Cant open the valve on radiator.

[melodymaker]

The key that unlocks my radiator valve for bleeding airlocks no longer grips. It just turns around not moving the screw. It's not the key as it works on other radiators.

I have tried gripping the larger nutt that houses the screw but it's stuck fast and well painted over. Is there anything that I can use to get this screw out as the radiator is full of air and not working properly.

 

[Burnerman]

Get yourself a LARGE adjustable spanner and I reckon that nut will shift....but check that you can get a replacement before you get stuck in!
Better still, use a hexagon socket if you can......
Can you grip the bleed screw with some snipe nosed pliers or similar first?
John

 

[powell30]

nope........you need the remove the housing around it (if it is the type that is screwed in and then bled from the small nipple). They are available as spares but if you can't get it out it's a new rad

 

[melodymaker]

Surely if I get hold of some long nosed pliers and get the screw out I can get a replacement bleed screw? New radiator seems a bit of a jump.

 

[Burnerman]

If you can shift that square ended bleed screw then your troubles are over....

 

[kevplumb]

undo the nut and you can replace the lot

 

[melodymaker]

Got really good pair of long nosed pliers with good grip and they can't shift the beggar. Why do they make the screws so soft ? it's ridiculous.

I will try and cut a grove in the to of the screw and get a flat screwdriver in it.

 

[XKESTONMAN]

dont forget to turn off rad valves