What is a universal radiator key?

Shop for Radiator Keys

• A tapered hexagonal shaft for use on internal hexagon valve tails
• A tapered shaft with grooves for the fixing and removal of internally-lugged tail valves
• A square end for fixing and removal of square section bleed plugs and blanking plugs
• A hole to give clearance to bleed screws when removing square section bleed plugs
• A sliding handle, often referred to as tommy bar
• Ends caps at either end of the handle to prevent it falling out of its hole

Self-restricting means that by pushing the tapered profile into the valve tail as far as it will go, it will fit valve tails of different sizes from 12mm to 14mm.

This picture shows a square section bleed plug.

However, the three profiles do not cover every operation. For instance, it cannot be used for bleeding radiators.

This particular spanner has an adjustable or ‘floating’ handle, called a tommy bar, which is useful when space is restricted.

High tensile steel is twice as strong as the mild steel used for some tools. Case hardened steel means the surface of the steel has been hardened, but the metal deeper inside remains softer. High tensile steel is stronger throughout.

It includes an open-ended spanner which is ‘stepped’ to fit different radiator nuts including some bleed plugs and blanking plugs. It also incorporates a radiator bleed key.

However, it lacks an adjustable handle, so may not be as easy to use in restricted spaces.