C.I. Radiator Height Adjustment

hvacfreak2

Hey Guys , I was wondering what is the best way to trim 1/4 inch from the legs of a small ci radiator ? I am thinking an angle grinder or a small band saw will work but just wanted some feedback from someone who has done this. The legs are not really fancy , just 3/8 square posts for my best description. Thanks for replies.

EBEBRATT-Ed

Depends on how far you can cut before you hit water. Never done it. an angle grinder or a band saw would work. Why not raise the piping? either by pulling it up (slightly) or by using fittings

hvacfreak2

Access to the piping is the main reason I am looking at trimming the radiator feet. And thinking about it now I don't care for the shape of the legs on the bottom so I'll kill 2 birds / 1 stone and use the grinder.

ethicalpaul

I'd rather remove some of my floor than grind off my radiators' feet

BobC

Your taking a chance grinding the feed off, there may only be 1/8" before you grind through and then you'll have to replace that radiator.

Bob

JUGHNE

It would be interesting if someone here would cut the feet off of several leaker radiators headed to the scrap.
I have often wondered if feet were hollow or solid.
Could depend on the brand also.

hvacfreak2

There is a casing line about 1/4 inch up from the bottom ( where I would like to be ). But above that line all bets are off looking at it now. I'm going to go to the line and see what happens. I'll go with Baseray or a fabricate a pipe radiator if this doesn't work out. It's not a Victorian lions claw or anything , just a basic 3 tube water style. Changing any piping on this is just not an option.

JUGHNE

Please let us know!

EBEBRATT-Ed

I would guess the legs are solid but who knows? And it's the kind of thing that could vary from leg-leg and manufacturer-manufacturer

hot_rod

A thin cutoff wheel on a 4" angle grinder would be my tool of choice. May be easier than grinding away all the metal.

hvacfreak2

I ended up using a heavy wheel . It's almost like the feet had solid metal " pads " on the bottom for this purpose . I removed what I needed to with no problems. Being careful is the same as being wise , but some folks freak the f out when mentioning such things as grinding some cast iron. SMH , I guess nervous folks don't break anything ( or win races ) for sure.

ethicalpaul

I don't think you need to affect that mocking tone. You asked people's opinions, and responsible people are cautious to give advice that if followed could cause your radiator to be ruined. Next time feel free to saw anything you want without asking.

motoguy128

Being caution and calculating is how the often win races.... and how you run profitable businesses.

Doing something once carefully and taking 30 minutes is faster than rushing and doing it the first time in 25 and the second time in another 35.... because you really don’t want to do it a 3rd time.

Jamie Hall

There are old pilots. There are bold pilots. There are no old, bold pilots...

hvacfreak2

Jamie Hall said:

There are old pilots. There are bold pilots. There are no old, bold pilots...

Don Garlits
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Garlits

But yeah I'm going to admit when I was finished I was sorry I even brought it up.