Radiator needs bleeding but key won’t turn

Blue_Doggy

The main radiator in my living room has gone cold, I suspect an air lock. I tried to bleed it, but the key won’t turn (hasn’t needed doing for years!). I’ve put WD40 on it, but it still won’t budge.
 

Is there any device on the market (or home-devised) which will increase the effect of my arthritic fingers to help the turning of the key? 

 

TIA.

Alanp

Did you try a pair of pliers on the key, it shouldn’t be too tight but it might need a little help, don’t go mad though if it won’t budge this way then you might need a professional..

lesalanos

Pliers/mole grips as above or a "wider" key

Be careful though as they aren't always the sturdiest things

Dependant on the rad you may be able to change the whole unit.
I would turn off both valves at the bottom before tyring in case it breaks to prevent panic afterwards, remembering how many turns on the lock valve to balance it correctly 

https://www.columnrads.co.uk/vg-1-2-radiator-air-vent-bleed-valve?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAxeX_BRASEiwAc1QdkRRsGIisvrVMHq06rEGAxWOoNRxJecBQuPD1IImN0LWWIUHvUhMmnhoCQU4QAvD_BwE

grumbler

f you have a spanner you can replace the entire valve

Jeepers_Creepers

If any of the above is not clear, then please post a photo of the offending item and we can advise further.

As Les says, worth turning off BOTH valves before trying anything 'forceful' just in case you are left with a dripping rad. One valve will be the temp-adjusting one, either manual or with a TRV head on it, and the other is called a 'lockshield'. This one is usually 'set' in a fixed position when the system is commissioned, and ideally should be returned to that exact position when reopened. So pull off (or unscrew) the plastic cover, place small pliers or a spanner on the spindle flat, note which way the tool handle is pointing and then close the valve clockwise, noting how many turns and part-turns it takes - it might only be around 1 or 2. Note that down on a piece of paper, and tape it to the valve so's you can return it to that position afterwards.

Blue_Doggy

Thank you all for your suggestions. The pliers worked this time, I’ve made a note of the other suggestions in case they’re needed in the future.

Jeepers_Creepers

Did it bleed air ok? Is the rad now hot?

How much air was there? It can be a sign of internal corrosion - do you know if there's inhibitor in your system water?

datostar

Just a cautionary word here about using pliers on jammed radiator bleed valves. I tried it on a heated towel rail and the whole housing tore out, providing an impressive pumped fountain of very hot water. I tied a towel around it in the first instance which stopped the fountain but not the leak then rushed around thinking of a tenporary fix. The answer was a wooden paint brush hammered into the hole with bristles uppermost which stopped the leak until I got a plumber to fix the problem. Visitors were intrigued. Why has he got a paintbrush sticking out of the towel rail?