stubborn rad vent removal

yobyllib

I replaced these about twenty years ago, the ancient ones unscrewed with a firm handshake, the Gortons I put in with teflon tape, but they aint budging. i was thinking a hair dryer to warm up the stem first, but what can i use for a little more leverage? maybe wrap a towel around it?

thnks B

ethicalpaul

If you're just using your hand, that isn't going to work unless you are The Hulk.

Try an 18" pipe wrench, you don't need heat and certainly not from a hair dryer.

See below!!!!

STEAM DOCTOR

18" wrench might be Overkill. And will probably crush the vents. Pair of pliers should do the trick

ethicalpaul

haha you are right I was thinking it was a #1 main vent

Intplm.

@yobyllib When and if the threads brake off in the radiator use a 1/8" tap to tap out threads while also removing the broken piece inside. Start with a strong "handshake" as you put it, and move on to the appropriate tools as needed.

yobyllib

these being angled Gortons in the radiators, ill assume a light tension on the main body with visegrips will do? or Channel lock pliers on the round of the body?

ethicalpaul

I actually have used a pipe wrench parallel with the vent body to grip the round part. The tiny 1/8" fitting gives way before crushing the vent (much)