Last Updated on December 30, 2022 by acechapman
Toilet seat bolts can corrode after a long period of time. The best toilet brands offer the highest quality bolts for the tank, flange, and toilet seats. Remove the rusted toilet seat bolts as soon as you notice them by removing the bolt caps if possible.
Bolt caps are usually made of plastic. Break them if you have a problem popping up or removing the bolt caps. Flatten screwdrivers or similar tools can be used to break off the caps as well. You can then use rust remover chemicals to loosen the screws. There are several ways to properly remove rusted toilet seat bolts.
It is a good thing if your toilet seat bolts are made of plastic. This makes it easy to take out. Make sure to choose the plastic seat bolt when you are considering buying a new toilet.
Tools You Need
When you begin working to remove rusted toilet bolts, tools are essential. It is important to be familiar with the tools and how they work. You won’t be able to properly use these tools if you don’t have the right knowledge. It is possible to cause damage to your product by not being familiar with the tools.
Here are some tools I used to remove rusted bolts. You may also need some tools for more serious situations.
Rust Remover
It is used to make bluish-black ferric from reddish iron oxides. If something is stuck for too long, it’s called rust. Because rust deposits, especially on metal, bolts can be difficult to remove. The rust removal agent penetrates the material and causes the rust to loosen.
Hacksaw
This type of saw is one of a kind. It is also known as a blade that has small teeth and a handle to hold the hacksaw. A close-quarter hacksaw works well if the area is small. It’s because you have to enter it at the place when you cut off the toilet seat bolts. The close-quarter hacksaw is very small and thin, and it also has a thinner expandable part. You can access it from any place that lacks space with this tool.
Reciprocating Saw
This tool is for cutting materials. It can pull and push automatically.
Dremel or Grinder
These tools are also for cutting off, but Dremel’s front is smaller than Grinder’s. You can use them in easily in tight spaces.
Dremel offers a variety of cutters so users can pick any to suit their needs. Grinders do not have this option.
Deep Socket or Pliers
Use this tool to turn the screw counterclockwise or clockwise as well as to hold the screw in place.
Duct Tape
This is handy for protecting the toilet bowl from scratches with a screwdriver or hacksaw.
Here are 4 easy ways to get rid of rusted toilet seat bolts using these tools:
Rust Remover, Screwdriver, and Pliers
If you’re lucky, you can remove the toilet seat rusted bolts with pliers or a screwdriver. An adjustable wrench or deep socket are alternatives to pliers.
Unconsciously, a full tank can flush at any time. Before you begin work, shut off the water supply and empty out the toilet tank.
- The majority of the bolts for the toilet seat are covered with a plastic cap that pops up.
- Spray the rust remover on both rusted bolts.
- Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before removing the bolts.
- Gently strike the bolts until most of the rust is removed and loosens the bolts.
- Use the adjustable wrench or pliers to attach the bolt nut underneath the toilet bowl. Turn it counterclockwise.
- If the bolt rotates with the nut, then insert the screwdriver in the bolt head hole. Hold it there so it doesn’t turn.
- Rotate the nut until it’s completely open.
- For another bolt, follow the steps between 5 and 8.
While there are many ways to find rust removers in a hardware store or super shop, the best choice would be WD-40.
Socket Wrench
It can be difficult to hold the bolt on the upper side and turn from the bottom sometimes. Pliers are not the best tool to hold the nuts. You can also use a socket wrench instead.
- Place the socket wrench on top of the bolt nut
- Hold the socket wrench.
- Insert the screwdriver into the hole of the bolt head
- Rotate the screwdriver counterclockwise to loosen the rusted toilet bolts.
- For another bolt, follow steps 1 through 4.
Hacksaw
Pliers and socket wrenches will fail if the bolts are too tightened with a nut. You will need to remove the bolts with a Hacksaw, then.
Generally, bolts are made of metal, but there are also plastic ones. A hacksaw is the most cost-effective and easiest way to remove bolts.
There are usually two types of hacksaws: the manual hacksaw and the automatic hacksaw. If you want to cut with a manual hacksaw, you will need to pull it and push it. If you are using an automatic hacksaw, you will only need to hold it.
There is the possibility of scratching the bolt on your toilet bowl when using a hacksaw. You can use duct tape to prevent this from happening.
- Tape the bolt area.
- Place the hacksaw blade between the bolt nut and the porcelain.
- If you are using a manual hacksaw, pull and push or click the switch to activate an electric hacksaw,
- Take off the bolts and the tape.
Be careful not to bump into the toilet flanges with a hand hacksaw. This can cause some damage to them.
Dremel and Grinder
The Dremel is a fast and easy way to remove bolts. Dremel comes with a variety of accessories. It also has another feature that allows it to reach tight spaces where other cutters are not able.
Overheating the Dremel circuit board can cause it to melt. If it gets too hot, you should stop it and let it cool down for a while.
- Tape the area near the bolts.
- Select the cutter blade that is most appropriate from the set.
- Now, attach the cutter blade to your bolt and turn on the switch.
Don’t use Dremel if you don’t understand how to use an automatic Hacksaw or Dremel. It can cause damage to your toilet bowl.
Conclusion
Removing rusted toilet bolts can be a challenging task, but it can be done using one of the four methods described above. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your situation and skill level. If the bolts are too difficult to remove or you are unsure about attempting the repair on your own, it is recommended to call a professional plumber for assistance. No matter which method you choose, it’s important to use caution and take breaks if needed to avoid damaging the toilet or causing injury to yourself.
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