URGENT Old radiator and no key, how do i bleed or just replace?

[Courtenaym90]

I have a very old radiator for which we cannot find a key for. It desperately needs bleeding, any ideas on how I can do it or is it time for a new radiator?

 

[PETE 123]

Drill and tap or new rad.

 

[moonlight]

Most rad keys for some reason are bevelled. If you file i,t so no bevel edge is visible you will probably find it will fit. Make sure you clean the paint out first. good luck

 

[snowhead]

Try a Brass one like this, the end is a smaller diameter;

Oracstar Air Vent Radiator Key Brass Plumbing - 579118 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Oracstar Air Vent Radiator Key Brass Plumbing - 579118 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

The typical soft alloy ones are too big;

Alloy Radiator Bleed Key Radiator Valve Key Essential Heating Plumbing Tool x 2 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alloy Radiator Bleed Key Radiator Valve Key Essential Heating Plumbing Tool x 2 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Some brass have larger ends and would be too big as well;

Radiator Key Winged Brass Bleed Valve Heating Air Vent Square Plumbing Tool x1 | eBay

For releasing air in radiators to ensure full operation and even heat distribution. Compatible with nearly all standard radiator heating systems. Our Radiator keys are made from brass construction to ensure long life and reduce snapping like other alloy radiator keys.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Best]

Looks like a removable complete air vent anyhow, (I copied and magnified image) so should be possible to just replace the lot if it screws out with a socket of correct size.

 

[snowhead]

As Best suggests, could be either of these 1/8 or 1/4 ;

Cast Iron Radiator - Steel Radiator - Bleed Valve Screw / Vent 1/8" Brass | eBay

BLEED VALVE. RADIATOR PARTS. THIS WILL FIT A HOLE OF APPROX 3/8".

www.ebay.co.uk

Cast Iron Radiator - Steel Radiator - Bleed Valve Screw / Vent 1/4" Brass | eBay

BLEED VALVE. RADIATOR PARTS. THIS WILL FIT A HOLE OF APPROX 1/2".

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Timlazisa]

I have a very old radiator for which we cannot find a key for. It desperately needs bleeding, any ideas on how I can do it or is it time for a new radiator?

You'll need a new radiator.

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

Most rad keys for some reason are bevelled. If you file i,t so no bevel edge is visible you will probably find it will fit. Make sure you clean the paint out first. good luck

I end up filling my keys down just for easiness.

 

[rpm]

Alladin Easy bleed, where you drill a new hole and it cuts it`s own thread? Hasten to add that I`ve never used one myself.

 

[CHRISX]

I have a very old radiator for which we cannot find a key for. It desperately needs bleeding, any ideas on how I can do it or is it time for a new radiator?

Hello Courtenaym90, ,

As Member rpm suggested - If You want to try and avoid damaging the existing air vent / having to replace the Radiator try one of these self drilling Easibleed radiator air vents:

Easi Bleed. Simple solution to broken radiator bleed screw

Simple solution to broken radiator bleed screw

easibleed.co.uk

Easi Bleed Valves

Quick fix to broken,snapped or rounded radiator bleed valves,

easibleed.co.uk

How it Works

Simple solution to broken radiator bleed screw

easibleed.co.uk

As you have a single panel radiator which these are designed for you just screw it into the top front of a radiator using a cordless drill and a 10mm socket / socket bar.

THIS IS NOT IN THE FITTING INSTRUCTIONS - JUST MY SUGGESTION - BUT PLEASE DECIDE ON THIS YOURSELF:

Although these are self drilling [as in self tappers] and as Member rpm mentioned - I would be tempted to pre drill a very small hole [much smaller than the tip of the air vent] just to locate the tip of the vent when drilling it into the front of the Radiator.

The bleed valve / air vent will not get 100% of the air out from the top of the radiator but it should enable it to get hot enough to not be a problem.

I hope that this helps.

Chris
[automerge]1581966278[/automerge]

Alladin Easy bleed, where you drill a new hole and it cuts it`s own thread? Hasten to add that I`ve never used one myself.

My Apology rpm -

I did not notice that You had already posted a suggestion for the Easibleed Radiator vents when I was typing my message to the OP.

Chris