Steam air vent broke off at the radiator

hotfoot1981

Tried to replace a half century old steam air vent that would hiss until the heat would go off. I sprayed it with penetrating oil but it broke off at the radiator.
Thought I write this discussion on how I fixed my problem to help others with a similar situation. I can't believe this only happened to me. I included a pictures of the tools I use except for my locking pliers and small hammer. I do mean small, you will be banging on cast iron. If you don't have small, 1 once, use little taps.
I tried to use a small jig saw hack saw blade but part of my air vent was still stuck inside. That is where I used the diamond Dremel bit. I made dents in the broken steam at the top, bottom left and right(4 places). I only took away enough metal for the hacksaw blade to get in, since it is faster then the dremel. BE CAREFUL do not cut too deep, you don't want to cut into the treads. I the used the small screwdrivers as chisels, tried to bend over a corner. Hit it lightly. It just chipped away at mouth of the radiator, so I then tried to use the screwdrivers to slice vertically. This weakened the steam. I then used the largest screwdriver that fit in the hole, top to bottom, locked it with my pliers and turned. It didn't screw out but a piece broke off and I was able to remove the part of the air vent that remained. I did it again left to right an turned, this broke the steam in halve. This method left my treads intact. Total time it took me 1.5 hours,  half with the Dremel. Note use the Dremel and hacksaw blades at at perfect 90 degree angle. You want to cut the steam evenly. 
Hope this can help someone with a similar issue.

mattmia2

An easy out wouldn't grab it?

Waher

Or a left hand drill bit?

Neild5

mattmia2 said:

An easy out wouldn't grab it?

I have removed several with an easy out.