My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter

"Wally" wrote in message
ups.com...
My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter


I wonder if taking it to a metal shop might be cheaper than buying a tool.
Of course, it could also be a good excuse to buy a new tool, and bury it in
the "health care" part of the budget to make the Mrs happy.

On Nov 5, 10:45 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Wally" wrote in message

ups.com...





My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter

I wonder if taking it to a metal shop might be cheaper than buying a tool.
Of course, it could also be a good excuse to buy a new tool, and bury it in
the "health care" part of the budget to make the Mrs happy.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I can't take it to a metal shop!!! I can't even remove the panel as
the tiles prevent any upward/outward movement.

Walter

Wally wrote:
My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter

I am thinking of a rotary cutting tool that I have seen electricians used to
cut out opens in tiles.

--
Moe Jones
HVAC Service Technician
Energy Equalizers Inc.
Houston, Texas
www.EnergyEqualizers.com

"Moe Jones" wrote in message
...
Wally wrote:
My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter

I am thinking of a rotary cutting tool that I have seen electricians used
to cut out opens in tiles.

I wonder if there's a metal cutting blade available for this:
http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=5090D

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Moe Jones" wrote in message
...
Wally wrote:
My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter
I am thinking of a rotary cutting tool that I have seen electricians used
to cut out opens in tiles.

I wonder if there's a metal cutting blade available for this:
http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=5090D


That won't cut at floor level. Unless they make metal blades for the
specialty saws floor installers use to trim door frames in place, best
thing I can think of (without seeing the radiator) is an angle grinder
with a cutoff wheel, and using a sheet of something to protect floor as
you slide it along. It'll be messy, and mess up the bottom edge of the
heat shield. But local RV/Trailer place will likely have some sort of
U-shaped trim that can go over the cut edge.

I'd be inclined to fine-tune reality and just pry the covers off. Unless
there are actually catches buried in the tile/grout, there can't be too
much holding them in there. You might mess up the grout a little, but
that is easy to fake.

aem sends....

"aemeijers" wrote in message
news
I wonder if there's a metal cutting blade available for this:
http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=5090D
That won't cut at floor level.

Not sure, but the blade looks like it would only force the blade up an inch
from the floor. What choice has the guy got? The room's a cob job.

I'd be inclined to fine-tune reality and just pry the covers off.

Yeah...that's what I thought earlier today. Hack the thing off and start
from scratch. If he cuts the cover, it's going to leave a nice sharp edge.
Someone's gonna slice their toes next time they go to open a window or hang
a picture.

I bought a Ryobi grinder and a metal cutting blade. Will report back soon
when I actually try it.

Walter
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
"aemeijers" wrote in message
news
I wonder if there's a metal cutting blade available for this:
http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_det&tag=5090D
That won't cut at floor level.

Not sure, but the blade looks like it would only force the blade up an
inch from the floor. What choice has the guy got? The room's a cob job.

I'd be inclined to fine-tune reality and just pry the covers off.

Yeah...that's what I thought earlier today. Hack the thing off and start
from scratch. If he cuts the cover, it's going to leave a nice sharp edge.
Someone's gonna slice their toes next time they go to open a window or
hang a picture.

On Nov 5, 10:42 am, Wally wrote:
My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter

Would a reciprocating saw work? Get a long blade so it can flex and be
flat/flush with the top of the tile. Put a piece of luan or other thin
material on the tile to protect and rev 'er up.

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Nov 5, 10:42 am, Wally wrote:
My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
room. The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
bleed the unit.

Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover. Mainly because
the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height. I need
to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
installed.

I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
they meet the top of the ceramic tile. I don't have to remove too
much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.

I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
easier way. I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
because I could always use the tool on other home jobs. Any thoughts
on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
electric tool? I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.

Thanks,
Walter

Would a reciprocating saw work? Get a long blade so it can flex and be
flat/flush with the top of the tile. Put a piece of luan or other thin
material on the tile to protect and rev 'er up.


It probably would, but when finished, there'll be a sharp edge at the bottom
of the metal, and it doesn't matter how you file, sand or otherwise try and
smooth it. The only way to make it correct for use around humans would be to
roll the edge. That ain't gonna happen.