Unknown tool for radiator tails?

[Whynot123]

I'm stumped with this unknown socket type. I've bought a manual valve + lockshield set. I expected the tails to use an ordinary radiator tail allen key, which I have.

But it's this shape instead. Does anyone know the name of this? Hopefully I'll embarrass myself with how common and well known this is, but I have no idea. It's circular with 2 curved sections coming inwards.

 

[Mottie]

Try looking up Almabner Radiator Stepped Wrench key.

 

[Whynot123]

Thanks Mottie, I did notice these stepped keys but they are also hex shaped, where as these tails have a rounded socket.

 

[JohnD]

I'm stumped with this unknown socket type. I've bought a manual valve + lockshield set. I expected the tails to use an ordinary radiator tail allen key, which I have.

But it's this shape instead. Does anyone know the name of this? Hopefully I'll embarrass myself with how common and well known this is, but I have no idea. It's circular with 2 curved sections coming inwards.

Does your ordinary radiator key not have grooves in it for this job? They are available.

 

[Mottie]

Thanks Mottie, I did notice these stepped keys but they are also hex shaped, where as these tails have a rounded socket.

Won't the hex fit inside the rounded socket? Might be cheaper and quicker to cut your losses (return them if possible) and buy another pair of valves with Allen hey fitting from Screwfix. £6 the pair

 

[Whynot123]

How odd, is there not a tool which fits this exactly then. Is this shape just designed for a number of tools to fit into it and for the tool to grab the curved lugs as you turn?

My radiator hex tool does have groves in. However, the hex is just a little too big for the tails. So it doesn't go in and can't be used at all the one end.

However, the other end of the hex has a square end (with a hole in the centre), which is slightly smaller. It looks like this will grab the lugs in the tails securely enough as I turn. However, it doesn't feel or look right and is loose. It doesn't seem to be the correct tool for the shape but I'm wondering if this is intentionally designed this was, just to grab the lugs (I was expecting there to be a named tool that would fit perfectly into this shape).

 

[Nige F]

The tool used to be called a Spud - but I never found out if there was a proper name for it.

 

[HERTS P&D]

You were right Nige.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BGS-1462-5...25&hvtargid=pla-420234457606&psc=1&th=1&psc=1

Radiator Spud Wrench.

Andy

 

[Whynot123]

Thanks all, yes spud wrench seems to be it. I was thrown off and was looking for a tool that would fit the shape perfectly. However, the square end of the ordinary radiator allen key seems to work perfectly well at grabbing the lugs and driving it tightly.

 

[Madrab]

My normal tail key, shaped like this fits them fine, if it's new it might just need a tap in

 

[Jackrae]

A big flat bladed screwdriver works well

 

[Nozzle]

I'd be tempted to buy the normal key and take an angle grinder to it.

Nozzle

 

[CBW]

No way of using an adjustable spanner on the tail going to the rad?