Radiator Adjuster Extension

[allenlondon]

Is there such a thing as a short pole, maybe two feet long, that fits over a thermo valve on a radiator, so you turn it without bending down?

The rad is a bit inaccessible; the valve turns very easily when you can reach it.

Ta.

A

[Atheist]

What about a smallish clay plantpot screwed onto the end of a bit of 2 by 1 via the drainage hole? The tapering shape of the pot might help regardles of the diameter of the TRV head, and the unglazed clay might be good enough for a decent grip.

[allenlondon]

Blimey Atheist, a bit DIY for my time of life.

I ‘m now thinking of modifying a disabled ‘grabber’ thing - very light, and a good grip.

Or maybe a lightbulb changer?

[Buenchico]

It might be worth asking a plumber about the possibility of moving the TRV to the top of the radiator:
https://www.installeronline.co.uk/trvs-fitted-horizontally-top-radiator/

[Atheist]

Good idea, Buen.

[johnk]

I've seen them them a long time ago but no idea where to buy them, try Amazon or Ebay.

[allenlondon]

Hello johnk. Yes, me too, but try as I might, I can't find anything on Amazon or eBay.

My latest simple solution is to get a bit of plastic pipe, fractionally smaller than the diameter of the TRV, and push it on to it! The valve itself turns very easily, so I could turn the pipe from two feet above quite easily.

A

[Atheist]

Allen, the pipe might interfere with the functioning of the head if you leave it in place. The head needs to respond to the surrounding air temperature, so shouldn't be kept covered, and that includes letting clothes hang over it or furniture being too enclosing. The pipe idea seems good, if you can find the right diameter to grip the head but to be easy to pull off after use.

[allenlondon]

Thanks, atheist, good point. I’m going to have to take the thing off again (if you recall I had to find a way of doing it when I thought I had a duff radiator a few weeks ago).

Once it’s on the bench (well, table), it’ll all be easier. I’ll take a pic once it’s off.

Ta.

A

[allenlondon]

There you are:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y84xcxpNAi9iJT3Wj8xpUaarZ790UNpP/view?usp=sharing

Not quite as tapered as I thought, but I'll aim just to grip the top bit, above the slats - that should do it.

A

[Atheist]

You need, I think, to press the side button to turn the temperature up to its absolute maximum. Have you tried out your gadget yet in situ?

[allenlondon]

To be honest, Athe, we only use it as an on/off switch - radiator on, radiator off - so my device (which I’ll also photograph when it’s finished, bet you can’t wait) only has to turn it 45 degrees each way.

It’s going to be very similar to your bit of wood idea!

[ToraToraTora]

allen if that turns easy as you say, cut a tennis ball in half and screw it to the end of a piece timber so it curves down, ideally square 1 x 1 for example then you can push down and the rubber will grip and you should be able to turn.

[alavahalf]

Was just about to suggest something like a sink plunger made from a tennis ball screwed straight onto a dowel.. then I refreshed my browser and TTT has beat me to it.. Great minds think alike.