Some Steam Radiator Valve Spud Removal Tips

[@matt4620]

I’ve been in the hvac trade for over 30 years, always seem to learn something new in your videos.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

I learn a lot from watching KZbin, so this is my way of giving back. Thank you for your support!

[@josephrodriguez1540]

Me too.

[@waynetaylor8082]

Not only informative, but entertaining. Always learn something from your videos. Thank you for sharing, I too wish I lived closer. Continued success and be well.

[@raindogs451]

There’s a local company where a youngin walked in 35 years ago and said, “I have no experience. I’ll work free 90 days. If I’m worth it, hire me.” He’s been the owner the last 10 years. If I was starting over, I’d travel to Baltimore with the same pitch. 😊

[@dannywilkins887]

Great tip Gordon,hope you are keeping well

[@ed6837]

the other important thing is to fill the spud up with something so it's not hollow. You don't want to crush it then it will be hard to get out. So the inside spud tool does double duty.

[@eddiew.6485]

Wow! You made that look way to easy!😊

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thank you! Years of broken spuds went into that video. The skinny Vice-Grips made it happen.

[@makgou9148]

Thanks for sharing that method of removing those suborn spuds.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

You're are welcome!

[@richconstantino8485]

I have to change my service valves on all my radiators. Did one already and I keep saying i'll do the other ones in the summer and then before i know it it's heating season . Its on the list

[@WApnj]

Good old leverage and friction. Add some heat to make it even easier...

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Dr. Heat is always helpful in getting pipe and fittings apart. But sometimes it's not advisable to break out the torch... Be well. Stay safe.

[@scottk0623]

Great job, I need to replace some of my spud wrenches were liberated from my truck in with some other items. I’m having trouble finding a set.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

OUCH! Sucks, because they probably got $15, and you're out of weeks of pay at the very least.

[@scottk0623]

@@gordonschweizer5154 yea but finding then has been tough.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

@@scottk0623 Ah yes! indeed, the time factor of replacement is often greater than the simple monitary loss.

[@bauhnguefyische667]

That’s a great hack on refusenik spuds! I’ll usually cut the nut off and put a big wrench on it and hope it doesn’t snap off😢🤬

[@SimgoWood]

wow, very neat trick!

[@josephrodriguez1540]

I use the torch. But I like your technique too.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thank you! Dr. Heat is good. I worry it might harm the brass making it too soft?

[@medicalnegligence]

Happy New Year!! How do you deal with the new valve not lining up with the spud?

[@gordonschweizer5154]

And you all too! It depends. Valve too low, a M x F coupling, which then usually puts the valve... Too high, then it's radiator shimming time!

[@tmactheplumber4966]

We would use the lost art of capeing. However, I liked what you did ! what was name of that tool ?

[@gordonschweizer5154]

I was wondering when someone would ask about that spud tool. It was sold by Sexauer (alas no longer) as a tool for working on Slone Valve spuds

[@scottl5910]

Looks like Wal-Rich makes one

[@gordonschweizer5154]

@@scottl5910 Alas again, in that the Wal-Rich Sloan spud tool has spud grooves too shallow to be useful for general use. They could be milled out deeper, I suppose.

[@georgebrett4289]

Nice video as usual. Wouldn't it be easier to cut off the nut? This way you don't have to try to squeeze a wrench or pliers between the nut and the radiator

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thanks! I've done it both ways, and it seems quicker to my mind to prep the Vice-Grips in advance and give it a go that way. Only when the first method as shown fails (and it does now and then, esp. with 1-1/4") do I go to the extra trouble of removing the nut.

[@pigeon_57]

Impressive

[@2pugman]

You made it look easy.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

You're too kind. Somehow the failed jobs never make it on to KZbin lol

[@greekmaster1001]

I wonder if they make or you can weld a attachment to that tool to hook up a 1/2 impact drill on it and unscrew it like a tire lugs

[@gordonschweizer5154]

I do love my impact, but I have a sneaking suspicion those lugs won't take that stress.

[@gquin9487]

Gordon ... how do you remove a stuck steam trap cover? It has a 6 point 1 inch nut on the cover.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Generally, I use impact driver and appropriate socket when I can

[@derekmaldonado3300]

I have a 1/2 spud. A small piece of the spud wrench broken in and fellbinto the radiator Would that effect operation in any way?

[@gordonschweizer5154]

It should not have any effect, if it is a small piece and it's not blocking the flow. 1/2" radiator spud tools are indeed notorious for breaking.

[@MeiklesAndDimes]

Good tip!

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thanks!

[@mikerefrigeration5736]

Beautiful 👏

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Thanks!

[@mikerefrigeration5736]

@@gordonschweizer5154 no thank you. You and Dan Halohan provide great information of steam system. Learned so much watching your channel. Please continue with the great content.

[@mrbig4532]

Rather than grinding down a pair of vise grip why not use a grinder and cut the nut off of the spud ? It’s not like you are going to use it again.

[@gordonschweizer5154]

Since part of what I do for a living is work on radiator valves, grinding down a pair (or two) of vise grips to make my job easier is nothing. Once done, I have a more useful tool for the next time. If you are just going to work on one radiator now and then, sure, cut off that nut and have at it. And, just so you know, now and then I DO reuse the spud. So, it's nice to have the option to save it.