Plumbing Radiator – Should Radiator Connectors Be Reused or Replaced?

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I have finally got around to removing an old damaged Stelrad radiator – I have an identical one waiting to go on the wall but despite using a fair amount of force, the connectors don't appear to want to come off. Looking inside them, the olive seems quite damaged anyway.

Is best practice to buy a new pair of these – and what should I ask for if so? I can get whatever measurements I need from them but am unsure what is important.

Here are some pictures of the connections. Obviously these are the bottom of the radiator – I have inverted it to show more clearly.

I can't see where to get a good grip:
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Detail inside:
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New radiator:
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Best Answer

what should I ask for if so?

Radiator valve tails

I can't see where to get a good grip

Use a large allen key (hex key) inserted into the bore. Probably 12.7mm (½") "radiator key" / "radiator spanner"

Workarounds include

  • Use a smaller allen key wedged in with a flat screwdriver
  • Attach an old/spare radiator valve, tighten the nut and turn the valve to unscrew the tail.

whatever measurements I need

I surmise they're standard across the UK. My habit is to take the old parts to the store when buying replacements. A specialist plumbers supply store will have someone knowledgable behind the counter. Last time I did something like this (but not this), I walked in, silently plonked the old part on the counter, almost before it hit the counter the bloke behind it casually reached under the counter and then placed an exact replacement part on the counter next to mine and told me the price.

Source: How to Install a Radiator

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