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How to remove stuck toilet seat screws?

Hi all, I am trying to remove a toilet seat and the two screws that hold it in place are stuck. The one on the left can be turned but won't come out, it feels like some of the rubber is moving with it, and the one on the right is not moving at all. I can move the toilet seat forwards and backwards and angle it to the right, but I can't get it off. I've tried different sizes and shapes of screwdrivers, but nothing seems to be working. The brand of toilet is Fienza if that helps at all

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MitchellMc

Hi @Steph6,

For the left side, the rubber insert is likely a pressure plug that expands when the screw is tightened, and right now it’s just spinning freely with the screw. Sliding a plastic scraper or even an old credit card under the black mount to lift it slightly while unscrewing can help create resistance against the rubber insert so it can grip and let the screw back out. If that doesn’t work, you could try applying upward pressure using a flathead screwdriver while turning the screw—just be careful not to crack the ceramic.

As for the right side, if it’s completely seized and won’t budge, clamping a pair of locking pliers onto the handle of the screwdriver gives you a lot more torque, and bearing down on the top of the screwdriver with your body weight helps keep the driver engaged so you don’t strip the head. If it still refuses to move, it might be corroded or cross-threaded. In that case, you may have to resort to cutting the seat off—either cutting through the plastic mount or carefully drilling the head of the screw out so you can release the seat and get at what’s underneath.

If you are not confident it might be worth enlisting the help of a professional.

Mitchell

Steph6

Thanks! I managed to get it out of one side, so I think I know what I need to do for the rest of it

JBlondebrick

Hi @MitchellMc

I have gotten the seat itself off the toilet and the screw is jammed into the hidden fixture underneath. I am pretty sure it is corroded. If I cut the top of the screw off, how do I get the base out unscathed to attach the new seat?

JacobZ

Hi @JBlondebrick,

Before you get to the point of cutting off the screw, try using a tool like those pliers or a chisel to lever the screw upwards while rotating it with the screwdriver. Sometimes all you need is a bit of pressure on the threads to get them moving and the upward force can help to force some movement. A spray of WD-40 and a couple of minutes for it to soak into the thread could also help.

If you still can't get the screws out, you can always cut them off and replace them with one of these FIX-A-LOO Toilet Seat Blind Fixing Kits.

If there are caps low down on the side of your toilet, you may also be able to remove these to fish out the existing fixing and then just replace the bolt.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

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