The knob on my radiator is stuck. Me and my flatmates have tried to turn it but it won't move a millimeter either way. It's a British gas knob. Anyone know how to get the thing moving?

Clixy123, November 2009

hi when you turn the knob to turn the radiator down nothink happens thanks

carl, November 2013

Yo! Spot on. Don't know why it was so tight though!

John, November 2009

YOOH. Did it. I used a spanner to get the top bit to rotate independently from the bottom bit and suddenly the much desired numbers up til 6 appeared!

Word of advise to others: could not have done this with my bare hands in a million light years! The radiator is heating up so I guess I haven't broken anything.

Problem solved.

Thanks for your comment. WARM regards!!!

Clixy123, November 2009

Hi Clixy
I'm a bit clearer of what you want now....you have British Gas TRV's fitted and I guess you're cold? I don't know why it doesn't want to turn, but anyway -
the whole plastic body comes off on these, and this is done by turning a knurled ring at the bottom of the plastic bit...these should be only finger tight. If you get the top off, you'll see a steel pin that should be poking out of the centre...the chances are its stuck in, stopping the water coming through. With a pair of pliers its usually possible to help this pin up a little, but only by 5mm - not more.....yanking the thing out could mean an early shower! Hope this helps!

John, November 2009

The knob indeed has red and blue letters and looks brand new. I just managed to get it to move but both the bottom bit and the top bit are stuck still, so it's still on zero. Wondering if I have broken the wretched thing. The good thing is that I am sweating like a pig over it.

clixy123, November 2009

Thanks John. The knob seems to come in two parts but I can't figure out how to lift off the cap. There's no screw.
I have just managed to get the one in my kitchen stuck too by turning it from the freeze symbol to zero. There's no way that this knob can turn too! It's got british gas written on the cap, that's the only other clue I have.

Any ideas?

clixy123, November 2009

Assuming that the knob isn't a TRV - or thermostatic radiator valve (with numbers in blue and red on it) - If the radiator is on, turning the valve clockwise will shut it down. If the radiator isn't on, the valve needs to be turned anticlockwise to make it warm up. Remove the plastic top - often there is a screw in the centre. Then use some pliers to get some purchase on the shaft beneath. Don't overdo it - call for help if you're not happy.

John, November 2009