MSR Titan Kettle Fix

[ScareBear]

As you may know, the MSR Titan Kettle is a proven unit that many of us carry. However, in a clear goal to minimize weight, the handles are not covered with any insulation, although the lid handle is...

No big issue with an alky burner, but with a gas burner, those handles get HOT!

So, after messing around with shrink-fit wire wraps and such, none being very effective, I decided upon using silicone tape.

The product is "Iron Grip self-fusing silicone tape, 300 percent stretch, 700psi, 500F". Follow the instructions and stretch the heck out of it. I found that cutting a 5 inch section for each handle was adequate. Cut, peel, stretch, wrap with overlapping 2/3 wrapping and 100 percent overlap on the final turn. Both handles done added 10 grams total to the kettle, but now I don't need to hunt the bandana to pour hot water!!!

I suppose I could post pics if there was a demand...

YMMV

[storminstovesystems]

Have you tried reversing the handles?

[Tipi Walter]

One time my Titan handles got too hot---burnt the back of two fingers ouch---but wouldn't your solution melt if that pot side got too close to the stove flame???

[cmoulder]

This reminds me of a post I once read somewhere (sorry, long forgotten source!) about someone who asked Evernew about the heat tolerance of silicone tubing on the handles.

The reply from the Japanese engineers: "Heat OK, Flame no OK." :)

[ScareBear]

Have you tried reversing the handles?

????:confused:

[ScareBear]

One time my Titan handles got too hot---burnt the back of two fingers ouch---but wouldn't your solution melt if that pot side got too close to the stove flame???

So, I start the wrap on the top of the handle, almost touching the pot wall. Working my way down, I stop the wrap on the bottom of the handle, 1/2 way on the return to the pot's side, where the handle attaches(duh:))...

So far, tests with my Optimus CruxLite show no scorching of the tape at the top and while flames did go outside the pot bottom and onto the bottom of the handle, they didn't make it to the tape and apparently the handle temp did not exceed 500F....

The handle is still a bit hot, but not enough to burn and you can pick up the pot immediately without a bandana...I'd say....success...YMMV....

[storminstovesystems]

I mean detach them from the slots, when replacing have the long part at the top.

[storminstovesystems]

Take a look here.
http://jasonklass.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/keeping-your-pot-handles-cool-different.html

[Hikingjim]

I reversed the handles to but the bigger side at the top and also put some heat shrink tubing on it. So far so good

[ScareBear]

I mean detach them from the slots, when replacing have the long part at the top.

Nice hack! Also, you have to invert AND reverse, so the handles still lay flat against the kettle when folded...

So, I just did it...and tested it...and.....

I didn't so much notice a difference in handle temperature as I did notice that the handles were far easier to use. At least for me. I just rest my thumb on the now-large-enough top of the handle for leverage and things get way easier with a full pot of boiling water. I do believe the top of the handle that I rest my thumb upon is a wee bit cooler than before. The main stem of the handle seems about the same,but maybe that is because they are still in the silicone tape...I was using the Optimus CruxLite and kinda intentionally letting the flame overspill the bottom of the pot...YMMV....

ScareBear growl of approval-AWARDED!!!!

[CHILL_TX]

Has anyone tried this stuff? I always wondered why people didn't dip their Ti mug handles in this.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasti-Dip-14-5-oz-Black-Rubber-Coating-11603-6/202196703

[Deadeye]

Has anyone tried this stuff? I always wondered why people didn't dip their Ti mug handles in this.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasti-Dip-14-5-oz-Black-Rubber-Coating-11603-6/202196703

I think the answer might be right on the webpage... can withstand temps up to 200 degrees, not quite enough

[ScareBear]

Has anyone tried this stuff? I always wondered why people didn't dip their Ti mug handles in this.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Plasti-Dip-14-5-oz-Black-Rubber-Coating-11603-6/202196703

200F max temp?

[CHILL_TX]

Good point. There has to be a high temp version out there somewhere.

[cmoulder]

Good point. There has to be a high temp version out there somewhere.

THIS (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?I=LXD727&P=8) works great.

[swisscross]

THIS (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?I=LXD727&P=8) works great.

This is what I used. A bunch of different colors to choose from.

[English Stu]

I used Sugru (Google)'on several pot handles

[Just Tom]

Me too, neat stuff

[cmoulder]

I made some Sugru handle covers for mine and they still got pretty hot. For me the silicone tube works a lot better. (Fancee Feest alky stove under there.)

Of course, this setup channels a lot of heat toward the handles, so YMMV with a different windscreen. :)

38236