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How to remove flathead screw securing toilet to floor?

Hi folks,

Need a suggestion on removing flatheads securing toilet to the floor. I managed to get one of four screws out by hand but the others I've had no luck. I've tried Wd-40, Clr and cleaning with a wire brush to try loosen screws. I was wondering would a cordless screwdriver or an impact driver be worth trying?

Regards,

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Nailbag

Hi @TJP

You can use either a Cobalt drill bit or one of these Sutton Viper bits to drill out the top of the screw heads to release the pan. I just used one of the Vipers to drill out a security lock that was seized and it worked a treat and still razor sharp.

Nailbag

TJP

Cheers mate!

DIYGnome

Hello @TJP 👋

I had to remove my toilet pan late last year due to house reblocking, I had success with large Philips screwdrivers and for the MOST stubborn I used an impact driver with much success, all else failing that you will need to drill them out, I must say the drills suggested by @Nailbag look promising and I might need to drop into Bunnings and grab some for myself 🤣

TJP

Thank you very much for your input. Now to add drill and drill bits to the list. 👍

JacobZ

Hi @TJP,

It's great to see the guys have already jumped in with some great advice.

Drilling the screws out seems like the easiest option, but just to add another, I have had success removing flathead screws in the past by deepening the groove with a Dremel or even cutting a cross which opened up the option of a phillips head screwdriver or impact driver bit.

Good luck and let us know if you need any further help.

Jacob

TJP

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for the idea, I will add this all to the knowledge base for future endeavours.

Regards,

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