Cut legs?

Timco

well, I have a real tight situation where I have no access to the pipes, and the new valve is about 3/8" shorter than the old one. (one pipe steam) The supply will not move, or raise at all. Can't set the rad into the floor because already settled down a bit. Don't want to chance cranking on the old riser with no wrench on the 90. Would one dare cutting 3/8" off the legs of the rads carefully?

Tim

an old wrench puller

Extention coupling

Sounds like a place to try an "extension coupling" although; it will likely take off more than 3/8" If it does, raise the radiator with some large washers or something similar. By the way, an extension coupling is a male x female coupling. Very short. Back when I did radiator work, I found them indispensable. Probably hard to find today.

kevin_58

raise valve

you could use 2 street 45s and roll them to make the rad closer or farther from the wall to get perfect height. Its not the best looking but works.

bob young

Kevin got it right

Kevin's solution is the correct answer. it will give you a positive 100 % connection. extension cplg. are readily available in the nyc area & i have used them a million times but they are not always the correct choice. a fraction of an inch can seem like a yard if its going against your goal.

Rich Kontny_3

Timco

Many years ago we converted a steam system into a hydronic system in a post office. We had to order in military spec control valves. They were all about 3/8 " short like your situation.

We were lucky that they were all 1 1/2 & 1 1/4" risers. We scratched our heads until my oldest brother suggested brass Marvel connectors. They worked perfect as a slight thread extender. No leaks either. Try one if you are dealing with 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 (Female trap adapters or Marvels)

If it happens to be 1" maybe a 1" eccentric coupling would work.

Good luck!

Rich K.

Dan Sedens

Cutting Legs

I don't know if there is any reason not to do it. I have cut the feet off of steam and hot water radistors as much as 1/2" with no problems. The legs do not know the difference as they are not on the wet side of the system. Just be careful on the measurements. Again, I don't see any reason why you can't do it, and have done it a number of times myself. Others may have different opinions.

Dan

Ken Sappio

Don't cut the legs...

cutting the legs will take away from the style of the radiator. I don't believe in modifing something especially of such vintage as an iron radiator, it is much better to find a workable solution like the ones mentioned in the other postings.

Timco

Can anyone suggest a part number and supplier for extension clpgs? They are not offered here in SLC. I need two 1" and one 1 1/4". Two 45's are not an option...would really look bad. One pipe steam.

Tim

nicholas bonham-carter

height adjustment

this goes to show that in the case of steam valves..if at all possible repair-do not replace. they should never be used anyway, so what about an elbow instead?--nbc

Timco

Would you have a p/n for the marvel ftgs? I will try anything and these sound like a good bet...

Tim

MikeyB

cplgs

Tim, go to McMaster-Carr.com, and type in 44605K314,in the item search bar, this is for a 1" bl extension coupling, search the other pages to try and locate a 1 1/4" cplg, i did not see it.. You can order today and have tomorrow, i order from them all the time

Unknown

Tim,

these couplings you seek seem to have different names depending on the supplier.
Perhaps you can find something here.
Good Luck old friend :-)

Dave

Dave Stroman

Tim, Nipple extentions will add too much to the length of the nipple. Use an angle grinder and a cut off disk. No one will ever notice 3/8 of an inch.

One other thing, use that string stuff on the threads. It might tighten a couple of threads sooner and might just give you the 3/8".

Dave Stroman