Do radiator keys fit all?

Are radiator keys all the same size? Radiator keys for modern radiators will generally be a standardised size, so you needn’t worry about buying a radiator key that won’t fit. However, older radiators adhere to the imperial scale that was used in the UK before the switch to the metric system.

What can I use instead of a radiator key?

flat-head screwdriver
A flat-head screwdriver will usually make for the best alternative to a radiator key. If the screwdriver is marginally smaller than the socket on your radiators, you can apply duct tape to the head to make for a seamless fit.

What size is a standard radiator key?

Old radiators are obviously imperial and use clock key sizes. A lot of the older ones are key size 12 which is approx 4.8mm, the size was simply rounded up when they went metric. If you have an older key (even metric) they usually fit but for some reason newer ones do not (also take account of a little wear).

Can I use a screwdriver instead of a radiator key?

For radiators with a slotted bleed screw, a simple screwdriver represents an ideal alternative to a bleed key. Just insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn it in a counter-clockwise direction to bleed the radiator.

Do you need a radiator key to bleed a radiator?

You can’t bleed a radiator when the heating is on, as it may be too hot to touch. You could also get hot water spraying out of the radiator. Use your radiator key to turn the valve at the top of the radiator. Retighten the valve once the hissing stops and only liquid comes out.

How long do you bleed a radiator?

Even though bleeding a radiator is a quick job, it depends on the size of the radiator and how much air is trapped in there. However, even the most air-locked radiator shouldn’t take much more than 30 seconds to bleed. Hot water will be rushing through your central heating system again in no time.

What is a radiator bleed key?

Often the bleed valve (or nipple) is found at the top of the radiator, to the side. It looks like a round hole with a square inside. When you insert the radiator key into the bleed valve, you will feel them lock together. Carefully turn the valve anti-clockwise – as the air begins to escape you’ll hear a hissing sound.

What is a radiator spanner?

A radiator valve spanner helps avoid bending pipework when the union nut of a manual, thermostatic or lockshield radiator valve valve is undone or tightened. It is also known as a radiator valve wrench and a radiator valve lever. Valve spanners can be made of plastic, like the one here, or zinc-coated steel.

Why is 1 radiator in my house cold?

One cold radiator usually indicates that either there is air in the system or there is a stuck valve within that radiator. To check if the valve is stuck, you can remove the rotatable head on the TRV to reveal a raised pin beneath it. You should be able to depress the pin with your finger.

Does bleeding a radiator reduce boiler pressure?

Bleeding radiators If you bled your radiators recently, you may have lost some pressure. That’s because, when you bleed a radiator, air is released, which lowers the pressure in your boiler system.

How long do you bleed a radiator for?

Do radiator keys fit all? Are radiator keys all the same size? Radiator keys for modern radiators will generally be a standardised size, so you needn’t worry about buying a radiator key that won’t fit. However, older radiators adhere to the imperial scale that was used in the UK before the switch to the metric…