I can't give away all my tips all at once. I'm always learning new tricks myself all the time. Or at least remembering forgotten ones. These low production valve vids are shot when I have the time (and not on my customer's time), the dramatis personae tools are assembled, and I work up the courage not to sound like a complete fool.

You are very welcome!

You're welcome! This technique was shown to me years ago, so I claim no credit for it, just passing on knowledge. Best of luck and stay warm!

I'm glad you were able to rescue two radiators. Thank you! But I'm saddened by the news of a loss of yet another increasingly rare steam heating system, let alone a wonderful two-pipe version. It is part of the impetus that drives me to do these videos. Steam systems have few friends and legions of foes.

@@elgordo271 I told him that I would happily help him restore his system but he replied, that he had already began to remove the piping from the basement and the system had not ran in 14 years. To be honest I would just ship them to you since you might have some use for them, but I cannot even to begin to imagine how much that would cost to ship a several hundred pound rad across several hundred miles. I can only assume it would cost many times more than what the old rad is worth.

@@oldhandyluke Again, bless you for your thoughts and actions. But yeah, radiators are heavy and are little more than scrap unless pressure tested. Not worth the shipping, sad to say. Today, we did two pressure tests on radiators we hope to install for two customers after they are refinished by a local concern. BTY, can you tell me the name of the system? I might be interested in the radiator control valves if unique.

​@@elgordo271 I didn't pull the valves but I will make sure to pull the valves with the next radiator that I save and any other valves still in place. I will send you a few pictures of the valves, as soon as I get one. If your are interested in the control valves are you wanting one for your collection or are you scrapping these to reuse the parts?

@@oldhandyluke If they are "name brand" valves, I can sometimes rebuild them to full operation. Case in point is my beloved Hoffman #7. I have a few videos on that one. I'll take any and all of that type. I'm a bit "touched in the head" for that one. Other valves are less rebuild-able. Most Warren-Websters come to mind. Dunhams, Tranes, etc. too. Some types would be destined simply for my Steam Petting Zoo. Other valve types are "bog standard" and are scrap-able with nary a tear. Send pics when you can. Thanks!

Thanks for your reply! As to flipping that rad over for better leverage, you bet I would in a normal situation, but I try to keep these videos short....😀

Dr Heat is indeed a valuable ally! But sometimes, on a nicely refinished radiator, or a confined area, or too near combustabes, not so much.

LOLl on the broken spud wrenches bucket! The good part is I can grind and cut on them to my heart's content guilt free! The double torque idea was not mine. It was shown to me some years ago. I don't think I would have thought of it on my own. Do you modify your Channel Locks to fit in that tight space?

It's hit or miss. The tighter the fit, the better. However, there is so much variation within the same nominal size valve spud, any tool that fits all sizes will be too small most of the time and rip those lugs out for sure, making a four minute job a 40 minute job.

Thank you for watching and your comment. No opprobrium is meant or implied to those who cut them out! It's probably faster/more effiencent for you, especially if you know you are not going to reuse it.

@@gordonschweizer5154 lol no offense taken. No matter which way , it still takes time. Most other companies up here won’t touch anything to do with steam.it’s like voodoo to them. That’s fine with me.

Are you referring to the multi-sized spud wrench? If so, then no, it is not my favorite tool.

@@gordonschweizer5154 It was my attempt at humor (apparently unsuccessful) offered because you made it abundantly clear that you don't like that tool.

@@hijodelaisla275 That's quite alright. I was a bit on edge because I had to mute some trolls and bots the other day.

Thank you for your insights. Please post a link to your videos outlining your procedures.

Agree about the cast iron spuds. I do cut them up and grind them and use pieces of them as needed. I also have local machine shops make up custom spuds (esp the 1/2" sizes) as they must be made of better steel or they will break.