Radiator removal, which way does the nut turn?

[greensleeves]

I want to remove one of my central heating radiators to decorate. The themostatic valve is on the left as you look at the radiator, and the nut on this valve nearest the radiator unscrews by turning it clockwise as you look side on to the radiator. How about the nut nearest the radiator on the right hand side. Would that unscrew by turning it anti clockwise? Its quite tight and I want to be sure before I use more force.

 

[chrishutt]

All nuts unscew anti-clockwise. Of course the validity of the description anti-clockwise depends on which way you view the nut. The nut is viewed from the direction opposite to the thread that it screws onto. So for the right hand radiator valve you would view the nut from further to the right.

 

[greensleeves]

Thanks Chris. You are correct on the left hand side of the radiator. The thread is on the thermostatic valve, and the nut is to the right of that, retained on the radiator pipe by a copper ring. So looking towards the thread from the middle of the radiator, the nut was removed by turning it anti clockwise. Isn't the right hand side a mirror image of the left? I can't see the thread but I would assume it is on the valve and not the radiator. If so to look at the thread, I would look from the middle of the radiator, and not further from the right. Sorry if I'm missing something.

 

[chrishutt]

You're right . I was thinking the thread was on the radiator tail! I see enough of the things every day, so my only excuse is that it was too early in the morning. I do this stuff to try and get my brain in gear!

 

[greensleeves]

Thanks Chris. Nut successfully loosened! I had originally been tightening it and stopped when the pipe started to bend. Its great to have a site like this when you can get access to experience. Back to work!