Removing lockshield extension tail

[phloaw]

Hi, I have a standard radiator (1/2" female bsp) on which I'm installing a new lockshield/TRV kit. The lockshield is similar to this:

What happens if I remove the nut and everything on its left in the pic, and screw the valve directly into the radiator (with PTFE)?
This would simplify my space arrangements a lot, but before actually trying I thought to ask if this makes sense at all.
TA!

 

[Deleted member 246321]

I’ve never seen that done but I suppose it would work if u have movement in your pipe work. U will be stuffed if u ever want to take the rad off in the future. U should do it properly really and alter the pipework if needed

 

[Hans_25]

I doubt there will be room to screw it in, try it dry first to see if it will physically fit.

 

[dcox]

You can cut the tail down a bit if space is really tight. Only about 10mm though.

 

[phloaw]

You can cut the tail down a bit if space is really tight. Only about 10mm though.

Interesting, thanks.
When you say cut the tail, do you mean the threaded part or the smooth part?

 

[dcox]

The smooth part. Nearly all of the threaded part ends up inside the radiator when the tail is fitted.

 

[exbg]

Hi, I have a standard radiator (1/2" female bsp) on which I'm installing a new lockshield/TRV kit. The lockshield is similar to this:

What happens if I remove the nut and everything on its left in the pic, and screw the valve directly into the radiator (with PTFE)?
This would simplify my space arrangements a lot, but before actually trying I thought to ask if this makes sense at all.
TA!

I have bee doing this for over 40 years, and cannot recall seeing that done.

But it will work, assuming you can get it tight with the valve in the correct orientation.

But trust is also true of a garden tap into a backplate elbow. Sometimes you have to pack heavily with PTFE and paste.


However, you will lose the ability to remove a rad without draining down, and if you have a drip, it will be more difficult to sort . You will also lose the ability to fine tune the position of the valve inlet, relative to the supppy pipe

 

[Deleted member 246321]

Basically what everyone is saying is it’s not recommended and it is best to alter the the pipe work to suit.
Can I ask exactly why you need to do this? Are you changing an old radiator that is a funny size?

 

[phloaw]

Basically what everyone is saying is it’s not recommended and it is best to alter the the pipe work to suit.
Can I ask exactly why you need to do this? Are you changing an old radiator that is a funny size?

My goal is to fit TRV on a radiator with an old stuck valve. I don't want to change the radiator because it's a tiled bathroom wall, and fitting new brackets would get messy.