Stelrad Radiators

[ladywoman]

Hi everyone
Does anyone know if and how you can remove the shield shape clips at the top of the sides of Stelrad central heating radiators? I want to remove the horizontal grill on the top so that I can dust the fins etc inside the radiator. I'm sure the dust must be impeding the heat output. Cheers and thanks all.

[Buenchico]

Does this help?
http://www.expressradiant.ca/pdfs/product_compact_cleaning_how_to.pdf

or this?

[ladywoman]

Thanks for that buenchico. This is exactly what I want to do but there are flat plastic shield-like clips about 2" x 1" at the top of the side panels holding them in place that I just can't get them off.
Thanks for taking the time to help though.

[malagabob]

Can’t seem to copy /paste what I found. http://www.expressradiant.ca/pdfs/product_compact_cleaning_how_to.pdf

[RAINYDAYS]

I asked the same question to the chap who serviced my boiler. He said they are terrible to remove and put back on. It does annoy me looking at the dusty fluff.

[ladywoman]

Thanks malagabob but it's still the side clips holding the side panels in place that's the problem.

[snags]

We have a couple of these rads. Removing one of the side panels first - by banging it upwards with a hammer from the bottom releases the top and other side panel. They're a pain in the harris to get back on though. I won't be removing them again.

[ProfessorMaisie]

I had a lot of difficulty removing the panels from mine, and I did it as soon as they were fitted - even the plumber who fitted them couldn't manage it. The problem is moving the plastic holders at the bottom of each panel so that a gap opens up at the bottom and the panel can be jerked upwards to clear. There are lugs on the top grill which means the grill can't be released until the sides are pulled out to 45 degrees.

[ladywoman]

Thanks to you also RAINY DAYS. Looks like there's no answer to the problem doesn't it. Serious design fault there methinks !!
Still, if there is someone out there who has a trick up their sleeve it might benefit us both !

[ladywoman]

Thanks to everyone who has replied, it's much appreciated

[ProfessorMaisie]

You have to persevere with the plastic holders as they're very difficult to move to begin with, I had to push against them with a screwdriver to get them moving (so i wouldn't try it with the radiators hot - that will make them tighter still). There is very little leeway getting the panels over the tops of the bolts too, you have to be a bit rough (the panels are just flexible enough to manage this).

[ProfessorMaisie]

One last comment.
I had no problem with the old ones, so whoever decided to 'improve' them made a huge mistake in my opinion.

[Bigbad]

Get some cheap, disposable dust sheets.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Put them under and beyond the width of the radiator. Scrunch up some old towels/tea towels and put them on top of the dust sheet, then pour hot soapy water over and through the radiator.
Dry the outside and underneath straight away.
The dust sheets and towels will be dripping, so have a bowl or bucket handy to stuff them in.
Go back 2 or 3 times to wipe the drips that have accumulated at the bottom of the radiator.

I do this about 4 times a year, and in between, just wipe the outside of the radiator with a damp cloth

[snags]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Long-Reach-Flexible-Radiator-Heater-Heating-Bristle-Brush-Dust-Cleaner/252188357186?epid=505128547&hash=item3ab798f242:g:H~cAAOSwys5WWJ6d