DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,

I have been bleeding my radiators but have come across a problem with one of them(IMG3.JPG) and am wondering if there is any solution or if I will have to replace it entirely. The problem is that the end has been sheared off the bleeding screw and so there is nothing for the bleeding key(IMG4) to take hold of. See IMG2.JPG, I have stripped away the paint around the bleeding valve and you can see that the end has been sheared off the bleeding screw (the square brass coloured bit at the center of the silver circle). Is it possible to fix this somehow, or might the entire silver circular valve be removable ? It looks to me like it is part of the body of the radiator with the bleeding screw being the only removable part, but it is hard to be sure. Any ideas ?

Thanks

IMG2:
[url]http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=108806867&albumID=2325937&imageID=35741137[/url]
IMG3:
[url]http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=108806867&albumID=2325937&imageID=35741145[/url]
IMG4:
[url]http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=108806867&albumID=2325937&imageID=35741153[/url]

Cheap radiator with the fixing being part of the body. Your only option is to try and file a slot in the bleed nipple so that it can take a flathead screwdriver instead. Or you could try some strong superglue and have a permanent bleed key attached to it.

I have read elsewhere about drilling holes and using a self tapping screw on the front of the rad as an alternative - personally, I would replace the rad above all of these options.

Thanks for clearing up for me what a bleed key looks like.

Yes - replace the whole bleed valve - the silver circle as you describe it. Isolate the rad (using the valves), let some water out and remove it. It just unscrews. Take it to your local plumbers merchant and show it to him - he'll sell you a new one.

Cheers

"Cheap radiator with the fixing being part of the body."

Are you sure?

I was sure until I read your post - it looked like it to me from the photo.

I maybe mistaken...... if there is a nut there it can be undone if there isnt it cant! :)

Its part of the rad so have to replace, if you can't cut a slot in it ...... Dremmel tool??