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Experience Re-Tapping a Steam Radiator Air Vent Hole?

12:03 PM 01/07/2013

 

nalusurf

Bed Stuy, NY

I have hot water steam radiators with 1/8" air vent valves.  Upon going to replace one of the air vents I discovered that the threads on the the famlae portion of the radiator itself are stripped and it subsequently stripped my new vent upon trying to install.  I would assume the threads need to re-tapped and am looking for any guidance on the process.  I think that drilling out with a 7/16" bit and then re-tapping with a 1/4" x 18 NPT tap woiuld create appropriate new threads.  I think I could then insert a 1/4" to 1/8" reducer bushing to fit the 1/8" air vent.  Does this sound appropriate?  Appreciate any guidance!

 

 

Plumbers and Plumbing
Radiators
4 answers
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  • vote

    ejalbk

    NY

    I believe they make 1/4" valves so you can probably even dispense with the bushing if the air valve was stripped and needs to be replaced anyway. Your plan seems fine to me....

    1:44 PM 01/07/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    pig-three

    Brooklyn, NY

    plans sounds fine.  you could also try to run a 1/8" tap into the hole again to see if it will correct the threads before you drill a larger hole.  

    6:02 PM 01/07/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

    Comments (1)

  • vote

    masterplvmber

    New York, NY

    I'm with pig-three's suggestion, though the first answer is correct too.

    6:53 PM 01/07/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    nalusurf

    Bed Stuy, NY

    Thank you all!  Probably not a bad idea to begin to gather a few taps of various size...I am sure they will come in handy at some point!

    9:03 PM 01/07/2013 | 0 Votes

     

     

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