Are there different sizes of radiator key?

So, are radiator keys universal, or are they manufacturer or model specific? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Some appliances have different sizes and types of keys and valves, and some have fittings for universal keys, so what you require depends on exactly what radiators you have installed.

What size is a radiator valve key?

Size: 0.35in/9mm. The inside diameter of radiator key is 5mm.

What is a radiator key called?

Radiator keys are hand tools for undoing, tightening and adjusting the fittings of a central heating radiator. They are also known as radiator spanners, radiator wrenches, valve keys, air release keys and bleed or bleeder keys.

What can I use if I don’t have a radiator key?

The most popular alternative to a radiator key is by using a flat head screwdriver. Most modern radiators manufactured over the last 5 – 10 years will have a small indent allowing for a flat head screwdriver to be inserted into the bleed plug.

What happens if you let too much water out of a radiator?

Baird warns that letting out too much water is likely to introduce fresh water into the system, which can make the situation worse as fresh water contains a lot of air. He adds: “Some people also think if a radiator is cold on the bottom but hot at the top then it needs to be bled.

Why can I hear water running through my radiators?

If you can hear water dripping or trickling inside your radiator, then it’s very likely that your rad is not full and contains air pockets inside. This is actually quite a common problem in tall radiators, often because they are filled too quickly, causing air to be trapped within the radiator.

Do you bleed radiators when hot or cold?

You should always bleed your radiators when the heating is switched off and the system has cooled down, because bleeding radiators with hot water flowing through the system increases the risk of scalds and burns.

What size is a radiator key?

Simply so, what size is a radiator key? 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). You probably need a clock key size 12 (4.8mm).

What is a radiator air valve key?

The Danco Radiator Air Valve Key is for hot water radiator heating systems. The radiator key is designed to open and close the radiator valve to bleed out trapped air. Constructed of metal to provide strength and durability. You will need Adobe® Acrobat® Reader to view PDF documents.

What’s the difference between the first and second radiator key?

The first key came from the UK and took a while to get. The second key came quick so it was in inventory here in the States. The second key doesn’t fit my radiator valves. The second pic above shows the newer key on the left and the original on the right.

What is an Allen radiator key?

An Allen (sometimes called hexagon or hex) radiator key is for fitting and removing standard 1/2 inch radiator valves. It is also known as a half-inch section key.