Radiator with stripped bleed screw

murphy_j

Hi All

I have a double rad in the hall and I stripped on of the bleed screws on it...anyone know how the screw can be removed / replaced?

Many thanks

JamesM

murphy_j wrote:

Hi All

I have a double rad in the hall and I stripped on of the bleed screws on it...anyone know how the screw can be removed / replaced?

Many thanks

Do a search for radiators and you should find some answers.
Have you rounded off the head of the bleed screw by using a pliers instead of a vent key ? You may have snapped of the head by trying to turn it in the wrong direction. Or did you actually strip the threads on the screw - having taken it completely out and stripped the threads when you tried to re-insert it ? It all depends on the actual situation.
Jim

Corkey123

As James mentioned give us a better description of what happened and we could suggest a solution. I thinking an easy-out bit might be of help but until you describe the situation better I'll hold off.

murphy_j

I used a brass key to turn the screw but it stripped the screw so the brass key wont turn it any more. I now need to take it out of the rad and replace it with a new one.

311

You'd probably be best to replace the radiator.
Are you using a brass vent key ? ,if so try using a smaller chrome/silver one.

Corkey123

I used a brass key to turn the screw but it stripped the screw so the brass key wont turn it any more. I now need to take it out of the rad and replace it with a new one.

What do you mean by "stripped the screw"

Do the top of the nut break off, were the threads knackered or was it the corners of the nut are worn and the key is slipping on the nut. Sorry maybe its just me

murphy_j

No, fair point, its not clear.

The key is now slipping on the nut itself.

Corkey123

A couple of optionsdepending on the location of the bleeding nut. If its on the inside of the double rad this is a major problem. If it on the outside of the rad, here are two options.

The first is to attempt to cut a slot in the nut that a flat head screw driver will fit in to and it should be easily removed. The difficult part here is cutting the slot on the nut. A little Dremal type tool might be handy here. This could work if it is on the inside of the rad also

The second is to get an easy-out bit. This is a very small auger type bit that has a reverse thread. That is it tightens when turn anti-clockwise. You will need to drill a very small hole in the brass nut may using a HSS bit of 1/18 or 16th. You then thread the easy-out bit into the hole anti-clockwise and as it tightens it will begin to turn the brass nut anticlockwise and release it.

Both options are of course dependent on you having the rad in such a position to work on the bleeding nut. I might have a spare easy-out bit around somewhere however wait for others there maybe a simpler way.

Cheers

JamesM

Good advice from Martin. As Brian says, maybe you can use a smaller key.
If the vent is at the end of the rad, it is probably the type where you can change the whole fitting. If it is at the back, you most likely will have to get the old vent screw out and replace it.
Jim.