I'm replacing a cracked toilet seat on a back-to-wall toilet with the Croydex Flexi-Fit Eyre D-Shape seat. I can't seem to remove the existing rubber plugs and looking for some advice please. I've tried using a flathead screwdriver underneath the plug and a pair of pliers to try and pull the plug out - but with no luck and it's actually breaking the rubber up. I've attached a photo of the new plug, assuming that the existing one is similar. Any ideas?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @TrudyG. It is wonderful to have you with us.
It looks like the toilet seat breaking is the issue, not the plugs. So, if the new screws match the old plugs, you might be able to just use the old plugs. Have you tried to see if the new attachment screws would work with the old plugs? This might be the simplest solution.
Unfortunately, if not, you'd have to remove them.
Without access to the underside of the pan, what you're already doing is about the best that you can do to remove them. You might just need to be persistent, regardless of whether the plug gets damaged further or not. Considering you have replacement plugs, it's not too big an issue if the existing plugs are damaged more.
What kind of pliers are you using?
I'm thinking some long-nosed pliers might give you a better grip.
If you can't get them out using a flat head screwdriver and some pliers, then you may need to get a bit more destructive. Plugs work through expansion, so if you could remove some of the material from them, their holding power would be reduced. You could try drilling out the plugs using an appropriately sized drill bit, ensuring you do not go too deep, then try pulling them out again.
Let me tag some helpful members to see if they have any ideas - @Noyade, @JDE, @OurPretty_LittleHome, @twocutekelpies.
Let me know how you go.
Jacob
Thanks so much @JacobZ - good to have reassurance I was on the right track. I tried some WD40 under the lip of the plug which I think helped to soften it a little and then my son was able to remove them (needed a bit more force than I could provide!).
New toilet seat now in place
Glad to hear it is all sorted @TrudyG.
Thanks for the update.
