radiator

2012paddy2012

hi
I have a downstairs rad.it needs to be bled. The bled key that I use just keeps going around , and around and is not turning , so the rad will not bleed.
I know there are two keys - sizes - neither work.


do I have to replace this rad? Plumber says he can stick self tap ..screw ...
I would be afraid that if I went off and came back and the screw fell out the place would be covered in water when i returned say from holidays..


Any advice please.

Paddy.

K.Flyer

Personally I would not condone the drilling of a radiator and fitting a self tapper.
If it leaks for any reason then you are in more trouble than had you taken the radiator off the wall and repaired it or replaced it in the first place.

TOEJOE

Hi had the same problem those dam brass screw's.I solved the problem using a pointed vicegrips just put onto screwhead tighten and turn should work!!!!If it's a screw on the wall of the rad I managed to force a small socket onto the screw head and turned it .WHen you loosen the screw replace with new one aviable from plumbing supplies make sure you turn off both valves before you do this job.

Sparkpea

If the bleed screw is at the end of the radiator and it's easily accessible you could try putting a 5.5mm socket over it, tapping it on with a hammer gently if required. This is pretty much a one time only chance to turn off the rad at both sides, screw it out using the socket and replace with new bleed screw.

Otherwise it's a change the radiator job. Some radiators have bushes in them that you can screw out to replace the vent so check this first.

Dtp1979

Sparkpea wrote: »

If the bleed screw is at the end of the radiator and it's easily accessible you could try putting a 5.5mm socket over it, tapping it on with a hammer gently if required. This is pretty much a one time only chance to turn off the rad at both sides, screw it out using the socket and replace with new bleed screw.

Otherwise it's a change the radiator job. Some radiators have bushes in them that you can screw out to replace the vent so check this first.

+1
I've also used 5, 4.5, and one time 4mm

Cameraman

I solved a similar problem by trying a few different designs of keys. Eventually one got enough grip to work. Was going to "squeeze" the end of the key to make it slightly flatter - but didn't need to in the end. The one which worked was a silver metal one, with a small "bar" through it for extra leverage. The more common brass one, was the one which did the damage in the first place.

While searching for possible solutions, I also found this - looks good to me !

http://www.easibleed.co.uk/home/4568368743

Sparkpea

For some reason the vent key below seems to fit everything that none of the others do. My dad has had one of these for 40 years. If the brass clock, the small brass one, the galvanised one, the chrome long one doesn't fit this one always does. I've asked him to give me it for years because he's not in the trade anymore but he won't so I need to keep running back and forth to borrow it.

I've never been able to find these keys until now so have ordered some up! Any plumber should add them to their collection. I thought it was that old you probably couldn't buy them anymore!