Toilet seat nightmare

jos28

What I thought was going to be a simple replacement job has turned out to be a nightmare. One of these hinges came off as it had corroded leaving a rusty headless screw behind.

I cannot remove the existing hinge. It's just turning and going nowhere. Does anyone know if there is a release mechanism involved. There's a tiny hole which I've pressed a small screwdriver into with no success. It seems to be held underneath with a wingnut that won't budge. It's extremely difficult to access. Help please 😩

stephenmarr

You will more than likely have to just cut it off.

New toilet seat will usually have new fitting kit.

The Continental Op

Nearly always a bit nasty to get the old hinges off. I've cut them off underneath with a hacksaw, snapped the rusted bolts by forcing them with mole grips and even take an angle grinder to them. I've always resisted bashing them with a hammer in deference to the porcelain.

If there is a wingnut on the bottom then you have to get in and remove it. Junior hacksaw being about the smallest thing you can use if space is limited. You may still need mole grips on the rusty headless screw bit to stop the bolt revolving so you can cut it.

jos28

Thanks folks, glad to know I'm not the only one with entire toolbox in the bathroom. I've attacked it with everything. I'm going to try the Dremel tomorrow. No easy solution to this. 😩

Stigura

Sawzall! 😁

jos28

Well that was a painful job.

2 hours, 3 dremel discs, 1 bruised arm and hundreds of swear words later, they are both finally removed.

Surely manufacturers could come up with an easier removal method. Now all I have to do is find a replacement seat which is another day's work !

zg3409

Some newer types use plastic threaded bar and nuts.

In terms of replacements if you have the budget go soft close and a type that can be unclipped for cleaning.

Trial fit the seat a few times and often they can be fitted different ways to align to the bowl as the holes versus bowls are different in different makes.

For removal often brute for is only way. I typically use 2 vice grips.