How to remove cover cap from toilet fixing?

TearingMyHairOut

I am trying to tighten a toilet seat with a top-mounted screw, however, I am unable to lift the cap off. I have tried using a flathead screwdriver to slide between the cover and the inner ring, and the ring has now separated but the cap will still not come off. I have used WD40 but it has not helped. What should I be doing next?

JacobZ

Hi @TearingMyHairOut,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

The cover plate on this style of toilet seat fixing is usually just press fit in place over the rubber ring at the base, so as far as I am aware, you should be able to just pull it off over the vertical post. There may be some sediment built up around this post that is causing the cover plate to catch.

Given this, I'd suggest you start by taking your flathead screwdriver and put it underneath the cover plate, as close to the post as possible and lever it upwards. Try to get it so the tip of your screwdriver is pushing as close to the post as possible, and the shaft is not hitting the outside lip of the plate.

If this doesn't work, you could try gently tapping the post with a hammer while pulling the cover plate up. A bit of percussive action can help to break up sediment and cause a sudden reduction in friction that could help.

If this is still not working, try wrapping the cover plate with a rag, then using some multigrip pliers to grip and pull the cover plate upwards. The rag will help to protect the cover plate from damage from the pliers, but you should still exhibit some caution because you can crush the thin metal plate if you are too heavy handed.

Allow me to tag some helpful members to see if they have any other ideas @Dave-1, @Noyade, @Prof.

Give these solutions a try and let us know how you go.

Jacob