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Push Nipples

J. R. Sullivan H&P
J. R. Sullivan H&P Member Posts: 9
in Strictly Steam
I am considering rebuilding a leaky steam radiator. It was made by Crane and has 5 tubes per 38" tall section. The plugs in the end secitons are 1 1/4". I have two questions. (1) Where in Massachusetts can I get new push nipples for this thing? (2) I see no tie rods. Are they inside the radiator?

Comments

  • Dave in QCA
    Dave in QCA Member Posts: 1,788
    Not a good sign...

    Radiators that are joined with push nipples have rods running through them to hold them together.

    Radiators with reverse threaded nipples have a unique threaded nipple that is threaded normal on one side and reverse threaded on the other side.  The sections are added one by one, with a tool that fits on the inside of the threaded nipple and turns it in until it is tight.  They generally work pretty well.  The bad thing about them is that once the radiator is put together and used, it is virtually impossible to ever get them apart again.  Also, don't think the reverse threaded nipples are available any longer either.
    Dave in Quad Cities, America
    Weil-McLain 680 with Riello 2-stage burner, December 2012. Firing rate=375MBH Low, 690MBH Hi.
    System = Early Dunham 2-pipe Vacuo-Vapor (inlet and outlet both at bottom of radiators) Traps are Dunham #2 rebuilt w. Barnes-Jones Cage Units, Dunham-Bush 1E, Mepco 1E, and Armstrong TS-2. All valves haveTunstall orifices sized at 8 oz.
    Current connected load EDR= 1,259 sq ft, Original system EDR = 2,100 sq ft Vaporstat, 13 oz cutout, 4 oz cutin - Temp. control Tekmar 279.
    http://grandviewdavenport.com
  • MTC
    MTC Member Posts: 217
    From what I've heard,

    nobody makes the threaded nipples anymore. And there's only one place in NY somewhere I think that makes the push nipples. You have to send them your old ones and they make you ones to fit. There are just way too many sizes and shapes of them to be practical for anyone to make stock replacements, I suppose.



    Last one I repaired, we took an oversized nipple and ground it down on a belt sander, little by little, until it fit just about right, but a bit on the snug side. Then we loaded it up with GRIPP and put it together. It worked, but man was it a PITA.



    Good luck!
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,360
    no where in MA

    what make of radiators? Some are threaded nipples, if that is the case you are out of luck. Some radiators had internal draw rods. You need to remove the plugs to check for this. Onita boiler works can make you nipples if they are push style and you send them a few samples.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
  • Alan Welch
    Alan Welch Member Posts: 270
    Plenty of used radiators for sale

    Craigslist is full of used radiators for sale, and there are several salvage yards. I still have 2 -  8 section that are 38 " high on Craigslist  Boston. It might be a lot easier and less expensive.
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