broken spindle on radiator valve - yes, I snapped it off

[Min]

I managed to snap off the spindle on the return valve. Can I just replace the gland and spindle and not the whole valve?

Can I do this without draining the whole system if I don't mind getting wet? (The floor is an old carpet that's about to go, over concrete)

If I can't do it the 'wet way', can I freeze the pipe to replace the gland?

Many thanks.

 

[oilman]

Bit like the BG current advert, sometimes you have to get wet!!! However, you could freeze the pipe, but I thought you'd have to freeze the radiator; but if you get a big sandwich box that will go under the joint, you can turn off the other valve and drain the rad contents. Then you can replace the valve. I wouldn't trying to replace the spindle, even if you could get hold of one.