1" Spud into 45 ell, do I cut the smaller sizes on the wrench off?

Jells

I've got the apparently classic problem of the new 1 pipe radiator valves I had installed by a plumber are now too low by up to 3/4". Reading here it seems the best answer is the old double 45 ell trick, but the spud wrench is too long with the smaller sizes to install the spud on the 45 ell. Do I just cut it off, or am I missing something?



Also, what's the best thread sealer for this, blue dope, grey dope, or tape?

icesailor

Which?

IMO, Both. Quality Tape and quality paste.

ChrisJ

Tape N stuff

I use blue monster tape or Megaloc dope. If the threads are old and rough I'll use both. If they're in good shape I often go for the blue monster tape alone.



If it was mine being I'm a perfectionist I'd replace the length of pipe to bring the valve up to the correct height. I'd do this even if I had multiple radiators I needed to fix.



But like I said, I'm a perfectionist and I often suffer because of it.

Patrick_North

One shot spud wrench

I'm not a pro, but I've made a single use spud "wrench" by milling down a piece of hardwood to fit the spud, then simply used a pipe wrench to crank on the block of wood. Worked fine. Just be cautious with the soft spud fitting.

Good luck,

Patrick