old radiators

pkd550

i was wondering if there was a trick to getting the union connection out of radiators it loooks like if i grab it with a wrench it will crush i want to replace them with new ones. the ones i bought are identical but same problem is there a trick to tightening them?

Albany Chris

Spud Wrench

You need a spud wrench, available at a plumbing supply store, not sure if home depot/Lowes carry them. They fit INSIDE the union and catch on two tabs. The tabs sometimes break, so you may want to spray first with liquid wrench and let it sit first.

Mike T., Swampeast MO

The tool to install them is called a "spud wrench". Generally much less success with removing them as the brass lands that engage the grooves in the wrench will frequently just break off. I honestly find it easiest to just remove and replace the tapping bushing (the union tailpiece will come out with the bushing). Quite uncommon for a radiator to be tapped full size without the bushing.

thfurnitureguy_4

After the spud wrench breaks off the tabs, hack saw the nut off and use your blade only inside, and at the top of the brass nipple that is left behind. Angle the blade up and cut till you hear the change in metal, now cut parallel till you get a good nick and than angle down and cut through till you just hit the cast iron again. The goal is to all but cut the thing and not mess up the threads. Brass is soft and cuts quick. Once cut, grab with a pipe wrench so the fitting crushes at the cut IE so it wraps back inside of its self. Once it breaks it can be grabbed and backed out with pointed pliers ect.

pkd550

thanks for the help

Jim Bennett

Radiator nipples

Spud wrenches are good for installing, but often don't work for removeing.

Use a hacksaw and cut the union nut off the nipple. Then you can grab the nipple with a pipe wrench and turn it out.

Remember, Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey

Jim