Steam Radiator End Plug??? Something like original???

KenH

Can anyone recommend a solution this this? The existing plug had a hole in it, so I cut it out and installed a black pipe blind plug. I'm guessing due to the taper it will not recess fully.


Anyone know where to get a plug similar to the existing plugs that came with the radiator? Do the still make them? I ordered a 1 1/2" brass cleanout plug to see if that will work. Any suggestions??? Thanks in advance.

mattmia2

did you check the thread pitch? that looks a lot like trying to get 2 different pitches to thread together

Daveinscranton

Assuming the pitch is right, if NPT, run a tap in a bit deeper.  Carefully.

Best wishes.

KenH

I didn't.  But I will. Thanks. 

EBEBRATT-Ed

@KenH

Just make sure the tap can't bottom out on anything. You might try Oswald Supply (google them) in NYC they have a lot of weird stuff.

Other than that maybe a visit to a scrap yard with a sawzall on an old radiator

PC7060

Is it water tight?  You could grind it off flush, prime and paint to match.  Although, I’d try the brass clean out plug first. 

mattmia2

A square or hex head plug painted will probably look less weird sticking out.

JUGHNE

Are you sure that plug is pipe thread?
I have a reclaimed 2" plug for those holes and it threads quite will into a 2" fitting.
Those threads almost look too course for 2" NPT.
Did you try the plug into a 2" fitting?....or what ever size you have.
Hard to tell.

KenH

I’m almost certain it’s NPT threading. I’ve never seen a radiator that was otherwise.  I’m thinking I need to find an untapered plug. 

JohnNY

As far as I know, an untapered thread is called a machine thread. The only tapered threads I know of exist solely for the plumbing/HVAC industry which would make them NPT threads.
You're looking for a countersunk plug which seem plentiful with a quick Google search. I throw out dozens of them every year when I pull them out of skim port tappings.

KenH

@JohnNY
will something like this work? 

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ward-FBCSPL1-1-2-1-1-2-Black-Countersunk-Plug

JohnNY

KenH said:

@JohnNY
will something like this work? 

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Ward-FBCSPL1-1-2-1-1-2-Black-Countersunk-Plug

It certainly ought to. I do like the idea (not completely necessary) of running an 1-½" NPT tap through those radiator threads first though.

KenH

Thanks @JohnNY. I do have an 1 1/2” tap that I can clean out the threads with. I’m guessing my problem is the plug I have is tapered, vs. something that is consistent size. 

Daveinscranton

Or you can run the plug into a pipe die.  And a tap to at least chase the female threads. Assuming you don’t have bottoming problems.  Depends on if you need it right now.  Or yesterday.

This falls into the category of new ceiling moldings.  When you first put them up, you can see every flaw.  After a month, not so much.  Especially after paint.  You are going to be the only one looking for it.

If you have access to a lathe, you can  put a coupler on a pipe nipple.  Make it round. You now have an internally threaded collet for your too long plug.  Then chuck your coupler in the lathe.  Thread in your plug.  Take enough off the face that you are happy.  40 minutes tops.  

If you can find the correct plug easily and don’t mind the wait for UPS, I like that solution.