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Broken radiator air valve

Beth_4
Beth_4 Member Posts: 2
in THE MAIN WALL
I decided to be brave and replace the air vent on a radiator. I know this is supposed to be a simple replacement, but in the process of removing the old vent, it broke off at the threads (I needed to use pliers to loosen it). Now the old threads are still in the hole in the radiator. Is there anyway to get them out, or what can I do now?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Beth

Comments

  • Norm Harvey
    Norm Harvey Member Posts: 684


    There are tools sold at your local home center called either "easy outs" or " bolt extractors"

    This is not the right size, but you can see what they look like if you click view larger image

    http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=10474&group_ID=1261&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

    The home center sells them in sets and one of the smaller sizes is what you would use.

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • ed_46
    ed_46 Member Posts: 11


    call a professional
  • ed_46
    ed_46 Member Posts: 11
    radiator repair

    very tricky you need to know what you are doing
  • mike8
    mike8 Member Posts: 12


    Beth, I'm no big fan of Home Depot, but I do know in some locations, their stores are open beyond 9PM; some 'til midnight (even on weekends), and rare, some 24 hrs. Lowes should have these "easy outs" and for sure, SEARS will have them also. Take your old busted valve with you, and maybe Lowes and Home Depot (plumbing department) can match it up for you. Sears will carry the easy outs in the tool /hardware department. Home Depot carries, in their plumbing department, a 3-IN-1 Radiator Valve Tool; SKU# 0 20111 08610 6. It's about $7.oo . I bought one, but I am not happy with it. Ask the person in the plumbing department for the samllest roll of white tape dope to put on the threads of the new valve, and how to apply it. Good luck.
  • bob young
    bob young Member Posts: 2,177
    FIELDER'S CHOICE

    AN EASY-OUT CAN CRACK A CAST IRON RADIATOR IN ONE SECOND. CHOP IT OUT & YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR OR..... ROLL THE DICE.
  • Beth_4
    Beth_4 Member Posts: 2
    Thank you for the help

    I heeded the warnings and went to Lowes. The gentleman there sold me small hacksaw blades and told me how to cut it out. Several hours of sawing later, the new valve is on and the radiator is up and running.

    Thanks so much for the advice.
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