URGENT Old radiator and no key, how do i bleed or just replace?

[Courtenaym90]

I have a very old radiator for which we cannot find a key for. It desperately needs bleeding, any ideas on how I can do it or is it time for a new radiator?

 

[PETE 123]

Drill and tap or new rad.

 

[moonlight]

Most rad keys for some reason are bevelled. If you file i,t so no bevel edge is visible you will probably find it will fit. Make sure you clean the paint out first. good luck

 

[snowhead]

Try a Brass one like this, the end is a smaller diameter;

Oracstar Air Vent Radiator Key Brass Plumbing - 579118 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Oracstar Air Vent Radiator Key Brass Plumbing - 579118 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

The typical soft alloy ones are too big;

Alloy Radiator Bleed Key Radiator Valve Key Essential Heating Plumbing Tool x 2 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Alloy Radiator Bleed Key Radiator Valve Key Essential Heating Plumbing Tool x 2 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Some brass have larger ends and would be too big as well;

Radiator Key Winged Brass Bleed Valve Heating Air Vent Square Plumbing Tool x1 | eBay

For releasing air in radiators to ensure full operation and even heat distribution. Compatible with nearly all standard radiator heating systems. Our Radiator keys are made from brass construction to ensure long life and reduce snapping like other alloy radiator keys.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Best]

Looks like a removable complete air vent anyhow, (I copied and magnified image) so should be possible to just replace the lot if it screws out with a socket of correct size.

 

[snowhead]

As Best suggests, could be either of these 1/8 or 1/4 ;

Cast Iron Radiator - Steel Radiator - Bleed Valve Screw / Vent 1/8" Brass | eBay

BLEED VALVE. RADIATOR PARTS. THIS WILL FIT A HOLE OF APPROX 3/8".

www.ebay.co.uk

Cast Iron Radiator - Steel Radiator - Bleed Valve Screw / Vent 1/4" Brass | eBay

BLEED VALVE. RADIATOR PARTS. THIS WILL FIT A HOLE OF APPROX 1/2".

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Timlazisa]

I have a very old radiator for which we cannot find a key for. It desperately needs bleeding, any ideas on how I can do it or is it time for a new radiator?

You'll need a new radiator.

 

[EvilDrPorkChop]

Most rad keys for some reason are bevelled. If you file i,t so no bevel edge is visible you will probably find it will fit. Make sure you clean the paint out first. good luck

I end up filling my keys down just for easiness.

 

[rpm]

Alladin Easy bleed, where you drill a new hole and it cuts it`s own thread? Hasten to add that I`ve never used one myself.