Replacing a toilet anchor bolt will depend on the type of toilet you have and what kind of flooring you have beneath it. If you have vinyl or tile flooring, you will want to use a jigsaw to cut through the grout around the floor around the toilet, then pry the tile or vinyl off the floor so you can get to the anchor bolt.
Make sure to wear safety glasses and work gloves when doing this.
Once you have removed the tile or vinyl, you will need to unscrew the anchor bolt and take it off the toilet flange. Take this opportunity to clean off the flange to make sure there is no residue or debris that may affect the new anchor bolt.
After you cleaned off the flange, you can install the new anchor bolt with new washers and nuts. Make sure to tighten the nuts securely, but not too tight as this could break the porcelain and cause damage to the flange.
Once you have assembled the new bolt, you can then replace the tile of vinyl flooring and re-grout the area to make sure it looks as it did previously. Once you have the area covered and grouted, you can sit the toilet back into place and attach it to the anchor bolt.
Check to make sure the toilet is securely seated and the bolt is tight. Tighten the nut one last time and check for leaks. You should now have a secure toilet anchor bolt.
How do you tighten a toilet bolt without breaking it?
Tightening a toilet bolt without breaking it can be done if the proper precautions are taken. First and foremost, inspect the bolt to make sure that it is not loose, rusted or damaged, as this will not only prevent it from tightening properly but can also cause further damage.
If the bolt is found to be in good condition, begin by turning off the water supply valve to the toilet. Next, apply a small amount of lubricating oil or WD-40 to the threads before attempting to turn it.
This will make turning the bolt easier and reduce any torque that may otherwise be applied. Once lubricated, use a screwdriver or wrench to slowly turn the bolt clockwise until it is snug. Do not over-tighten, as this may cause the bolt to snap.
With the toilet bolt sufficiently tightened, verify that all the parts are properly secured and reconnect the water supply valve if necessary.
Can loose toilet bolts cause leak?
Yes, loose toilet bolts can cause a leak. Toilets are held together using bolts, which can become loose over time due to normal wear and tear. If the two pieces of the toilet aren’t firmly sealed together, a leak can occur where the two meet.
A leak can happen even if the bolts are just a little bit loose, so it’s important to check the bolts regularly and tighten them if necessary. In addition to checking the toilet bolts, you should also make sure all the connections between the tank and the bowl are sealed properly and that the wax ring is in good condition.
If any of these components show signs of wear and tear, they should be replaced immediately in order to prevent a leak from occurring.
Why do toilet bolts get loose?
Toilet bolts can get loose due to a number of factors. The most common cause is from vibrations from normal daily use. The bolts may not have been tightened properly during installation, or may have become corroded over time and weakened.
Another cause could be from the house itself shifting due to settling of the foundation or changes in temperature or moisture. In most cases, a quick fix can be done by tightening the bolts further to keep them from becoming loose again.
For severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the bolts entirely and possibly the flooring around the toilet.
How tight should the anchor bolts be on a toilet?
The anchor bolts on a toilet should be tight enough to be securely attached to the floor, but not so tight that it is difficult or impossible to remove or replace the toilet without damaging either the toilet or the anchor bolts.
Ideally, the anchor bolts should be tight enough to prevent any movement of the toilet within its mounts, but loose enough to be able to be removed and replaced by hand, without the need for any additional tools.
If you have any doubts about the tightness of the bolts, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a slightly looser setting.
What size are toilet anchor bolts?
Toilet anchor bolts come in 2 different sizes: one that fits 3/8″ FLANGES and one that fits 7/16″ FLANGES. The size of toilet anchor bolt you will need depends on the size of your toilet flange. To determine the size of your toilet flange, you will need to measure the distance between the mounting holes on the flange.
If the distance is 3/8″, you will need the 3/8″ toilet anchor bolts, and if the distance is 7/16″, you will need the 7/16″ toilet anchor bolts.
Should the anchor be bigger than the screw?
Yes, it is important to make sure the anchor is bigger than the screw when installing them together. This will create a strong and secure connection between the two components. Furthermore, it ensures that the anchor and screw will not pull out from the wall in the future.
The use of an anchor that is bigger than the screw also helps to spread the load out across the entire anchor, rather than overloading the anchor in one single spot. This provides increased holding power when the anchor is set in the wall and results in a stronger mounting fixture.
What happens if you over tighten toilet bolts?
If you over-tighten the toilet bolts, you can damage the base of the toilet and can even cause the toilet to crack. This can lead to water leaking from the base of the toilet and cause serious water damage to the floor and wall below.
Over-tightening can also strip the bolts which can lead to them not staying secure, leading to movement and further issues with the toilet. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to properly secure the toilet bolts, ensuring they are tight enough that the toilet won’t move, but not so tight that you damage the toilet or bolts.
How do you loosen a bolt that won’t budge?
If a bolt won’t budge, the first step is to apply some lubrication. Penetrating oil, such as WD-40, can help to lubricate the bolt and the screw thread, making it easier to move. If the bolt is still not turning, you may need to get creative.
First, try gently tapping the bolt with a hammer – but only use light taps. If that still doesn’t work, try using a screwdriver or other tool to try to turn the bolt ever so slightly – if you have enough grip, you may be able to get it loose.
If not, consider using a cheater bar – such as a pipe or bar-type wrench – in order to increase the leverage with which you are attempting to loosen the bolt. Finally, if those methods don’t work, you may need to resort to using heat on the bolt in order to help loosen it.
Use a welding torch (but be very careful, as you don’t want to overheat or damage the bolts or nuts). You can also insert a hacksaw blade between the nut and bolt and give it a few good taps with a hammer.
The vibration should help break the bolt from corrosion. If all else fails, you may need to take the bolt to an experienced mechanic for assistance.
Does WD-40 help remove bolts?
Yes, in certain situations WD-40 can help remove bolts. The lubricating properties of WD-40 can help to loosen hard-to-remove bolts by providing a slippery coating that prevents rust build up and corrosion.
It is important to note that WD-40 should not be used as a lubricant or permanent solution for stuck bolts, as this may cause further damage. In addition to freeing up stuck bolts, WD-40 can also be used to help remove car body panels and other automotive parts.
For best results, it’s best to use a variety of lubricants and tools to help free up stuck bolts.
What tool helps you loosen very tight bolts?
A tool that can be used to loosen very tight bolts is a wrench. Wrenches come in various shapes, sizes and types so it is important to make sure you choose the correct wrench for your particular application.
Depending on the type of bolt you are attempting to loosen, you might need a socket, open-end, combination or adjustable wrench. Socket wrenches generally offer the most torque and are ideal for very tight bolts and screws.
Depending on the size of the bolt, some wrenches come with extensions or universal joints so they can fit into tight spaces. Another more powerful tool that may be used to loosen very tight bolts is an impact wrench.
Impact wrenches utilize a higher torque to loosen stubborn fasteners, and when used together with an appropriate socket can make quick work of difficult bolts. However, it is important to make sure you are using the correct size and type of impact wrench for your application.
Will WD-40 loosen bolts?
Yes, WD-40 can be used to loosen stubborn bolts. The lubricating properties of WD-40 are designed to penetrate even the tightest and most stuck bolts, by getting into the tiny crevices between the threads and allowing them to move.
WD-40 will also displace moisture that may be present on the bolt or nut, which can be a major cause of sticking. To use WD-40 to free a stuck bolt, first make sure to use safety equipment such as gloves and eyewear, then spray the WD-40 onto the bolt and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Then using a tool such as an adjustable crescent wrench, rotate the bolt in a back and forth motion until it is loose enough to remove.
What type of lubricant can be used to loosen stuck bolt?
Petroleum-based lubricants such as WD-40, 3-in-One oil, and mineral oil are some of the most commonly used lubricants for this purpose. These lubricants contain chemicals that help to break down rust and other corrosion byproducts, which can help to loosen stuck bolts.
Synthetic lubricants(molybdenum disulfide and graphite lubricants) such as Teflon and White Lithium Grease are also effective for loosening stuck bolts. These lubricants prevent corrosion and increase lubricity, reducing friction and tension that can cause bolts to become stuck.
Finally, penetrating oil such as PB Blaster and Liquid Wrench are effective for loosening stuck bolts. These lubricants can penetrate into tight spaces and help to break down rust and other corrosion byproducts, freeing up stuck bolts.
What is the spray for stuck bolts?
The spray for stuck bolts is a type of lubricant product which is specifically designed to loosen and lubricate rusted and stuck bolts in machinery, automotive and metal surfaces. It works by penetrating deep into the crevices and threads of the bolt in order to loosen it up and make it easier to loosen.
It usually contains a combination of metalworking oils, corrosion inhibitors, and other lubricating ingredients which will help to break loose seized or corroded bolts. In addition, it can also help in preventing further corrosion by providing a protective barrier.
Additionally, this type of lubricant product is good for preventing moisture and other corrosive elements from coming in contact with the metal surfaces and thus, reducing further oxidation.
Does vinegar loosen screws?
Yes, it is possible to use vinegar to loosen screws. Vinegar is an acidic liquid that can loosen rust build-up and soften old dried lubricants, like those on screws. To use vinegar to loosen a screw, simply submerge the screw head, or spread some of the liquid around it, and let it sit for a few hours.
This will allow the vinegar to do its work and you should be able to remove the screw with a screwdriver afterwards. Additionally, vinegar can be used to help remove stripped screws as the acid in the vinegar will often corrode the metal of the screw which can make it easier to remove.
Keep in mind that if the screw resists removal, then applying more force will only strip it further and more acid may be necessary.