Removing lockshield valves from a radiator

[johnp]

Hi Folks,

I've moved into a new house recently, and I've been replacing the radiator valves with new TRVs and lockshields. Some clever soul removed all the thermostatic heads and having drained the system down I figured I might as well replace the lockshields as well.

My problem is that I can't get the connectors between the radiator and the lockshields out. Turning the nut causes the lockshield to rotate but the connector doesn't move.

Any suggestions?

Cheers
John

 

[ChrisR]

Hold the valve still and turn the nutas though you were screwing it into the radiator - which will be the other way from the direction you've been trying. The nut stays loose on the bit in the rad.

Then you use a key to get the part out of the radiator. There are several, the simplest being like a big allen key. Some taper to accommodate different sizes, and some have slots for keyways etc. You CAN undo them with a pair of grips in the end, but you'll need something decent to get the new ones in - (unless you go with the ones with a square on the outside of the tube. I'd advise against those because its harder to get the rad off when you need to.)

I remember wheb I first came across them I used a cold chisel which had a hex shaft. You'll see examples on the Monument-tools site.

 

[johnp]

Thanks for that ChrisR, had a look inside one of the radaitor connectors and found the fitting for a hex shaped key.

Cheers

John