Threaded Radiator Nipples 1-1/2\" RH and LH

Jerry Enns

I have a Crane cast iron two pipe steam radiator. One of the sections is cracked. I have a tool to remove the threaded nipples between sections. I need some replacement nipples. The nipples are 1-1/2" NPT. Half of the nipple has a left hand thread and the other half has a right hand thread. Where can I find some of these?

Thank you

Jerry

Bruce M.

Is There a Hexagon Nut in The Middle?

Go to the oldest plubing supply place in your area and ask for a right and left-hand thread nipple. Crane Co was located on S. Michigan Ave in Chicago and made a large range of equipment including boilers (coal, oil & gas), radiators, baseboard, boiler controls and piping. If this nipple is of a type that is exclusive to the Crane radiator you may want to contact someone in the Chicago area who at one time was a Crane dealer. Reading an old brochure of Crane radiators I find that they were available "in 3,4,5, and 6-tube types of 6 to 56 sections, delivered in even number of sections only. Heights from 19 to 32 inches."

Jerry Enns

Thanks for your reply Bruce. This Crane radiator is a six tube design. It is 23" high. The nipples have two "keys" that are 180 degrees apart on the inside of the nipple. I made a tool from an axle shaft that can grip these "keys" and provide the necessary torque to remove the nipples. You can't see these joining nipples on the exterior of the radiator. They are removed by reaching into the threaded hole that was vacated by the last nipple removal. There is no hexagon shape that can be used for removal.

Bruce M.

How about a used Crane radiator?

There are a number of dealers who specialize in used radiators. Maybe someone has a used Crane of that size and tubes and you could get the section from that one.

Jerry Enns

I am not too worried about the section as I could pipe over to it if it is not repairable. A new section however would be a terrific find though.