WSM thermometer port HELP

[tomtappel]

Boys.....I'm in the club! Got a 14.5 wsm from St Nick. Got it all put together.....except for that pesky rubber thermometer port which is proving to be a real A hole. I'm trying to simply get it notched on the track, then slide it all around, but that's easier said than done. Are there any tricks out there?

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[Harleysmoker]

I have heard of people having problems inserting that rubber grommet. Try soaking it in warm water to make it more pliable or a little vegetable oil on it for lubrication.

My WSM is a little older and didn't come with it so I have no experience installing one.

[Idahawk]

Just get one part started and turn it like a tire machine mounting a tire , kick it a few times , drink a beer , cuss and then you'll have it


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[pbe gummi bear]

Push the edges in with something stiff that won't scratch the porcelain such as a handle of a disposable utensil. Once you get a piece of the edge in, hold it with your other hand and continue around the perimeter

[Lemans]

So I have sitting on my desk two silicon temp grommets for my twin 22.5 WSMs. All I have to do is to drill a 1 1/4 inch hole between the top and bottom grill 1/4 inch forward  of the bracket screws. So what's stopping me?  I'm afraid to....

[toolhead]

Bend the top and botton of the grommet down a bit so you can insert a corner into the hole....then work the grommet in from there little by little.  I had the same issue at first...
Get oast the thought that the grommet might tear..its thick and made of durable silicone /rubber.....you have towork it in ..little by little...
Again.....its not fragile so work it in

[toolhead]

So I have sitting on my desk two silicon temp grommets for my twin 22.5 WSMs. All I have to do is to drill a 1 1/4 inch hole between the top and bottom grill 1/4 inch forward  of the bracket screws. So what's stopping me?  I'm afraid to....

Easy stuff...just tape the area that you want to drill..mark the pilot hole and start with a pilot hole and then gradually step up the bit sizes several times till you get to 1/4"...after use a fule to clean up the burrs and use touch up high heat bbq paint to prevent rust.
Pilot hole and taping the drill spot is key so the porcelain doesnt fracture past the target hole size

[toolhead]

So I have sitting on my desk two silicon temp grommets for my twin 22.5 WSMs. All I have to do is to drill a 1 1/4 inch hole between the top and bottom grill 1/4 inch forward  of the bracket screws. So what's stopping me?  I'm afraid to....

Easy stuff...just tape the area that you want to drill..mark the pilot hole and start with a pilot hole and then gradually step up the bit sizes several times till you get to 1/4"...after use a fule to clean up the burrs and use touch up high heat bbq paint to prevent rust.
Pilot hole and taping the drill spot is key so the porcelain doesnt fracture past the target hole size