difficult bleed screw

[asalcedo]

I need to bleed a radiator.

I have the standard bleed key, with a female 5.8mm square (I hav measured it).

The problem radiator has a square bleed screw that is slightly smalle than 5.8mm and the bleed key does not grab it.

I believe the bleed screw may have been worn out and that is the reaso why the key does not work. However, the edges look in reasonabl condition.

I have tried with bent nose plier but it is not enough grip.

Any ideas how I can turn the bleed screw?

Thanks,

Antoni

-- asalcedo

[John Rumm]

Easiest thing may be to replace the whole valve. Have a look at part number 6918 at

(failing that a local plumbers merchant)

If you turn off both rad valves and then undo the whole valve assembly you should spill little water (of if there is enough air in the rad to start with then none!). Replace with nice new valve and job done.

[Mark]

I measure a standard rad key as 5.38mm, and the rad nipple as 5.25mm [1] So I would try a new key first, otherwise a No 10 clock key which is 4.75mm fits most buggered nipples.From here

no such word as standard in plumbing

-

[Richard Faulkner]

In message , asalcedo writes

Perhaps the Subject should have been "Bleeding difficult screw"

[asalcedo]

Hi Mark,

I like your observation about standards in plumbing.

I have measured the rad nipple and it is 4.9mm in my case (in one tha I can undo without a problem with my 5.8mm key)

If you tell me your rad key is 5.38mm then I am certainly a lot close to solving the problem by shopping around with my caliper in hand.

I certainly need this radiator, it is in my office and it does not ge warm enough these days.

Thanks,

Antoni

-- asalcedo

[asalcedo]

Thank you John. That is a good idea. If Mark's suggestions above do no work, I will try that.

Regards,

Antoni

-- asalcedo

[asalcedo]

Hi Mark,

I found a new key, 5.1 mm, that worked a treat.

Thank you very much

Antoni

-- asalcedo