How To Easily Remove Stubborn Toilet Seat Bolts

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If you need to replace or repair your toilet seat, you may encounter a problem. There are some things you should check before buying a new toilet or seat for the bathroom. The toilet seat bolts have bumpers, or thick plastic parts sometimes called nuts that hold the bolts in place, and they are located underneath the seat. Not only are they tricky for you to locate, but they can also be stuck-on or very stubborn, corroded, and hard to remove due to moisture. However, it doesn't have to be a wrestling match. There are some tried-and-true methods to remove that frustrating plastic nut from beneath your toilet seat with the use of a few essential tools: a pair of diagonal cutting pliers, a utility knife, or possibly a small hacksaw.

Removing the seat bolts may require some trial and error, so you'll want to be careful not to tear up the toilet seat. It's handy to have more than one of these tools with you when attacking those bumpers. You can get a pair of these IRWIN VISE-GRIP Diagonal Cutting Pliers or get a full set like this Amazon Basics Pliers Set, which comes with four types of pliers, and also have a screwdriver handy to help you remove the bolts. Grab a utility knife or a small hacksaw in case you need to do some trimming. You might also want to wear gloves and take some time to clean, making sure to get that one spot on your toilet you're forgetting to clean before you begin.

The first step is to assess where the nut is underneath the toilet seat. Lift up the lid and seat so you can see the area. The plastic nut is located under the bowl and is locked onto the bolt that extends through the seat hinge. That needs to be removed so the bolt comes out, and it gets really challenging. Using some pliers or vise-grips, you can clamp onto the plastic part underneath the toilet bowl. Ensure that you grip it solidly, since a more weak hold can possibly strip or warp the nut and make it harder to remove. Then, you can use your screwdriver to twist the bolt from above.

Removing the nut that is underneath rather than taking the bolt off from above may be a simpler path to getting it removed effectively. If it's really stuck on there or cracked or morphed in some way, you can work with your utility knife or hacksaw to trim away at the plastic to pull away the nut easily. Once the nut is off and the bolt is free, you can lift the seat straight up and off the toilet for repair or replacement. This method helps ensure you don't have to fight as hard to get the bolts off with your screwdriver – by working first on the plastic nut component. While you might be tempted to ditch the plastic toilet seat for an alternative, with some careful work and the right tools, you can remove the bolts and fix your toilet seat in no time.