Last Updated on February 1, 2023
If you need to replace a toilet bolt, the last thing you want to do is damage the bowl in the process. Many people use different tools to cut the bolt, but this can often lead to more damage.
By reading this article, you will learn easy methods on how to cut toilet bolts without damaging the bowl.
What Are Toilet Bolts, And What Do They Do?
Toilet bolts are the screws that hold the toilet bowl to the tank. They are typically about 5/16 in. x 2-1/4 in. and have a hex head. Bolts can become corroded over time, so replacing them when needed is important.
What If You Break the Bolts When Trying to Remove Them?
If you break the bolts when trying to remove them, you can use a hacksaw to cut them off. However, this can be difficult and may damage the bowl.
It is essential to know how you can cut a toilet bolt and save you both time and energy in the process. On the other hand, if you have broken the rusted toilet tank bolts, there is no reason for you to be alarmed. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions below for its removal.
How to Cut Toilet Bolts the Right Way?
Before you start, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Tape measure
- Pipe wrench
- Channel locks
- Hacksaw blade or bolt cutter
- Marker
- Safety glasses
Now follow these steps:
1. Measure the Length:
Remove the toilet bolt caps first, measure the nut length, and mark it with a marker. If you are not sure how to do this, it is best to take the toilet bowl off and measure it inside.
2. Loosen the Bolts:
Use a pipe wrench and channel locks to loosen the metal bolts. Please do not remove them yet while still working on the cutting process.
3. Cut the Bolt:
Use a mini hacksaw or cut the flange bolt at the marked line. Make sure you are wearing safety glasses to protect your eyes.
4. Remove the Bolt:
Once you have cut the bolt, use a pipe wrench and channel locks to remove it from the toilet bowl.
5. Replace the Bolts:
Replace the bolts with new ones and tighten them using a pipe wrench and channel locks.
Now you know the way to cut toilet bolts without damaging the bowl. Follow provided steps, and you will be able to do it with ease.
Why Is It Essential to Cut Them Correctly?
These are some of the reasons why it is important to cut the toilet bolts correctly:
1. You Could Damage the Bowl:
If you try to cut the bolt with a tool not designed for this purpose, you could damage the bowl.
2. You Could Damage the Flange:
Installing a new toilet bowl will be difficult if you damage the flange.
3. It’s Unsafe:
If you don’t wear safety glasses when cutting the bolt, you could end up with injured eyes.
4. It’s Difficult to Remove the Old Bolts:
If you don’t cut the bolt correctly, it will be difficult to remove it from the toilet bowl. This could lead to more damage and a longer repair process.
5. You Could Damage the Tank:
If you use the wrong tool to cut the bolt, you could damage the tank. This could lead to a costly repair bill.
6. You Could Damage the Floor:
You could damage the floor if you drop the bolt while removing it from the toilet bowl. These are a few of the many reasons the bolt needs to be cut correctly.
Tips for Preventing Damage When Cutting a Toilet Bolt
Following are some tips for preventing damage when cutting a toilet bolt:
Make Sure You Have the Right Tools:
It is essential to have the right tools to cut the bolt. If you don’t have the right tool, you could damage the bowl, flange, tank, or floor.
Wear Safety Glasses:
Make sure you wear safety glasses when cutting the bolt. This will protect your eyes from any debris that may fly up.
Take the Toilet Bowl Off:
If you are not sure how to measure the length of the bolt, it is best to take the toilet bowl off and measure it from the inside. This will ensure that you measure the bolt correctly.
Loosen The Bolts Before Cutting:
Removing the bolts from the toilet bowl will be easier if you loosen the bolts before cutting the bolt.
Cut the Bolt at The Marked Line:
Make sure you cut the bolt at the marked line. If you don’t cut it correctly, you could damage the bowl, flange, tank, or floor.
Tighten the Bolts After Cutting:
Once you have cut the bolt, tighten it using a pipe wrench and channel locks. This will prevent it from becoming loose again.
You can avoid damaging the toilet when cutting the bolt by following these tips. Remember to use the right tools and to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
FAQ’s
Here are some common questions about cutting a toilet bolt:
How Do I Measure the Length of the Bolt?
If you are not sure how to measure the length of the bolt, it is best to take the toilet bowl off and measure it from the inside. This will ensure that you measure the bolt correctly.
Can I Damage the Bowl If I Don’t Use the Right Tool?
If you try to cut the bolt with a tool not designed for this purpose, you could damage the bowl.
What If I Damage the Flange?
Installing a new toilet bowl will be difficult if you damage the flange.
What If I Damage the Tank?
If you use the wrong tool to cut the bolt, you could damage the tank. This could lead to a costly repair bill.
Is It Safe to Cut the Bolt Without Safety Glasses?
If you don’t wear safety glasses when cutting the bolt, you could end up with injured eyes.
How Difficult Is It to Remove the Old Bolts?
If you don’t cut the bolt correctly, it will be difficult to remove it from the toilet bowl. This could lead to more damage and a longer repair process.
Conclusion
When cutting a toilet bolt, it is vital to use the right tools and wear safety glasses. You can avoid damaging the toilet when cutting the bolt by following these tips. Remember to cut the bolt at the marked line and tighten it using a pipe wrench and channel locks.
