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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

Thanks for posting the link of the bit set

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

Thanks for the info and how to.

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

Nice video, ❤

Thanks. Now I know how to do this.

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

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.

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. :)

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

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

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

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

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

Does it bump your food on the grate?

The video isn’t visible.

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

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

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

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.