Chaning a toilet seat is supposed to be easy…

[Quizzical]

I pulled off the old toilet seat to unscrew the mounts and discovered there are no screws or bolts, just these bullet head type fittings. I can’t access the bolts from underneath as the bowl is enclosed. Any suggestions?

[EricL]

Hello @Quizzical 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your toilet seat fixing. 

You'll notice that the top fixing has a screw type access for a flathead screwdriver. I propose using a flathead screwdriver and turning that screw anti-clockwise and see if it comes loose. If it does then you would have discovered how it is fixed in place. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

Eric

[Quizzical]

Hi Eric, 

thanks for your reply

i have marked up the photo and reattached. The two blue holes are unused and for screws. The red is a hole which used to house the lug the seat slots on to. The green is the flat nail type fixing I mentioned that connects the seat to the toilet  and has no chisel or Phillips head to unscrew.

cheers

t

[EricL]

Hello @Quizzical 

Thank you for providing that extra bit of information. My next suggestion is to use a multigrip or a locking set of pliers and grip on to the circle piece head that you have marked with an "X". Try turning it anticlockwise and see if it starts coming loose. If it does, then you'll need to repeat the action on the other side of the toilet pan to remove the fixings. If it does not come off my only other suggestion is to use a grinding wheel and a grinder to trim the head off which should allow you to take the fixings off. 

Please note that excessive use of the grinder will create friction heat which could damage the porcelain pan. Make sure to cool off the surface by covering it with a damp rag and to continue only when the surface has cooled off. Please take your time do not rush the process.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using the grinder.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Quizzical 

A puzzle for sure. It should be soleable as there is no way you could sell a toilet that couldnt have its seat changed over. I would remind myself of that while getting frustrated at it not being obvious.

The two bullet head pins looks like they are to lock the fitting into place.

The red (Im almost temmpted to see if it unscrews even if the space above it normally has that lug in it.

The green X, it almost looks like it could be slid along the channel. That white piece of plastic to the left of it looks like it has a flat screwdriver slot for some reason?

I have not come across a toilet bowl/lid setup liek this but logic says it went in, so must be able to come out. Slow patience is frustrating but I would try for awhile. Then I would possible consider a plumber.

Dave

[Quizzical]

Thanks Eric - will give it a careful shot!

[Quizzical]

Thanks Dave! Yeah an unexpected find. Thanks for your support!