A youtube viewer left a comment about how he was trying to remove the brass spud end of an old radiator valve from his cast iron radiator. He stated that while cutting through the brass spud, he cut into the female threads of the radiator. Now he has a damaged fitting and is concerned that he ruined the radiator and isn’t happy about the thought of having to replace it.
I outline that process in my video “How To Cut Off A Steam Valve“ part two. When I’m removing a brass spud from a steam radiator my tool of choice is a Lenox close quarter saw. My second choice would be a good old hacksaw blade which will also get the job done. I personally think that you’re less likely to damage things when you cut by hand.
That being said I know many plumbers like to use their electric or battery operated reciprocating saw which admittedly is quick, but unless you’re experienced in using the tool you can damage fittings and radiators in a flash. Don’t get me wrong, we work in crazy some positions and sometimes even with hand tools I’ve cut into fittings and radiators alike.So when you do compromise a fitting, what do you do?
Well long before Teflon tape came around I used a good old bulletproof spool of lamp-wick.It’s basically a cotton based thread that you wrap in a clockwise direction in between the threads of a piece of pipe or a male radiator spud. Similar to how you would apply Teflon Tape, only it sits down in between the threads and builds as you make multiple passes. But the icing on the cake is a joint sealing compound called Blue Block which if left to set for 24 hrs. will form a leak proof seal and save you the grief of having to remove or replace a fitting.
Hercules manufacturers Blue Block in addition to a product called Grip. Either one will do the trick, but be warned! Wear gloves and be super careful not to get it on your clothes or tools. Lacquer thinner is the only thing that will get it off. So for those of you who find yourself in the unfortunate position of cutting too deep into a fitting or radiator, fear not! Lamp-wick and Blue Block to the rescue. Sure you cut so deep into a fitting that it may have to be replaced, but I would certainly check out my video first.
If you still have a question or special circumstances, I can always be reached at info@bobsplumbingvideos.com. Regards and HAPPY PLUMBING!
Bob