06-29-2016, 09:19 AM
Gang,
I have a microphor toilet which had the original toilet seat that came with it. Over the years, the seat has provided a loyal and valuable service. Recently, it has begun to be shimmy and squirmy. I knew the end was near. But today, one of the hinges gave up completely. Time for a new seat.
I did a quick measurement and determined that (thank goodness), the holes where a standard dimension (5.5") and the length of the bowl was also standard (18.5"). So that meant that I could buy an aftermarket seat. Off to Home Depot, I went. I found a color and shape that looked like a good match and headed home.
My first job in getting the new seat fitted was removing the old seat and bolts. This turned out to take a trick. But first a little background. The bolts that hold the seat on are accessible from inside the tank part. They are fairly easy to reach, but a real bear to get a wrench on. The manual says to mount the seat before you install the toilet to the floor. I made attempts with open and closed end wrenches, pliers and even vice grips but I could not get any of them to grab.
Warning: The next part is scary and should be undertaken with extreme care. Any sort of prying on the bolts will chip or crack the bowl and that is a big problem, so be careful!
I sat down and thought about the problem. I can't get a good grip on the nut, but can get a screwdriver on the nut (top) end. It was clear that the bolt was really rusty and even if I got a good grip, I am not sure that I will be able to unscrew the nut from the bolt. I decided that the right way to tackle the problem is to cut the bolt with a hacksaw. (Keep reading...this gets good!) To get to the shaft of the bolt so I could cut it, I needed to remove the plastic hinge that holds the seat. One hinge was already broken away from the seat, so I carefully twisted the seat and broke the other hinge. Now the seat was free but the hinges were still held on by the bolt.
HERE IS THE TRICK: I used diagonal cutters to nibble away at the hinge until I was able to remove the plastic part. Once that happened, there was still a little clear plastic thingy under the bolt. When I tore that loose the bolt fell through the hole! Bingo, exactly what I needed! No need to cut the bolt!!!
The new seat went on without a hitch. The brand is Bemis (Bone color) in an "Elongated" shape. It has the anti-slam feature and is easily removable for cleaning. The shape is not absolutely perfect, but I am pretty sure no-one will notice.
Anyway, I thought I would post here in case anyone finds themselves faced with rusty bolts and a broken toilet seat. Attached pictures should help in understanding text.
Cheers,
bill
I have a microphor toilet which had the original toilet seat that came with it. Over the years, the seat has provided a loyal and valuable service. Recently, it has begun to be shimmy and squirmy. I knew the end was near. But today, one of the hinges gave up completely. Time for a new seat.
I did a quick measurement and determined that (thank goodness), the holes where a standard dimension (5.5") and the length of the bowl was also standard (18.5"). So that meant that I could buy an aftermarket seat. Off to Home Depot, I went. I found a color and shape that looked like a good match and headed home.
My first job in getting the new seat fitted was removing the old seat and bolts. This turned out to take a trick. But first a little background. The bolts that hold the seat on are accessible from inside the tank part. They are fairly easy to reach, but a real bear to get a wrench on. The manual says to mount the seat before you install the toilet to the floor. I made attempts with open and closed end wrenches, pliers and even vice grips but I could not get any of them to grab.
Warning: The next part is scary and should be undertaken with extreme care. Any sort of prying on the bolts will chip or crack the bowl and that is a big problem, so be careful!
I sat down and thought about the problem. I can't get a good grip on the nut, but can get a screwdriver on the nut (top) end. It was clear that the bolt was really rusty and even if I got a good grip, I am not sure that I will be able to unscrew the nut from the bolt. I decided that the right way to tackle the problem is to cut the bolt with a hacksaw. (Keep reading...this gets good!) To get to the shaft of the bolt so I could cut it, I needed to remove the plastic hinge that holds the seat. One hinge was already broken away from the seat, so I carefully twisted the seat and broke the other hinge. Now the seat was free but the hinges were still held on by the bolt.
HERE IS THE TRICK: I used diagonal cutters to nibble away at the hinge until I was able to remove the plastic part. Once that happened, there was still a little clear plastic thingy under the bolt. When I tore that loose the bolt fell through the hole! Bingo, exactly what I needed! No need to cut the bolt!!!
The new seat went on without a hitch. The brand is Bemis (Bone color) in an "Elongated" shape. It has the anti-slam feature and is easily removable for cleaning. The shape is not absolutely perfect, but I am pretty sure no-one will notice.
Anyway, I thought I would post here in case anyone finds themselves faced with rusty bolts and a broken toilet seat. Attached pictures should help in understanding text.
Cheers,
bill
Bill Johnson
Birmingham, Alabama
