having trouble removing end bolts on my steam radiators....

[88rxn/a]

im converting old steam radiators to water... i can get the union ends off (1 pipe rads) but cant get the other end off! i tried heating it, using the old "monkey" wrench with a pipe at the end but it just wants to strip off! i even tried vice grips with a cheater pipe...
im looking for other ideas to help...
im going to heat it up again and use the wrench with a cheater bar, i really dont know any other way around it?
these suckers are on there!

 

[Singed Eyebrows]

Think Kroil, this will loosen stuff that is almost welded together. It's kind of hard to find. Check Ebay, Google search etc. Randy

 

[NHFarmer]

I converted my whole house over from steam to hot water so I had to convert Quite a few rads. I took a drill and a cold chisel, drill a hole in the plug. Next use a sawzall and CAREFULLY cut slots radiating from the hole out to the theads. Don't cut into the threads.Now use a cold chisel and chip out the pieces. Clean out and chase the threads with a tap and you will be good to go.I tried to remove the plugs with a wrench but it didn't work at all. with a little patience you should have good luck

 

[88rxn/a]

wow, ALOT more work than i thought!
good idea though!

 

[88rxn/a]

this is what im doing as we speak....
air cut off wheel, using it to cut the end of the bolt off (luckily the end bolts are hollow)
once the end is cut, im cutting slots into them towards the threads
then i take the chisel and i am beating them out..
ive yet to get to the threads because the cut off wheel is to big to get inside and close enough.
i tried the sawzall and it just wants to bounce off the next rad...i just cant seem to cut into the bolt with it!
kinda tedious work IMO...
hopefully worth it.

 

[Tony H]

check the type blade in the sawsall they make some very fine cut steel blades that should reduce bouncing and get a grip. Another option would be a dremmel with a cutoff blade

 

[88rxn/a]

thank you...
seems im getting them..just got 2 done.
3 total done, 2 to go!
these bad boys need a flushing!

cut off wheel and a hammer & chisel is working.

 

[88rxn/a]

so they are done, im going to buy a tap for them now and pray i didnt beat the threads up to bad...good thing for teflon tape!

 

[NHFarmer]

I don't know if it makes any difference but I used Loctite "55" pipe sealing cord on the threads as well as pipe dope.

 

[88rxn/a]

DIY hardware stores have that kind of stuff?

 

[NHFarmer]

I went to a plumbing supply house. Also a local Graingers should carry it

 

[chiefburritt]

FYI Heatinghelp.com has some interesting and informative threads on radiators, removing plugs and sealing pipe threads its worth a look. It's also a very good source for hydronic systems and steam. If you were interested. Cheers

 

[pybyr]

im converting old steam radiators to water... i can get the union ends off (1 pipe rads) but cant get the other end off! i tried heating it, using the old "monkey" wrench with a pipe at the end but it just wants to strip off! i even tried vice grips with a cheater pipe...
im looking for other ideas to help...
im going to heat it up again and use the wrench with a cheater bar, i really dont know any other way around it?
these suckers are on there!

build an outdoor fire and sink that corner of the radiator in the coal bed, then pull it out, whack on the suck plug with a hand sledge, and then reef away!

 

[88rxn/a]

so all was going good untill they decided to crack (radiators)
i found this link and im going to try JB weld and see if it holds....


(broken link removed to http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/11/Hot-Tech-Tips/137/An-old-radiator-Q-A)


i hope it works since i have some money rapped up into them.

 

[pybyr]

so all was going good untill they decided to crack (radiators)
i found this link and im going to try JB weld and see if it holds....


(broken link removed to http://www.heatinghelp.com/article/11/Hot-Tech-Tips/137/An-old-radiator-Q-A)


i hope it works since i have some money rapped up into them.

This won't help your existing situation, but I have two suggestions--

1: Kroil (google it- it works better than anything ele that I have tried for the purpodde)

2) impact wrench it's not for speed- the impacs will get things loose wih less damage