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Trying to replace Weber BBQ Thermometer - WingNut won't budge - tips on how to remove?

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Trying to replace Weber BBQ Thermometer - WingNut won't budge - tips on how to remove?

My Weber Genesis E310 from about 8 years ago, now has a thermometer that's no longer working. I bought the replacement part, but the wingnut on the old one won't budge - most likely because of high heat and grease - is there a wingnut wrench or something that I can use for leverage? I don't want to spray like WD40 or degreaser since it will drip on the grill. Help!
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[OP]
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Apr 5, 2009
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thanks, didn't know those existed
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Sep 1, 2005
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stansoltz wrote: thanks, didn't know those existed
I didn't either until I googled it. LoL. This is how I learn stuff on these forums.

You might need a tool to grip the thermometer which you wrench the wing nut.

Consider using a boa constrictor strap. Bought a two pack for $10 not long ago.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mast ... #store=192
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Jul 29, 2006
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If you're worried about WD dripping on the grill then you could place a piece of wood or cardboard down before spraying.

The wingnut driver could work but have you tried removing with pliers? If that didn't remove it then the wingnut driver probably won't either. If you have a propane torch, try heating the nut before attempting to remove. If nothing works then it sounds like destructive removal may be the only option.
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Jul 22, 2009
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FYI WD40 is used to clean inside of the oven to clean baked in stains.
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Oct 12, 2007
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Any of the above. Chances are that the bolt threads are fouled from grease and basically the outdoor environment. Rust could be an issue as well. I would likely use vice grips and break them off as those winged nuts are most likely not going to be in condition to be reused. If it's important to you to reuse the nuts, you could try a penetrating oil (my favourite is PB Blaster - just let it soak in about 20-30 minutes) and vice grips but you still might not be able to reuse those nuts.
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Nov 12, 2006
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Use any pliers.
You don't need a special tool.
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The problem with vice grips or pliers is the risk of breaking the wing nut and it is a bit akward getting a grip. That wingnut wrench can be a forever toolbox item just like a screwdriver. Good for putting them on of taking them off
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Jan 27, 2006
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gr8dlr wrote: The problem with vice grips or pliers is the risk of breaking the wing nut and it is a bit akward getting a grip. That wingnut wrench can be a forever toolbox item just like a screwdriver. Good for putting them on of taking them off
The same issue can be said of the wingnut wrench.... It's just that the possibilities are much lower.
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stansoltz wrote: Wing Nut Bit worked like a charm!
Thanks for letting us know. I'll perhaps look for one on AliExpress to add to the tool box.

One of my sayings...you don't need it until you need it and if you wait till you need it you gotta pay extra.
We're all bozos on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves...

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gr8dlr wrote: The problem with vice grips or pliers is the risk of breaking the wing nut and it is a bit awkward getting a grip. That wingnut wrench can be a forever toolbox item just like a screwdriver. Good for putting them on of taking them off
I'd agree with the potential awkwardness, only in situations where there is little space to the side for the handles of pliers. (much like a deep socket vs. wrench)
That isn't the case in this situation, where there is lots of room on a BBQ thermometer.

I don't agree with a breakage issue, as both methods are applying force in a similar manner.

To clarify, in case this is where confusion lies:
I use pliers perpendicular to the bolt, and across both wings, with really no clamping force used.
It basically simulates that special wrench, with lots of leverage and much the same way you would use your fingers.
I could see someone believing I meant clamp onto one wing and twist, which would have a higher likelihood of snapping a wing off.
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arisk wrote: I'd agree with the potential awkwardness, only in situations where there is little space to the side for the handles of pliers. (much like a deep socket vs. wrench)
That isn't the case in this situation, where there is lots of room on a BBQ thermometer.

I don't agree with a breakage issue, as both methods are applying force in a similar manner.

To clarify, in case this is where confusion lies:
I use pliers perpendicular to the bolt, and across both wings, with really no clamping force used.
It basically simulates that special wrench, with lots of leverage and much the same way you would use your fingers.
I could see someone believing I meant clamp onto one wing and twist, which would have a higher likelihood of snapping a wing off.
Not saying it can't be done.

It's still awkward IMO vs using the specialized wrench tool. You can also use the impact driver with this which you can't with the pliers.
We're all bozos on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves...

Failure is always an option...just not the preferred one!

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