Stove Top Rubber Grommets

[Diplomat Don]

If your stove top is like mine, it has a metal grate that is supported by four rubber grommets at the corners. The grommets have never really worked well and don't last long. I've replaced mine several times over the years.

I was reading a post on another forum (so I can't take credit) where someone asked about a better product than the grommets. One poster stated that he used automotive valve stems.

Yesterday while I was having new rear tires installed on the motor home, I picked up an old valve stem to try it. It worked great, so I bought four new ones from the local automotive store.

There are two sizes of stems. The larger ones are for automobiles and the smaller ones are for trailer and utility tires. You need the smaller ones.

In the picture below, you can see that I sliced off a piece from the bottom of the stem so that it wasn't so thick. I then cut off the stem itself. I lubed the stem and installed it by pushing it into the hole with a small screwdriver.



The grate fits tight and the valve stems worked perfectly. The stems don't pull out when you remove the grate like the grommets use to. I guess I'll see how they hold up to the heat. The whole project cost $6.47 and took about 20 minutes.

[njs42]

Very clever------I'll try that myself---thanks.

[Finhawk]

Rubber faucet washers work just great too. Just open the pack and shove 'em on. Mine have lasted three years.

[njs42]

Just for clarfication? I really appreciate your information.

I'm curious---faucet grommets do not remain in the hole correct--they just ride on the "legs" of the grate? My stock grommets do that---my only complaint is that they do not stay in the stove top hole.

I guess I will look closer at faucet washers next time as well. I like all these ideas now I get to make a choice. Thanks again.

[Diplomat Don]

Some had found some silicon washers used for other purposes, but I was after something that would stay in place when I remove the grate. We remove the grate to clean during every trip that we use the stove top.

[njs42]

I think I am getting the hang of this---not to make a big thread out of a small one. But the advangtage of the valve stem modification is that it is harder rubber and so will stay in place against the tug of the stove top leg being removed.

My stock ones work fine except for the fact that they pull out when I remove the top. Sometimes I look around and I only have three---so I have a place where I keep replacements. Would be nice to have some that stay there------

Since you are using a valve stem maybe you could blow up the stove-----har dee har har har----(we used to do that before LOL)

Ok Ok I'll get out of here---thanks again this was pleasant--I wish you all well.

[nsdienes]

Tnx for the idea. Thought I was the only one who had to keep paying mucho $ for the stock ones. Up to now thought that because of the metal insert and probably high temp requirements, need to buy them. Pse keep us abreast of how they work. Nice $ saver.

Nick Dienes

[RJay]

What a great idea to solve a PITA problem! Thanks.

[Finhawk]

Insert the leg of the grate into the hole in the washer. Make sure the cone is facing towards the stove top! Done---- that's all there is to it. Like I said before, mine are the same ones that I put on about 3 years ago. If you want to take them off to clean the grate, do so then stick 'em back on. A good, cheap fix that works. And if you don't like them, well, they're cheap

[nutensteve]

Excellent ideas ... as always ... Don & Finhawk. I have to replace those little grommets often. Anyone ever upgrade the Atwood stove top? We would like to find a nicer two burner that had a higher BTU rating yet fit the existing space.

[WheelingIt]

Thank you for this idea!!! Our rubber holders just failed (again) and the rattle is driving me nuts when we travel. Excellent modification!!

[Senior Chief]

Our Atwood Vision came with a missing grommet; we wrapped silicon Rescue Tape at the appropriate spot on the legs. Grips tight, no rattling, good to 500 degrees.

We always have Rescue tape on hand!

[Mbl Cndo]

Hmm, I'm not seeing the picture DD, but I'll try it anyway.

[ruppr]

Also try the rubber grommets in the electric department at Home Depot, 6 for $1.39. Mine have lasted over 5 years. And, they do snap in the hole. Much better than RV parts pricing.

Best,

ruppr