What are the different types of radiator key?
What are the different types of radiator key? |
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You need to choose the right radiator key for the job you are doing. | |||
Bleed key |
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A bleed key is for removing unwanted air from a radiator. | |||
Four-way key |
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Four-way keys are used for turning some kinds of radiator drain cocks or valves (small, square headed taps) on and off when draining a radiator or the entire system.
Many can also be used on some types of outside tap and gas, water and electricity utility cabinets. |
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Three-legged key |
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Three-legged keys also turn some kinds of drain valves and taps on and off. | |||
Double-ended key |
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Double-ended radiator keys are for fitting and removing radiator valve tails and square section blanking plugs and bleed plugs. | |||
Hex or Allen key |
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Allen or hex keys are also used on radiator valve tails and plugs. | |||
Radiator spanner and air release key |
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A radiator spanner and air release key is for fitting and removing valve tails and bleeding radiators. | |||
Universal key |
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Universal radiator keys are usually used on valve tails, blanking plugs and bleed plugs, but may have profiles (shapes) to fit other parts as well. | |||
Combination radiator wrench/key |
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A combination radiator wrench/key is for fitting and removing valve tails, blanking plugs and bleed plugs. | |||
Stepped ratchet key |
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A stepped ratchet radiator key is for fitting and removing valve tails. | |||
Radiator tail socket |
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Radiator tail sockets are a quick way of fitting and removing valve tails. | |||
Radiator valve spanner |
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A radiator valve spanner helps avoid bending pipework when the manual, thermostatic or lockshield radiator valve is tightened or removed. | |||
No key will do every job |
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You can save money by buying a key that does several jobs, but none of them will do every job on radiator fittings.
A universal key, like this one, may do jobs on radiator valve tails and plugs, but it might not adjust bleed valves. |
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If you only want to do one job, say bleed a radiator, and leave more complicated jobs to others, just buy one dedicated key, in this case a bleed key. | |||
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See the description of each key to find out what they do. | |||
