Project details
Skill
1 out of 5EasyCutting threads isn’t that difficult, but it takes patience and a steady hand
Cost
$10 to $20
Estimated Time
30 to 60 minutes
In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O’Connor cut threads for a new radiator air vent.
Steps for Repairing Radiator Air Vent Threads
- Enlarge the existing air-vent hole in the radiator with a 7/16-inch-diameter high-speed steel drill bit.
- Put a ¼-inch tapered tap onto a ratchet wrench and cut new threads into the 7/16-inch hole.
- Spread pipe dope onto the threads of a ⅛-inch to ¼-inch bushing, then thread the bushing into the hole and tighten with a ratchet wrench.
- Apply very little pipe dope to the threads on the air vent and thread the vent into the bushing; hand-tighten the vent until it’s in an upright position.
Learn More: Thermostatic Radiator Valve Installation
Tools
Tools & Materials