stubborn rad vent removal

yobyllib · February 4

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 · February 4

~~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 · February 4

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

ethicalpaul · February 4

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

Intplm. · February 4

@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 · February 4

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 · February 5

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)

stubborn rad vent removal

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