How to Repair Bent Fins in a Heating Radiator at Home

Bent radiator fins in the home may be caused by a heavy object striking the fin edges; this might happen while moving furniture, for example. The dents and bends can impede the flow of fluid in the radiator, diminish its heat output and performance and affect its appearance. A tool known as a radiator comb helps you straighten bent fins safely. A radiator comb straightens fins without placing undue pressure on the metal.

Radiator comb

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the furnace and wait for the radiator to cool to a temperature that's safe to touch.
- 2
  Turn the handle on the radiator comb to identify the slot that fits the best around each fin. The comb has a series of slots of varying widths to work with different radiator sizes.
- 3
  Line up the slot on the comb with the top edge of the bent fin. Push the comb slot onto the fin.
- 4
  Pull downward on the comb, twisting the handle back and forth gently to straighten the fin. If the comb gets stuck, wiggle it loose and start again from the top.
- 5
  Repeat for each fin until all fins are as parallel to each other as possible.

How to Prime a Polaris PB-4 Pump

How to Change the Door Gasket on a Whirlpool Washer Model GHW9150PWO

Appliance Repair