Industrial-strength radiator key

mrcheez

Every rad key I've had has broken due to cheap manufacturing quality, is there a good brand I should look out for (in Dublin) that WON'T break?

The ones I've used in the past were like:
http://www.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/8872581038110.jpg

I need a key rather than a screwdriver as some radiators are positioned in such a way that a screwdriver can't gain access.

gctest50

I have one of these for ages :

http://www.hardwareireland.ie/product/Swival-Radiator-Keys-2-Pack-490

need to be careful not to overtighten though

mrcheez

Thanks, just curious if the "grip" goes on the rad screw is the screw replaceable or do you need to buy a new rad?

popolive

mrcheez wrote: »

Thanks, just curious if the "grip" goes on the rad screw is the screw replaceable or do you need to buy a new rad?

I'd like to know this too.


Maybe one of the keys above can help me ? I have a rad where the rad screw is stuck. So stuck that I have broken a lot of radiator keys while trying to let the air out. it just wont budge and key after key breaks in my hand like butter. I basically gave up trying.

corkgsxr

mrcheez wrote: »

Every rad key I've had has broken due to cheap manufacturing quality, is there a good brand I should look out for (in Dublin) that WON'T break?

The ones I've used in the past were like:
http://www.clasohlson.com/medias/sys_master/8872581038110.jpg

I need a key rather than a screwdriver as some radiators are positioned in such a way that a screwdriver can't gain access.

I find those brass ones too loose on alot of rads and strip the corners off.

I use ones like the second link. They used to be made of alu or something. But most have much stronger ones now. They dont bend or break. You just loose them alot.

I pay about 2-5 euro for ten.

scudo2

There two different size keys in the links.

File the key head down till you get to the square, then file the round outer edge into a dome shape. It fits the radiator better that way.

mrcheez

scudo2 wrote: »

File the key head down till you get to the square

Sorry not clear, you mean file the square opening in the key itself to make it larger?

corkgsxr

mrcheez wrote: »

Sorry not clear, you mean file the square opening in the key itself to make it larger?

No the front face. The square shape starts a mm in. So if you file off the mm it grips further in.

mrcheez

Incidentally I found these "automatic radiator bleeding valves" in case the screw in the rad itself becomes worn down (a few of mine are chipping away due to rad key/screwdriver slippages etc)

http://purchase.ie/automatic-radiator-bleeding-valve

Anyone tried these?


Also found this which explains how to replace the valve itself: http://www.ehow.com/how_7631122_replace-radiator-bleed-valve.html

So seems like it doesn't necessarily mean the radiator has to be replaced.

corkgsxr

mrcheez wrote: »

Incidentally I found these "automatic radiator bleeding valves" in case the screw in the rad itself becomes worn down (a few of mine are chipping away due to rad key/screwdriver slippages etc)

http://purchase.ie/automatic-radiator-bleeding-valve

Anyone tried these?


Also found this which explains how to replace the valve itself: http://www.ehow.com/how_7631122_replace-radiator-bleed-valve.html

So seems like it doesn't necessarily mean the radiator has to be replaced.

Not at that price lol. Id be afraid they'd draw in air after a while.

mrcheez

gctest50 wrote: »

I have one of these for ages :

http://www.hardwareireland.ie/product/Swival-Radiator-Keys-2-Pack-490

need to be careful not to overtighten though

Just bled the rads there with one of these. Absolutely solid performer and no risk of this little guy breaking anytime soon. Thanks

(P.S. Got it for €2 in Lenehans on Capel St)