Need Quality Tap 1/2" NPT, Thermometer Install - Page 2

PaPaQ · 04-29-2013, 11:53 AM

Another option is the "Tel-Tru Smoker Thermometer Installation Kit".

Brother Matt · 04-29-2013, 11:54 AM

If you have a good local hardware store you should be able to find one. I find that buying the right numbered drill bit for the tap is the most important step. Buy them as a set and keep them together. Oh, it looks like there isn't a numbered bit for that size, still, make sure the bit is the recommended size. Look here....

http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-in...rill-Size.aspx

bluetang · 04-29-2013, 12:02 PM

You should be able to get a Hanson tap at Ace Hardware for about $18.

Faston · 04-29-2013, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fishhook

Only try to cut about 1/4 turn each time before you back the tap and clear the chips. Use plenty of oil, your taps should last for yrs. Also be sure to start with the proper size hole. Auto parts stores usually have some taps on hand..

Most definitely a good tip. When I chased the factory thread with the HF tap lubricated I could only get around 1/16 turn before backing it out. If I had gone farther I am sure I would have snapped it.

Faston · 04-29-2013, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will work for bbq

Pipe taps are pricey, if you can weld consider a 12555K83 tank flange. http://www.mcmaster.com/#tank-flanges/=mj5vcp

Nice idea & I do have a stick AC welder but I don't trust my skills, I have only used it once to repair a cracked grate rail weld. It was an ugly experience but I did manage to secure the rail.

Faston · 04-29-2013, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaPaQ

Another option is the "Tel-Tru Smoker Thermometer Installation Kit".

Hadn't seen that, thanks!

Faston · 04-29-2013, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluetang

You should be able to get a Hanson tap at Ace Hardware for about $18.

Thanks, I have heard of Hanson before but have never used one.

jeffjenkins1 · 04-29-2013, 09:21 PM

Remember, pipe threads are tapered and only go so far, they are not like bolt threads. Pipes tighten by the threads wedging the two tapers together. I think this is the main reason people break them off.

Turn 1/4 to 1/2 then turn back to break the curl stop when it gets tight.

Jeff

Cris · 04-29-2013, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Matt

If you have a good local hardware store you should be able to find one. I find that buying the right numbered drill bit for the tap is the most important step. Buy them as a set and keep them together. Oh, it looks like there isn't a numbered bit for that size, still, make sure the bit is the recommended size. Look here....

http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-in...rill-Size.aspx

You're looking at a chart for regular taps, not pipe taps.

http://frentzandsons.com/Hardware%20...orpipetaps.htm

Brother Matt · 04-30-2013, 12:52 AM

Thanks for correcting that Cris, i just read Jeff's post and realized my mistake. Doh!

mbshop · 04-30-2013, 01:13 AM

most home stores will have good ones. and yes, there is a way to do it and thats been explained. take care of them and they will take care of you. i still have my metric snap on set that i bought in '75 .
instead of sets, just buy what you need. sets always have taps that you never use.

NRA4Life · 04-30-2013, 05:58 AM

I always weld on a couple 1/2" NPT fittings for my tel-tru thermometers to screw in to. They are cheap, cut one of these in half and you've got 2 of them - http://www.lowes.com/pd_22480-88808-...%7C1&facetInfo=

04-29-2013, 11:54 AM	#17
Brother Matt Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-10-12 Location: Olypen, Washington	If you have a good local hardware store you should be able to find one. I find that buying the right numbered drill bit for the tap is the most important step. Buy them as a set and keep them together. Oh, it looks like there isn't a numbered bit for that size, still, make sure the bit is the recommended size. Look here.... http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-in...rill-Size.aspx __________________ Cooking on a crazy contraption...

04-29-2013, 12:02 PM	#18
bluetang somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 08-06-10 Location: Stuart, Fl Name/Nickname : Mike	You should be able to get a Hanson tap at Ace Hardware for about $18. __________________ Homey, the Homegrown frier, 22" WSM, 18.5" Elderly(but not retired) WSM,Homegrown Electric, Weber gasserrrr,Weber Performer, Gravity feed smoker, Blackstone, Indisputably Fastest [COLOR=purple]Purple[/COLOR] Thermapen, SAI Satay Grill Avatar by landarc, thanky!

04-29-2013, 09:21 PM	#23
jeffjenkins1 Babbling Farker Join Date: 03-01-08 Location: Akron, OH	Remember, pipe threads are tapered and only go so far, they are not like bolt threads. Pipes tighten by the threads wedging the two tapers together. I think this is the main reason people break them off. Turn 1/4 to 1/2 then turn back to break the curl stop when it gets tight. Jeff __________________ You do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do! Ole Hickory Ultra Que 2 18" WSM 18" Weber OTS Primo Oval XL NB American Gourmet offset smoker UDS Big Chief Smoker Turkey Fryer

04-30-2013, 12:52 AM	#25
Brother Matt Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 07-10-12 Location: Olypen, Washington	Thanks for correcting that Cris, i just read Jeff's post and realized my mistake. Doh! __________________ Cooking on a crazy contraption...

04-30-2013, 01:13 AM	#26
mbshop Babbling Farker Join Date: 06-24-07 Location: visalia, ca	most home stores will have good ones. and yes, there is a way to do it and thats been explained. take care of them and they will take care of you. i still have my metric snap on set that i bought in '75 . instead of sets, just buy what you need. sets always have taps that you never use. __________________ george spam, can't live without it

04-29-2013, 11:53 AM	#16
PaPaQ is Blowin Smoke! Join Date: 02-07-07 Location: Mt. Gilead, NC Name/Nickname : Clyde	Another option is the "Tel-Tru Smoker Thermometer Installation Kit".

04-30-2013, 05:58 AM	#27
NRA4Life is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-07-09 Location: Newark, OH	I always weld on a couple 1/2" NPT fittings for my tel-tru thermometers to screw in to. They are cheap, cut one of these in half and you've got 2 of them - http://www.lowes.com/pd_22480-88808-...%7C1&facetInfo= __________________ - [B]Kevin[/B] Team: [B]Smitty's Real Pit BBQ[/B] KCBS CBJ [B]Superior SS-3[/B] - Courtesy of Gainesville Jaycees and Superior Smokers Custom Built Reverse Flow Stickburner [B]Weber[/B] 22.5" WSM [B]Weber[/B] 26.75" OTG [B]Weber[/B] Blue 2000 Stainless Performer [B]Weber[/B] Red 1998 Stainless Performer