What is a radiator valve spanner?
What is a radiator valve spanner? |
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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. | |||
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The parts of a radiator valve spanner are:
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The union nut is the one on the horizontal connection to this radiator. | |||
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The end of the radiator spanner that fits your valve is placed on the metal valve body. Some leverage is applied to ensure the valve is held firmly – hence the alternative name, radiator valve lever. | |||
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An adjustable spanner can then be used to release the union while the radiator spanner holds the valve firmly in place. | |||
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Trying to remove the valve without supporting it in this way can bend the vertical pipe that feeds into the bottom of the valve.
If a pipe is kinked badly, it will have to be replaced, meaning lots of unnecessary additional work. |
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