Freeing stuck radiator valves

Bendy_House

Good point, Mutton.

I almost suggested using silicone lube spray - which is what I always use where rubber seals are in play.

Apodemus

This guy has done a couple of good comparisons of penetrating oils:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUEob2oAKVs

Not sure I would use one on a stuck rad valve, though!  Possibly best to tread carefully with this and perhaps try first when the heating is on and the valve at its warmest.

Bendy_House

I think WD do a silicone version too. There are many available, and they do often specify its use for rubber.

Before I fitted a Hive TRV recently, I cleaned up around the pin using a toothbrush, and then smeared silicone GREASE around its base, and pressed it down a good few times. An immediate jump in ease and smoothness.

It wasn't a sticky pin - it worked fine - but I thought it worth doing as I knew it would be operated on a pretty much daily basis come winter. Had it actually been sticky, I'd have started with sili spray first.