I've just bought one of these radiators, and don't know what sort of tool I should use to remove the blanking plugs at each side, at the bottom where the valves go. The centre of the plugs looks a bit like it is designed to need an enormous Posidrive Screwdriver. The standard radiator spanner doesn't fit. Any ideas? David
my god! This guy can not be serious...... This is really basic. This guy should not even think of diy
Go easy, it's his first post! Nevertheless it's a bit worrying to think you might be trying to fit a radiator without more knowledge of the basics. Still no harm in trying. Just ask first.
sometimes these plugs are sprayed over with paint and this makes them stick, I always grip 'em with pliers and twist 'em out.
or just leave them in and leave a jar to collect the water Doesn't it make it very difficult to connect the pipes if you leave the plugs in
Thanks fo your help guys - least the majority of you who were helpful. I confess I've NEVER bought a new radiator before and seen what sort of plugs they come with. However, if you don't buy one and install it, you'll never learn how to do your second one will you? (Thanks to this radiator and the internet, I've learnt about the advantages of TBOE, life is wonderful!) David
The merits of TBOE On a one pipe system you get a better circulation. On two pipe surface fixed steel pipework its easier and tidy-er to connect the bottom flow pipe to the top connection. Thermostatic valves fitted at the top of the radiator are easier for older persons to use. TBOE may not be a good idea if curtains cover the valve. Some radiators don't have top connections. Flow and return connections are critical and cannot be reversed as with BOE. A triangle of sludge can settle in the corner below the top connection. Sure there was more
Sure there was more The heat output on a 2 pipe - TBOE can lead to heat output rates as much as 20 percent higher than 2 pipe - BBOE.
There's also TBSE (top - bottom same end) which is pretty standard in Germany for example. I imagine the output is much the same as for TBOE, unless the rad is very low height, in which case some by-passing of flow might occur.
Have connected several gravity one pipe systems on TBSE. Suppose I should say it was bigger pipes than 15mm