converting gas range

[propaneman]

I work for a small propane company.                                                                         

We convert ranges quit often. The orifices are 7 mm.   

Has anyone came upon a tool that will grip the orifice?   

I use a piece of tape to hold them from falling out but there has to be a better way. The orifices usually have a small groove in the top, like it there for purpose,  but I haven't came across a tool that will grip them.

I would really be grateful for any advise.

[JWWebster]

When I resize orifices, I put them in a small vise. I use my orifice drill bits to determine the orifice size. I drill them out using a quarter inch drill bit and plug them with a quarter inch blank using a ballpeen hammer. Then I use my orifice drill bits to resize the hole 10 sizes smaller than the nat gas measurement. I charged $5 per orifice. I do not do that now nor do I make reuseable aluminum mesh filters anymore for kitchens; although I was told once that I was the only one in 5 states that could make them. I make range hood filters. Anywhere from 1/8th inch thick hood filters for home to 2 inch filters for commercial kitchens(any width). Aluminum mesh filter for HVAC was also a specialty of mine. Don't do neither anymore, retired. LOL

[propaneman]

the newer ranges generally come with a kit to convert them to propane. So no need to resize them , but you have to take the NG orifice out and put the propane orifices in. That when I usually drop one or two inside the range.

That's why I am looking for a better tool or process to do the changing out.

[AJ]

I use a piece of tape to hold them from falling out but there has to be a better way.

That's how I do it too.

I don't change very many out, but it is still frustrating when you do drop one down in the cooktop. 

[JWWebster]

I am old school and have resized many orifices.

[whirlpooltech]

That's why I am looking for a better tool or process to do the changing out.

It would be great to find a better way.

[RAH52]

I use a nut driver to loosen the orifice and  long surgical forceps to lift them out and put them back in . Works slick ....only drop them if its late in the day and I'm behind on my calls ...lol

[propaneman]

It would great to talk to the engineer that designed these, to see how they intended to convert them.

[Repair-man]

Most of my customers never see me do this, but when I have to install some of thise little brass orifices deep in a cooktop, I generally pop a fresh piece of chewing gum in my mouth before proceeding. I found that a tiny dab of gum in the egde of the driver hold the brass orifice in place just fine until you can thread it onto the orifice holder. As long as you don't get the gum in the orifice, it works great every time.

[whirlpooltech]

Do you have a factory part number for the gum?
How long do you chew it for before using it on the orifices?

I can see it on the bill now 1x JIMSGUM $4.99

 

[jumptrout51]

A number of manufacturers install a small wire clip on the orifice,then the 7 mil nut drivers holds it secure. In lieu of the wire clip I use the RM method. GUM.

[MajorApp]

 What type and brand of gum works best? Is sugar free acceptable? How about Freedent?

[AJ]

I like the gum idea, thanks.

[JWWebster]

What if you ain't got no teeth?

[MajorApp]

If you ain't gots no teef you have to ask the customer to chew it for you