Replacement knob for an old radiator valve?

[Mike64]

Before I get into what could end up being a lengthy Google session, does anyone happen to know if there's a company/companies that make things like replacements for old (in this case, ±57 years) radiator valve knobs? The issue of "fit" boils down to the size and shape of the cut-out (mold-out?) on the back of the knob for the small plate on the end of the end of the valve stem. (Not that it's really relevant to the question, but I've attached a photo of the valve stem for clarification. The original knob is hard plastic (presumably Bakelite or close kin), with a molded rectangle-in-relief on the back, that the plate in the photo fits into (a little too loosely at this point, since the edges of the cut-out have become somewhat worn over time.)

I've seen one "universal" replacement knob so far, but it attaches to the outside of the valve stem with set screws, which in this case would involve a little too much kludge for my taste, to get past that plate, or I might be able to find a knob with a back I could re-work to fit, but that would involve time and effort I'm hoping to avoid (Or I could just let my co-op's superintendent deal with it, especially since he's the one who brought the long-and-boring current situation I'll spare everyone to a head in the first place, but in my not-inextensive-experience, when they don't actually screw things up royally, they're much more easily satisfied with ≤ half-assed results than I am…)

And/or, if anyone has any bright ideas for restoring the edges of the molded relief in the plastic without a ton of effort, that would be very helpful, too…Again for clarification, here's a photo of the back of the existing knob:

 

[lxskllr]

So the issue is the plastic cutout is egged out, and won't turn the plate? You could maybe deepen the plastic slot with a dremel. Other options are making a wood knob; Pleasant winter time chisel work, or get a machinist to make one out of whatever metal he prefers working with. You also might find one that was thrown out. You could ask around scrap yards.

 

[Billb2]

JB Weld...............

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Go to a building supply recycler. Many cities have companies that recycle radiators, sinks, moldings, doors etc.

 

[C1]

4-In-1 Replacement Handle for Radiator Valves



Fit well; easy to install

With an old house comes old plumbing--steam radiators, etc. When something (like a valve cap) needs to be replaced, one cannot simply walk to the local hardware store anymore. Supply House has filled this void. I had the replacement part I needed within a few days. Problem solved!
dave - Newark, DE

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Wal-rich...iator-Valves?gclid=CLK10Y3MmtICFQ50fgodlL4K6w

 

[Mike64]

Belated thanks, all. For now, I just screwed it back on (with the correct size screw), tightening it a little "extra" tight to get as much traction on the knob as possible. I never actually adjust the radiator anyway, the knob's only practical purpose is turning the radiator all the way off when the need arises, which is once in a blue moon, and could be done with a pair of pliers turning the plate itself, if need be. (It only became an issue at all recently when the over-enthusiastic new superintendent tried to turn it (the knob) with pliers instead of his hand, knocking the knob off the stem where the former super (I assume) had re-semi-attached it at some point long, long ago with a wood screw a couple of sizes too small...)

If NYC has recycling centers, I've not heard of them (and they'd most likely be in thoroughly inaccessible, out of the way places), and so far, despite stopping by pretty much every hardware/plumbing/HVAC supply store I happen to pass by, I haven't been able to find a replacement/universal/4-in-1/etc knob that will fit the rectangular plate on the valve. So the Dremel idea is what I'll end up going with... when I eventually get one, that is. (Amazon has a knock-off I've had my eye on for a while, but it's been sitting at the highest end of its typical Amazon-price-jumping range for a while, and I'm waiting for it to drop back down...) And if absolute worse comes to worst, I realized I can just chisel out a rectangle in a block of wood, drill a hole through it, and screw that on to the stem, it's not like it gets turned off more than once a decade or more...

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Just thought I'd mention, I can't think of a single place except maybe Boston that has more architectural recycling places than NYC.

 

[Mike64]

Just thought I'd mention, I can't think of a single place except maybe Boston that has more architectural recycling places than NYC.

Really! I guess I should've googled before I typed...

ETA: Though I will say when you originally wrote "recyclers", what came to mind were some sort of municipality-run "recycling centers", which I've seen/heard of in more rural areas, not businesses selling (presumably "refurbished"?) "recycled" fixtures and parts. It'll probably be cheaper and less time-consuming to just buy the cheap Dremel knock-off and fix the one I have, but I will look into commercial recyclers, now that I understand what you meant...

 

[NetWareHead]

Also google architectural salvage. Radiators are one of those all too common items found in these stores and if you look closely enough you may find a radiator with the valve attached. Most of the time these radiators were cut off parallel to the floor with a sawzall during replacements. I would think it would be relatively common for most of these items to end up in salvage rather than at the scrapper due to the low price of cast iron, so I'd say your chances are relatively good.