The bleed screw on one of my radiators has sheared off due to over tightening. Do I need to replace the whole radiator or can I obtain a new insert for the end of the radiator - thanks

Jim Simpkin, December 2006

LMAO - Agree 100% with Hi-Spec here...

However; if it is a modern radiator, and has 3/4" (I think they are anyway) nuts at the top screwed into the rad where the bleed point is, you can buy these as individual items from GOOD plumbing shops (Local shops are the best for these kind of items - Not B&Q plumbing section)... They are about 30% of the cost of a rad... But do save some time and effort.

If it's an old rad - Scrap it and buy a new one... You'll notice huge heat output differences as well.

GasAid.co.uk, January 2007

No! You can remove the bleed screw using a screw removing tool. Firstly, you drill a small hole as close to the centre of the remains of the bleed screw as possible. The drill sise is determined by two factors: the thread size of the bleed screw and the diameter of the screw remover/tapper. When the hole is drilled, you tap a new thead inside the bleed screw, this will be a left-hand thread. You then insert and screw in the screw remover which is also left-hand threaded. Once the screw remover reaches it's thread-stop (ie, it can't screw in any further) by continuing to apply pressure in a counter-wise direction, it will unscrew the bleed screw. And that's all there is to it. Happy screwing!!

Paul Tomasi, December 2006

yes just buy a new end shut that rad of at the valves and undo the bleed valve to release pressure and water till it stops undo nut and fit new one they all standard thread.

hi-spec plumbing, December 2006