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Best metal for bushings for cast iron hot water radiators with steel pipes?

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sixplex
sixplex Posts: 160
in THE MAIN WALL

I’m confused and would appreciate advice from someone with experience.

I like stainless steel, but I’ve heard it can damage cast-iron threads during installation or removal. Still one of Toronto’s largest cast-iron radiator shops (Ironworks), sells only stainless-steel bushings.

Brass can lose zinc and become brittle. Is that a concern with a high-quality brass adapter, such as Parker, in an older heating system that’s mostly—but not completely—free of air?

Bronze seems ideal, but the specific bushings I need are impossible to find in the specific length.

Steel rusts and looks bad.

What’s the best choice?

Comments

  • pecmsg
    pecmsg Posts: 7,588

    why not Steel?

    Brass with lead I like

    Stainless Steel damaging cast iron is a new one on me. Stainless is actually cheaper then brass

  • Grallert
    Grallert Posts: 1,196

    No need to reinvent the wheel. I would concider steel the best choise

    Miss Hall's School service mechanic, greenhouse teacher, dog walker and designated driver

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Posts: 18,159

    steel or brass. steel is fine service wise but can seize if you ever have to remove it and has to be cut out. brass is more likely to unscrew as long as you don't collapse it.

    i know stainless can gall threading on itself but I didn't think it would do that threading in to cast iron.

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