The first step is to remove the old rusted bolts. All screws rust over time, so you will inevitably encounter stubborn screws that require a little extra work to remove from old furniture or vehicles. You need to exercise care when working on a toilet. I am not trading as a plumber!! cistern. Thanks all. Las Vegas Handyman - Call Now (702) 896-0000 DIY Doctor has the answer! To remove the entire toilet or just replace the water fill valve or ballcock, you always need to remove the coupling nut. He found out as most do that when removing an existing toilet tank to replace the bolts and a flush valve gasket, that they’re rusted in place and won’t budge. Why they did not at least use Stainless bolts seems a bit silly to me. I was going to replace the bolts and washers but the nuts are completely seized and rusted to the bolts. Asked by: Animal78 y_2021, m_1, d_5, h_17CST Close Coupling Cistern Bolts Toilet Fitting Type Toilet Fitting Accessories Product contents 2 x 6mm bolts, 6 x steel washers, 2 x cone washers, 4 x rubber washers, 2 x 6mm nuts and 2 x 6mm wing nuts. Tap the end of the screwdriver to get the wing nut to start rotating counterclockwise. Removing Rusted Bolts, Seized Screws & Nuts Moisture can lead to the degradation of the nuts and screws. Pull the screwdriver handle counterclockwise using the threaded stem as leverage. Within this area of our site have literally hundreds of how-to guides and tutorials that cover a huge range of home improvement tasks. Can't find a decent set of pliers? To remove the residual water from the toilet cistern, you can do this with a sponge or a cloth if you have a wet vacuum, you can also use that to remove … The bolts that hold the toilet tank to the bowl have rusted, and I'm trying to replace them. Answer (1 of 8): Possibly:Soak the threads with WD 40 and let sit for 30 minutes or so. Allow the lubricant to work for ten minutes. Of course, the bolts that tie the cistern to the pan were rusted and needed WD40 to loosen them - fair enough. How To Fix a Leaking Toilet Tank - Toilet Tank Repair - Remove Rusted Toilet Bolts. DIY how to tutorial projects and guides - Did you know we have a DIY Projects section? > Removal is easy (unless rusted solid) simply remove the 2 wing nuts keeping > the steel & rubber washers then remove the wall fixing screws and the > cistern is free. High Torque Wing Nut Tightening/Removal "Ghetto Style": Ever had a wing nut that would not budge? Always renew the donut … The toilet seat is a fancy child/adult size combined one. If you wish to swap the toilet seat out for a new one, you must remove the nuts from the ends of the bolts, so you can remove the bolts and the toilet seat itself. Removing the cistern. Either you didn’t realize it, or you noticed a drip which caused you to look at them. WD40 Spray soaked on both bolts, leave for a few minutes to let it work in. Tap the end of the screwdriver to get the wing nut to start rotating counterclockwise. Insert the cistern bolts and locate the cistern correctly onto the pan as shown below. Grip the nut with a six-point socket wrench or a pair of locking pliers. Was so pleased with it when we got it. How will I get them out easily and are the wing nuts supposed to be this way?!!! This nut basically secures the water supply line to the toilet. Place the tip of a flathead screwdriver against the right side of one wing. Same on the other side. Leave the the toilet to fill up with water, then flush. Toilet seats are held in place by means of bolts anchored with nuts placed on the underside of the bowl. Contents 1 Replacing the toilet bolts without removing the toilet in a normal situation 2 I have done all four steps, but these bolts are too damn tight 3 But How do I remove my toilet bolts if both are rusted? This is doing my head in. Thank you, PigletJohn for the tip about greasing the new one before putting on. Rated 5 out of 5 by Anotherdiyuser from Would recommend Great tool for wing nuts that are in tight positions like toilet cistern & toilet seat Date published: 2020-07-13 Rated 5 out of 5 by Ryryplumpie from Sest tightner really good tool for getting the toilet seats secure. I've got a bit of a problem with a toilet cistern. Place the tip of a flat-head screwdriver against the right side of one wing. It is difficult to remove these stuck fasteners, especially if the metal head or threads are affected by rust making it hard for a screwdriver or wrench to grip them. Powered by phpBB ® Forum Software © phpBB Group, General Building, Self Build and Renovation, Planning Regs, Project Management and Safety. How would you remove seriously rusted toilet cistern bolts? It is difficult to remove these stuck fasteners, especially if the metal head or threads are affected by rust making it hard for a screwdriver or wrench to grip them. This is usually enough to begin turning the wing nut. The bolts are very rusty and have plastic nuts that do not have any flanges to speak of (i.e. What tools should I use to undo the wing nut? While a nut cracker would be difficult to apply to a wingnut, much less under a toilet tank, a pair of locking pliers or similar "high force" tool should be able to break (crush) the plastic nut so you can get the rusted bolts out. How to Replace Toilet Tank Washers. I have turned off the water supply via the gat valve, and unscrewed the 2 screws that help support the cistern to the wall. IGWS make sure the water inlet & overflow areis empty. But anyhow, if wing nuts don't actually hold the cistern to the pan then what exactly is the point of them!? Keep reading for a detailed guide on how to remove a rusted bolt. In the case of older toilets, the insides may be so rusted that the only way to remove the bolts is to cut them off; you can The hinge on top is metal. However, with all of the rust and corrosion, you won’t be able to get it to budge. How to Remove a Rusted Toilet Seat. I cannot get the nut/bolt off with a hacksaw as the wing nuts are tight against the pan. Remove rusted wing nut from old toilet? Either wing nuts or hex nuts can be undone with an adjustable wrench or gas pliers. What Tool to use to undo nuts Under Bathroom Sink? Sorry if this is the ridiculous question of the day, but… I want to remove an old toilet seat. One of the wing nuts came off easily, but on the other side, I can't get the wing nut loose. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a Removing Rusted Bolts, Seized Screws & Nuts. While a nut cracker would be difficult to apply to a wingnut, much less under a toilet tank, a pair of locking pliers or similar "high force" tool should be able to break (crush) the plastic nut so you can get the rusted bolts out. The bolts that hold the toilet tank to the bowl have rusted, and I'm trying to replace them. I never seen this method used anywhere! Removing broken wing nuts [ 3 Answers ] I shut off the main water supply as I am attempting to replace my toilet tank. Here you can see the rusty wingnut/bolt combo. You can choose to use either socket wrench or channel or locking pliers for this. Both not budging a mm. I tried using the WD-40 to lubricate and use the adjustable wrench,regular wrench,pliers to remove the wingnut but it wouldn't remove. How to Remove a Stubborn Nut/Bolt: There are MANY ways to remove stuck and stubborn nuts/bolts, here are some of the ways that I've found work best.These methods contain both simple options, and some that use luxurious tools such as an impact gun or welder. The cistern has been stuck to the wall with silicone. His work has appeared in both print and online publications, including "The American Chronicle." Allow the lubricant to work for ten minutes. Check again with another Tap the end of the screwdriver to get the wing nut to start rotating counterclockwise. It also covers a few ways to avoid stuck and rusty bolts. Works in places not accessible to other tools, like saws or grinders. The wing nuts, bolts and oval plate where completely rusted solid - spent about two hours hack-sawing them off and cleaning all the surfaces up. Removal is easy (unless rusted solid) simply remove the 2 wing nuts keeping the steel & rubber washers then remove the wall fixing screws and the cistern is free. I just cannot undo the wing nuts as they are really stiff and rusty and just wondered how to ease this problem? the wing nuts typically sit on a bracket on the bottom of the cistern and dont go through it. While the toilet is flushing check around the base of the cistern to see if there is any sign of leakage. Once the cistern is secured to the pan offer the toilet up to the desired position. We have teamed up with the industries best to help you find a trustworthy tradesman local to you! The wingnut in the bolt connecting the toilet tank to the bowl at the bottom is rusted and broken at the sides. Most toilets are constructed of two pieces; the bowl and the tank, which stores the water until the toilet is flushed. > HTH If you can't grip the nuts with the wrench, use a pair of pliers. sorry my previous post was a bit confusing! It will destroy the nut, but sometimes releases the bolt … The screwdriver is for the bolt head and the wrench for the nut underneath the tank. Each page also comes with pictures and a video to make completing those jobs even easier! I have an assortment of common household tools and chemicals. Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. Thanks in advance! Remove these, if possible. I can Drill a hole straight up through the inside edge of the nut. If you do not have enough threads sticking up from the centre of the wing nut, place the screwdriver between both wings to loosen it from the threads below. It's typically located underneath the tank, on the outside, where the water comes in. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. No problems! Grab your copy now for all the DIY help you need right at your finger tips! To make the step easier, stabilise the bolts with a slotted screwdriver. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. Tighten the nuts slightly first (always tighten stiff nuts first) then slowly slacken them off. Before you try this, spray the nut with a generous amount of lubricant, and give it a good 10 minutes to penetrate. (under cistern) they are beyond help from a spray, the rust has grown. Remove the bolts and discard the old cistern. Because the environment in a bathroom is so damp and humid, nuts made of metal can soon become rusted and stuck. CUT BACK THE THREADED SCREW AS CLOSE TO THE WING NUTS AS YOU CAN. Gently lower cistern onto toilet pan, guiding bolts through holes. Remember to use penetrating oil if the bolts and nuts feel I've tried WD-40, but it's not helping. Hi all, going to change a friends syphon tomorrow and I had a quick look today and noticed the wing nuts under the cistern are rusty around the thread. Reply. Ideally, you can unscrew the locknuts with a wrench whenever you need to remove the toilet for repair or replacement, but conditions in a moist bathroom are seldom ideal, and the nuts are often difficult or impossible to turn. The wing nut and bolt securing the cistern to the pan were corroded but after some lubrication and effort I managed to get them to move, together ! Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Dishwashers, Tubs and Garbage Disposals - toilet - rusted wingnuts - I need to separate the cistern from the bowl to … But most old toilet seats are held in place with metal bolts that tend to rust in place over time, making them impossible to remove with a wrench. Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. Hold a hacksaw blade up to the nut where it meets the underside of the bowl. Keep up to date with our DIY projects, tips and latest deals. Example, not endorsement: Saw back … 2. The tank bolts may have a second set of nuts holding them onto the toilet tank. Soak the threads in the centre of the wing nut with spray-penetrating lubricant. Hi,I am going to change the leaking bolts that attach my cistern to my close coupled toilet.Will I need to change the donut as well. That leaves just The "pros" remove the nuts, not the bolts. The WC has an older overflow connector that goes outside, and I can loosen that ok, the problem is: The wing nuts are so stiff and I am not sure how to get them out! Just grab a … Any Ideas? Nuts & Seeds. then, if there is enough bolt sticking out below the nut, grasp it with vice grips and loosen the nut a few threads or as much as you can get. Step 2. To remove the toilet bowl from the floor, start by prying off bolt covers with a screwdriver. This video shows a few ways to remove rusty, corroded, stuck toilet tank to bowl bolts. I can't get a wrench or pliers to grip the wing nut tightly enough to get it loose. Cut off the stuck bolts, if you cannot remove the screws. When it comes to removing toilet seats, the big gun is a drill with a 1/4-inch drill bit. You need to exercise care when working on a toilet. the wing nuts typically sit on a bracket on the bottom of the cistern and dont go through it. Put on goggles to protect your eyes; then insert the bit into the bottom of a stuck metal nut that you can't turn at the point at which it meets the bolt. Use caution, as some of th… it is easier to cut through the plastic overflow if you arent re-using it. Central Heating Draining With Valve Blanking Nuts. they do hold the cistern to the pan but they dont go 'through' the cistern. That reddish coating acts as a binder, so The plastic fasteners on modern toilet seats don't corrode. Any ideas please You have to use whatever tool fits into the available space. I am worried in case I crack the pan that's why I am asking for help here!!! I don't want to crack the pan or cistern! Loosen the nuts with an adjustable wrench. How would you remove seriously rusted toilet cistern bolts? After a few hours, remove the plumbers putty and flush several times. The plastic nuts put you in a better position than you might otherwise be, I think. Now it's rusted to hell and I feel a bit stupid for not … This is the nut that connects the toilet to its water supply. Once the wing nut begins to turn, twist it counterclockwise by hand until it is off the threaded shaft. Usually, you would use a screwdriver and a wrench. I cannot get the plastic nuts to budge. You will have to use new bolts, washers, and nuts anyway when you reinstall the toilet. If you get a few turns, you can always get in with a hacksaw blade. Leaking Toilet Cistern Fixing Close Coupling Tank Pan Kit Seal Foam Doughnut Washer Repair Kit Toilet Pan Fixing Fitting Sealing Coupling Kit Toilet Tank … If not rusted, wing nuts may be loosened by hand. He sprayed them with WD-40 and every other lubricant he could think of but had no luck at all. Take a stiff-bristle wire brush and brush it aggressively against the rust crusted on the stuck bold (and corresponding nut). Gently try to turn the nut in each direction. I have a toilet with Rusted Bolt problems. If there is, tighten the wing nuts up a little more. In this Toilet Tank Bolts Leaking video, Bob explains the methods of cutting off the bolts that hold the toilet tank onto the toilet bowl. I was just curious about a few things. Well, if no, then we certainly do! Place the tip of a flathead screwdriver against the right side of one wing. Decided to change the syphon as the flush wasn't great (needed several pulls on the lever). These will split a seized nut across the flats, by hand tightening a screw that drives a hardened wedge gizmo. Many tool vendors make these. Moisture can lead to the degradation of the nuts and screws. A leather glove may be needed. I am trying to replace the siphon on ac lose-coupled WC. The rubber washer that is under the head of the bold will not permit you to move it. However the wingnut still it in a good condition. [sigh] Also the way the fancy hinge works, it doesn't seem possible for me to attack / unscrew from the top, it's all sort of one big unit and all teh gubbins are hidden under the rust shiny chrome. ... by the time you have got 1/4 to 1/2 way through , the heat generated usually lets you screw the wing nut off . Once the wing nut begins to turn, twist it counterclockwise by hand until it is off the threaded shaft. Grip each tank bolt with a pair of pliers or box wrench. Your toilet’s seat has plastic nuts that attach to the bolts, which go through holes in the hinges on the toilet seat. > IGWS make sure the water inlet & overflow are disconnected and the cistern > is empty. How to Remove a Rusted Toilet Seat. Ensure that the cistern sits flat against the wall, is level and the foot of the pan I got the wing nuts part way loosened, and then the bolts began to spin. Sure you can try, … Soak the threads in the centre of the wing nut with spray-penetrating lubricant. Crawford holds an associate degree in business administration from Commonwealth College. by stevehayes » Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:16 pm, by htg engineer » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:14 pm, by nitro23456 » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:01 pm, by stevehayes » Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:26 pm, by nitro23456 » Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:39 pm, by stevehayes » Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:55 pm. One of the wing nuts came off easily, but on the other side, I can't get the wing nut loose. Basically I want to replace the siphon in my WC as it is not flushing properley as the disahragm is worn. But - having fitted a new flush valve, plate and doughnut - the doughnut leaks when the cistern is flushed. Thought it would be easy from then on. How to Remove Rusted Screws. It Rusting toilet tank bolts can be surprising. I sprayed WD To try to loosen without any luck. Thanks for help !!! netherfield 1,919 posts 141 months Friday 30th December 2011 Or … > cistern. Kenneth Crawford is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. When the porcelain is broken or cracked during repair, it generally means the toilet has to be replaced. I could not remove them to install new ones. Easily remove rusted nuts and bolts avoiding the snapping and drilling aggravation. I've tried WD-40, but it's not helping. When I Looked underneath the toilet, both wing nuts are rusted, and broken off. We have a really old toilet in one of our bathrooms which has started to leak around the tank bolts. I have one of the modern dual flush cistern fitted and it is leaking from the screws. If the nuts are hard to remove they may be stuck. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Use a Hacksaw to cut the bolt off just under the nut. Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. Once correctly positioned tighten wing nuts to ensure a secure connection to the WC pan. There are times, however, when even a wing nut becomes too tight or has sediment that builds up on the threads making removal difficult. These ones connect to the back of the pan but don't seem to come through into the bottom of the cistern!?? It’s next to impossible to remove a bolt that’s fully rusted in place, so scrub for 4-5 minutes until you’ve scraped off nearly all of the rust. Remove as much rust as possible with a wire brush. The plastic nuts put you in a better position than you might otherwise be, I think. I thought small angle grinder or multi tool. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. had to replace the main siphon valve. When the porcelain is broken or cracked during repair, it generally means the toilet has to … had this very problem the other week with my SIL wc cistern. Always apply Vaseline to both bolts and wing nuts when fitting toilet seat, then there will not be a problem in the future. Should I use WD40 ? Fix securely using washers and wing nuts. Answer (1 of 8): Possibly:Soak the threads with WD 40 and let sit for 30 minutes or so. Lay the shaft of the screwdriver between the threaded shaft and the right side of the wing nut. (the plastic Try Locking Pliers, Then Cut If enough of the bolt extends past the nut to provide purchase for a set of locking pliers, there's a chance you can hold the bolt steady while you turn the nut with a wrench. I thought wing nuts went through the bottom of the cistern and connected the cistern to the back of the pan. If you are replacing the whole toilet dont even bother with these just rock it out from the wall after undoing the wall and floor fixings and disconnecting the cold feed. (under cistern) they are beyond help from a spray, the rust has grown. To remove the water from the toilet cistern, you will need to Flush the toilet and remove any residual water from the toilet cistern. no easy grip).