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Removing 1-1/2" hex plug from cast iron rediator?

Gasper
Gasper Member Posts: 148
Does anyone have a favorite/best method when removing a 1-1/2" hex plug from a 85 year old radiator? Tricks, tips, etc?

Comments

  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,857
    edited March 2018
    Um... why? If you need to get it out intact... I'd clean all the paint off, particularly the threads. Hit it with PD Blaster or equivalent, wait a day, repeat, wait another day. Then a socket which fits the hex perfectly, and an impact wrench. You could also try the same socket with a very long cheater bar on the wrench, and have someone bang on the plug while you lean on the cheater. There s a chance it might work...

    Otherwise, there are any number of approaches using drills and sawzalls.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England
  • Gasper
    Gasper Member Posts: 148
    First method we have attempted (but have not given up on yet). Second options are up next. Still..... just wondering if someone has done more of these then I have, and might have a best medhod from trial and error. Thanks!
  • Gasper
    Gasper Member Posts: 148
    Forgot to answer: No, the plug does do NOT need plug intact. Obviously, radiator female threads need to be intact.
  • Jamie Hall
    Jamie Hall Member Posts: 24,857
    Cut it out -- see @the_donut 's comment on your other thread.
    Br. Jamie, osb
    Building superintendent/caretaker, 7200 sq. ft. historic house museum with dependencies in New England