Unconventional radiator valve?

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keendiyer123

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Hi,

I'm trying to remove the radiator for decorating. It's my first time doing so and have watched several videos/read extensively and it all sounded relatively simple.
I understand that I need to first "lock off" the radiator from the system by shutting both valves. One valve is thermostatic valve so that was easy. The other valve seems to be missing something... it's covered with a nut and once I unscrew the nut, there's a hole inside it.
How do I turn off this valve? Is it broken?

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You need an Allen key to fit in that "hole".
Don't like the look of that PTFE tape though, hope it wasn't used to stop a leak.
 
Thanks just pumps. Would any Allen key do or am I better off getting something specific to plumbing?
We just bought the house, so no idea why so much PTFE. It seems to be everywhere.
 
There may be a specific tool but it may be cost effective to buy a set. Measure across 2 flat sides for the size (mm not inches)

Another keen diyer then so God knows what you will find as you go on.
PTFE should not be on a thread with that kind of joint.
 
keendiyer123 said:
We just bought the house, so no idea why so much PTFE. It seems to be everywhere.
Click to expand...

AS YOU TIGHTEN THAT ALLEN HEAD VALVE, MAKE A NOTE OF HOW MANY TURNS IT GOES BEFORE IT STOPS. This is because it's a lockshield valve and they are often used to balance rads. When you re-commission the system, open the valve the same number of turns.

Untidy PTFE tape hanging out of compression joints and other places where it shouldn't be is a true sign that a clueless DIYer has been meddling. Be on the lookout for other bodges. You will need to open the joint where that tape is to drain and remove rad. Remove all traces of tape. When you go to put it back together, a smear of jointing compound on the olive wouldn't hurt.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/fernox-hawk-white-jointing-compound-400g/69694

As for allen keys, you can buy them individually from places like Ebay or maybe specialist tool shops. Or you can also get them in sets.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/magnusson-long-arm-ball-end-metric-hex-key-set-9pcs/8113v

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Metric-S...m=321536841178&_trksid=p2045573.c100505.m3226

Hold tight!!

 
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