Cannot bleed my radiator

[dakini]

Our heating system is centrally controlled, is put on in October and turned off in May. One of the radiators is cold at the top and needs bleeding, but the nipple seems to be worn, so nothing happens when the key is used. What part needs to be replaced? Does anyone know of a reliable plumber in London Streatham who might do the job and can the job be done with the system on or does it need to wait until summer?
Thanks all

 

[dan the man]

depending on how old your radiator is or the type depends if u can replace the bleed or not.

Some air nipples are in 1/2" plugs which can be unwound and replaced. Some are in 1/4" plugs too which can be replaced but are easily chewed and can be a nightmare.

And some nipples are into the radiator end direct so if cant get out at all then a new rad or some drastic action

 

[scatmanjohn]

Try filing down your radiator key.

A lot of the keys have a chamfered bit on the end (god knows why)

It works a treat.

Sometimes

 

[dakini]

Thanks dtm - it is an old radiator, so it may have to replaced or may have some ridiculously radomly sized replacement attachment. Your suggestions were great though.

All the best to ya

 

[big-all]

sorry if i am stating the obvious but try another [metal ]bleed key
as it may be a combination of rounded square and rounded key and there may be enough to grip on a new key

 

[dakini]

Hi Big-all

Amen to the still learning, I say. I will try that.

Thanks

 

[big-all]

Hi Big-all

Amen to the still learning, I say. I will try that.

Thanks

especialy me

good luck

 

[RigidRaider]

You can do it any time with both valves closed. Can you post a pic of the end plug on here?

 

[dan the man]

sorry if i am stating the obvious but try another [metal ]bleed key
as it may be a combination of rounded square and rounded key and there may be enough to grip on a new key

yup should have said. The flat ended keys are a bloody lifesaver at times. the brass ones all seem to be chamfered in a bit and no depth on the nipples so just slip over them.

Flat keys ive found always grey in colour and solid handle ends..ie..no holes to put on your bunch of keys etc..

 

[dakini]

sorry if i am stating the obvious but try another [metal ]bleed key
as it may be a combination of rounded square and rounded key and there may be enough to grip on a new key

yup should have said. The flat ended keys are a b****y lifesaver at times. the brass ones all seem to be chamfered in a bit and no depth on the nipples so just slip over them.

Flat keys ive found always grey in colour and solid handle ends..ie..no holes to put on your bunch of keys etc..

I will look out for one of those.

Thanks again!