Use light pressure when opening the bolt covers. Generally, it takes little pressure to open these, and using too much force may cause damage to them. [1] X Research source
The fasteners of your toilet seat may be plastic. Use light to moderate pressure when removing plastic hardware to keep it from breaking or deforming. [2] X Research source
Screwdrivers that are too small can cause the bolt head to deform, especially if the bolt is plastic. Use the largest size screwdriver that will fit your bolt head for best results. [4] X Research source
Wait about 5 to 10 minutes for the penetrating oil to seep into the narrow spaces of the hardware and break up corrosion. If you don’t have penetrating oil on hand, you can mix together a solution that is 90% vegetable oil and 10% acetone to make your own. [6] X Research source
If your situation requires you to cut or drill off bolts to remove the seat, you may want to tape a cover material, like cardboard, in place to protect the porcelain of the toilet and the plastic of the seat as well. [7] X Research source
Apply steady moderate force with your socket wrench. If the nut doesn’t loosen, intensify the force on your wrench to high for a very short interval. Do this several times until the nut loosens. If the nut and bolt are already loose, the bolt may turn with the nut when you attempt to loosen it. Insert a screwdriver into the head of the bolt to hold it in place, then loosen the nut with your socket wrench.
A regular hacksaw will be able to cut through unmoving toilet seat hardware, but a mini one will be easier to use in the narrow space. Depending on the hinge of your toilet seat and the hardware connecting the seat to the toilet, you may have to cut through the hinge mounts and remove the seat with the bolts attached. Then, you can cut through the bolts.
Save this technique as a last resort because there is a possibility that the drill bit might slip, causing damage to the porcelain or the seat. When you’ve almost drilled through the entire nut, be very careful. Drilling into the porcelain or the seat may cause unsightly damage. Drilled metal may have burrs or jagged edges that can cut you. Handle drilled metal with gloves. Use pliers to try to pull the bolt off. Continue enlarging the hole as necessary and pulling at the nut with pliers until it comes free. [11] X Research source
Take care not to burn yourself and keep a fire extinguisher nearby when working with a propane torch.
Check cleaners before using them on toilet porcelain or the seat itself. In many cases, abrasive cleaners should not be used on toilet seats. Check the labels of cleaners to verify their suitability.
Many hardware stores will sell this product under a name like “Toilet Seat Tightening/Fastening Kit. " Alternatively, you can apply clear silicone to the areas where the seat attaches to the bowl. This will prevent the seat from sliding around.
Inspect other parts, like the hinges, the fasteners on the bottom of the seat, and the nut on the threaded end of the bolt. Replacing these before they degrade could save you a lot of trouble. [15] X Research source
