How to loosen toilet seat screw?

[Rhattabew]

Trying to take off the screw so I can put a bidet attachment underneath it but while the screw can turn, I can't get it to either loosen or tighten. I managed to get the other one off by sort of prying a flat head underneath it and lifting it as I suspect whatever the screw is attached to is just freely spinning however I've had no luck with this one.

[EricL]

Hello @Rhattabew 

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

I suggest using the same technique with the flat head screwdriver, but instead of forcing it off I suggest using it to wedge the plastic piece with the post and then trying to turn the screw anti-clockwise. My second suggestion is to use a heat gun to soften the plastic which will allow you to twist and peel off the flange with the post. You'll then have full access to the screw. My last suggestion is to use a multi tool to cut the plastic, but extreme care must be taken not to cut into porcelain surface.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @Noyade for their recommendations on how to remove the stuck screw.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @Rhattabew 

I was wondering if there is a chance of a photo from the bottom up? It sounds like your nut is spinning, (also supsect that you cant get to the nut from your description ) 

I like the idea of keeping a constant pressure underneath the plastic via a flat head screwdriver and turning the star screw out. @EricL's suggestion of cutting the plastic is my next thought as well. 

Dave

[Rhattabew]

Yea I can't access the nut underneath because it's a back to wall toilet. It's a mondello rococo.

[Rhattabew]

Yea the plug? Was loose. Managed to bend the plastic piece around the screw with pliers and it immediately fell.

[Nailbag]

Hi @Rhattabew 

Thats completely norm al and sacrificial to lose the insert nut and at times the bolt. A new seat will come complete with new fixings.

Now the important part in matching the new seat is the distance from the end of the seat to the fixing points. And then there can be a difference in diameter of the fastening inserts that go into the hole. It can get quite problematic and one I recently went through once again for a client.

So, take the seat with you and a measurement of there I.D. of the fastening hole. And expect the new seat may fall short 10mm or so.

Nailbag