Removing rusty screw from toilet pan.

[jimmy]

Hello, our downstairs toilet has come loose (Concrete floor). I have tried to tighten the screws but they are very badly corroded and I can't tighten them. I would like to take them out and replace them but I can't get purchase with a screw driver. Does anyone have any methods I could use please as I am frightened of cracking the porcelain. Many thanks.

Jim.

 

[Toddyplumb]

If you can lift pan a couple of mm which if it is loose you can slip hacksaw blade under and cut

 

[easyt]

If it is a slotted screw head I often take a screwdriver with a blade a little thicker and tap it in with a hammer to get good purchase. I sometimes clip a molegrip on the screw driver to make it easier to turn without loosing the pressure needed to keep the screwdriver head in the slot. I also tend to try and tighten it very slightly to get initial movement.

 

[kay-jay]

if the old screws have a rubber or plastic washer between the head of the screw and the pan (most do) use a thin blade screwdriver to split this and force it from its position. what you are now left with is a screw that is slightly raised. get a pair of grips or pliers and twist the screw loose. repeat on other side....job done!


KJ

 

[Garryaca@yahoo.]

You could also try one of these

Screw Extractor Set - NoLinkingToThis, Where the Trade Buys

 

[dontknowitall]

Unscrew with long nosed pliers to start then normal pliers to finish extracting it? I also use a hammer as described above. WD40 might help too.

 

[jimmy]

Thanks for the tips, i'll give them a go.

 

[REDSAW]

drop of hydrochloric acid sees them away in no-time.

 

[WHPES]

If the head is damaged and you have a Dremel with mounted points, grind the head off the screw in situ and lift the pan off the screws.

Replace with brass or stainless screws like it should have had to start with.

 

[fuzzy]

gently 'wack' them with a hammer. The pan splits and you can easily remove