

Why not just clamp the tubing on?

Clamp'll work too if ya can find one small enough.

 

[Bobby_M]

Worm clamps don't come that small. I'm not even sure oetikers come that small either.

 

[Sbarnard80]

Tried it out this weekend with my session IPA and worked like a charm. No water got past the Orings. Was much nicer to sit back from the couch and watch the temp go up than hover over my pots with a temp fork dipping it in every few minutes.

Used it during 4 other brews since and it's great. I can finally monitor how my wort chiller is doing while watching tv. Very liberating.

 

[Shred]

I know this post is a million years old, but do you by any chance still have the pics from the original post? They aren't loading anymore and I'd love to see your solution (I've ruined 3 thermometers before figuring out the probes shouldn't be submerged).

On a side note, I just ordered your pump connection kit today

 

[Paul_Aris]

My probe was water proofed with the tubing since I got it. The Taylor probe lasted about 4-6 brew sessions not just read low. Didn't last. I just keeps saying low.

Anyone find a brand that lasts?

 

[DrunkPoetry]

Also, I like your idea of using o-rings to seal the tubing. I used high temp 1/8" silicone tubing, and it fit so tight that I didn' t need it, but for slightly larger tubing that is a very clever little solution. Thanks for writing it up and posting the pics.

Hey FlyGuy, when you say 1/8" inch is that inside diameter or outside diameter?