How to turn on a radiator with a turned screw

[Matt_B]

Bit of DIY advice here chaps. I have a radiator with one of the older knobs on it to turn it on. The problem is when I turn the handle it spins on the screw, so the screw isn't opening the valve. Further more the screw's head has been turned by some fool in the past. I would rather not drill out the screw as I don't know what would happen! Any ideas?

 

[RHYDAL]

Bit of DIY advice here chaps. I have a radiator with one of the older knobs on it to turn it on. The problem is when I turn the handle it spins on the screw, so the screw isn't opening the valve. Further more the screw's head has been turned by some fool in the past. I would rather not drill out the screw as I don't know what would happen! Any ideas?

I have one golden rule with anything to do with plumbing, get a plumber in. It works out cheaper in the long run.

 

[Dour]

Bit of DIY advice here chaps. I have a radiator with one of the older knobs on it to turn it on. The problem is when I turn the handle it spins on the screw, so the screw isn't opening the valve. Further more the screw's head has been turned by some fool in the past. I would rather not drill out the screw as I don't know what would happen! Any ideas?

You really need to replace the valve. But for a bodge you can try filing a groove in the screw so that you can use a blade screwdriver. Not that I think that's going to work as the screw is obviously well and truly stuck...

 

[Singth]

Use a pair of grippers for now but be careful and keep them straight as you may bend the screw. But as Rhydal said, it is best to get a plumber in to replace/repair anything.

 

[homer]

Any ideas?

Put a jumper on

 

[lazzer]

Put a jumper on

and a balaclava :icon_bigg

 

[enderby fox]

and a balaclava :icon_bigg

and a crowbar..................











i think i've completly misunderstood this thread.

 

[lazzer]

and a crowbar..................











i think i've completly misunderstood this thread.

You've had a mare

Beights have you tried the old art of taming it ?

 

[fcukcov]

You've had a mare

Beights have you tried the old art of taming it ?

http://www.benshakespeareplumbing.co.uk/

this guy could probably help with that.

 

[lazzer]

http://www.benshakespeareplumbing.co.uk/

this guy could probably help with that.

:icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_wink

 

[Matt_B]

You've had a mare

Beights have you tried the old art of taming it ?

:icon_bigg:icon_roll

 

[Matt_B]

You really need to replace the valve. But for a bodge you can try filing a groove in the screw so that you can use a blade screwdriver. Not that I think that's going to work as the screw is obviously well and truly stuck...

I'm considering dremmeling a groove into the screw and trying that.

 

[lazzer]

I'm considering dremmeling a groove into the screw and trying that.

If you do then make sure its Rock steady :icon_wink

 

[homer]

If you do then make sure its Rock steady :icon_wink

Tooth-hurty

 

[lazzer]

Tooth-hurty is what i say when lazzer cracks a gem of a joke and i have no repost

I've noticed homey

 

[Matt_B]

According to a guy here, the plastic cap is only held in place by the screw through the top, the screw doesn't turn anything. His advice was to drill off the head of the screw and remove the plastic case, then I can operate the radiator control with pliers short term, and pick up a new head when I get chance. Does this sound sensible, he has been known to be a tit before!

 

[fcukcov]

According to a guy here, the plastic cap is only held in place by the screw through the top, the screw doesn't turn anything. His advice was to drill off the head of the screw and remove the plastic case, then I can operate the radiator control with pliers short term, and pick up a new head when I get chance. Does this sound sensible, he has been known to be a tit before!

No he is right. The plastic around the cap breaks when people force them. If you can get the crew out the cap will come off and then turn the valve which has a flat section at the top with a pair of pliers. My mums went the same way.

 

[Singth]

Use a pair of grippers for now but be careful and keep them straight as you may bend the screw. But as Rhydal said, it is best to get a plumber in to replace/repair anything.

According to a guy here, the plastic cap is only held in place by the screw through the top, the screw doesn't turn anything. His advice was to drill off the head of the screw and remove the plastic case, then I can operate the radiator control with pliers short term, and pick up a new head when I get chance. Does this sound sensible, he has been known to be a tit before!

:icon_wink

You say pliers I say grippers :icon_bigg

 

[newtonfox]

No he is right. The plastic around the cap breaks when people force them. If you can get the crew out the cap will come off and then turn the valve which has a flat section at the top with a pair of pliers. My mums went the same way.

some of the old caps just pull off :icon_wink

just thought i would add that the rest is spot on

 

[City Fan]

Be careful when turning the valve with some pliers though - the last time I did that I somehow twisted the flat section bit off!