Tool for Adjusting Lockshield Valve?

[adzyp]

Spent some time last night attempting to balance all 8 radiators in the house, the majority of which have an awkward to reach LSV and was attempting to do it with some small pliers from the top of each (opposed to sideways). It was a right pain and can only do so many turns before having to re-adjust myself again.

Is there not a tool out there specifically for this, I’m quite amazed that I can’t seem to find anything specific to this task. Alternatively can you get different covers/caps that you can turn instead?

 

[Burnerman]

Lockshields are the same as the standard rad valve.....only the standard valve has a cap that turns the valve, the lockshield doesn't.
So, use a spare valve cap to set the lockshield and once done, replace with the non adjustable cap.
John

 

[adzyp]

Ok that would be helpful, but all my radiators have TRV's on them except for one which has two LSV's and there relevant 'non-turning' cap

Can i just buy any generic replacement cap do you think?

 

[Burnerman]

Aye, the million dollar question.....there's a small variety of rad caps around, mostly rectangular but the sizes do vary....the common one having a female screw thread in them to secure the cap. As far as I know these are standard.
Some rad valves are round splined, too.
Sorry I don't know if the tops are available from the likes of B&Q or not - presumably they are.
John

 

[adzyp]

Thanks John, will take a look. Having thought about it, we had a new rad in the conservatory earlier this year which doesn't have a TRV so assume i can pull the top of that one. Will give him a go later

 

[rsgaz]

Do you have one of these 100pc screwdriver bit set things...

If so, the screw eye driver 'sort of' fits and you can just turn it from above. You just have to apply downward pressure to stop it jumping up and off though.

Had the same trouble myself, I even have the proper Monument 2054x key, but the long arm either hits the wall or the rad before it has turned 180°, so you can't use it like that!

Gaz

 

[gigz]

Just use a small shifter.

 

[Freddie Orrell]

Also amazed there appears to be no specific tool, I find the spindle can be gripped and driven very successfully with a 3/8in-square-drive 'universal socket' 7mm-19mm. This is a socket filled with sprung pins to grip various sized nuts, the pins completely filling the aperture; the 9mm-21mm version with pins that leave gaps does NOT grip in this situation. Any combination of adaptor, handle and/or extension for 3/8in sockets can then be used to increase accessibility, torque, convenience etc.

 

[Roger928]

Also amazed there appears to be no specific tool

Their is a specific tool for valve spindles. Made by ITE.
http://www.ite-tools.com/en/category/tube-working-tools/wrenches/ratchet-wrenches-inch

 

[Freddie Orrell]

Their is a specific tool for valve spindles. Made by ITE.

Thanks - I doubt this is the solution though. The OP was seeking to drive awkward-to-reach spindles from above, not from the side, and I believe they are referring to a profile with two narrower flats and two wider rounded sides which a square closed spanner would not grip.