Conant Custom Brass Model T-10C large dial thermometer

 This is an 8.25 inch diameter dial thermometer with large easy to read numbers with a pointer that makes it easy to read temperatures. The display can be easily seen from a window, which was our intended use.  It should be noted thermometer temperature readings that close to the house will be influenced by that location.  You would get more accurate temperatures out in the yard in sheltered locations. This particular thermometer may not be suitable for that, depending on mounting location.  

The main housing of the unit is brass, and the dial is covered by a glass crystal.  The temperature display is in Fahrenheit and centigrade.  The thermometer makes use of a bimetallic mechanism which should be accurate enough for its intended use. 

The unit is assembled in Vermont, but the components are made in China. It has a lifetime warranty.

The thermometer includes a brass mounting arm which can be reversed to mount either from the right or left side.  I am sure they think this is adequate, but for our location, mounting from the side did not work out.  For us, it was best to mount the unit vertically.  This meant that I had to come up with a different holder.  I sunk a copper pipe into the ground near the intended window.   I then used the mount arm as a template to mark and drill holes into the end of a ¾ inch flat metal strip which was inserted into the pipe.  I mounted the thermometer to that flat metal which holds the thermometer nicely.  As an added benefit, if we want, we can rotate the unit in this mount so it can be seen from different locations if needed. 

The tricky part of the installation relates to the need to adjust the thermometer reading prior to use.  This requires disassembly of the thermometer to access the mechanism.  Be sure to keep the outer box as it has the directions for adjusting the thermometer printed on the inside. My Conant thermometer read 100 degrees when it should have read 68, so you will likely have to adjust yours.

To adjust, you have to first remove the retaining ring which holds the glass crystal against the main brass housing.  This is easy enough, but I imagine could also be a way to potentially break the glass crystal.  Just be careful. Hold one hand over the crystal and the ring will spring out away from it when you pry it away as instructed.

Carefully remove the dial from the housing.  At this point, I placed the dial back over the inverted glass crystal, just to have a place to set the unit while adjusting it in order to keep the needle away from obstructions.  It is best to do this in a place next to a thermometer you trust as accurate.  It is also imperative that you allow adequate time after an adjustment for the thermometer to acclimate to the true temperature again, as it is fairly sensitive and will be impacted by you holding it during adjustments.  It took several small adjustments and several waiting periods to finally get to a point that my Conant thermometer was stable and in agreement with the source temperature.  When you think you have it right, let it sit for a good long time to make sure.  It is easier to wait then it will be to take it all apart to re-adjust when you realize you did not allow enough time. 

Reassembly is done in the reverse order of disassembly.  You might check the dial prior to closing up as it shows every finger print from any inadvertent touch you made in the adjustments.  Also, clean the inside of the glass if needed.  The tricky part here is getting the retaining ring back in place.  Just start at the bottom as directions suggest, and slowly work it in around the dial.  It requires a significant amount of pressure and dexterity to do this, but it can be done. 

Now the unit should be ready to mount making use of the provided mount and screws, or your own method if needed.