"But unscrewed is beyond me, I fear"

[carbonel]

I bought a new toilet seat. The old one was one of those tacky (but never cold) cushiony ones, and it had developed a couple of cracks in the vinyl.

First step was to remove the old seat. I had some trouble locating the screws, because there were plastic covers on them, but I managed to get those off. Then I took my screwdriver and started turning (righty tighty, lefty loosy). Both screws got somewhat looser, and the right one now turns freely -- but neither one seems to be loosening its grip on the toilet it's attached to.

If the screws were stripped, wouldn't they just come loose? I can't figure out what's holding them in there, but something is.

If I can't figure it out by Saturday, it will stand as a challenge for people attending the Minn-stf meeting at my place.

ETA: Thanks to good advice provided by LJ, the problem is now solved, and the new toilet seat is in place. I have changed the mood on this comment accordingly.

Comments

[timill]

Some sort of captive nut that's come loose? Try pulling the screws out whilst unscrewing them and see if that will hold the nut.

[ckd]

I'm pretty sure that the screws are attached to nuts under the toilet, rather than screwing directly into the toilet. My guess? You loosened them enough that the nut is now spinning, so they won't unscrew.

You can probably hold the nuts steady by hand without a wrench.

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

We moved here, and it turns out neither stool works with the seat we brought -- a favorite with Sarah, because it is clear plastic with little ducks embedded in it. What kind of a world is it where a toilet seat doesn't work with the fixtures?

I've been through some intense frustration getting seats off. It's always in the tightest possible space, too. Maybe sticking a screwdriver up the end where the nuts should be might hold whatever's in there still -- sounds like something is turning with the screw. Failing that, just get wrenches or vise grips on the bastards and pull. It's not like you'll be using them again. They're dumpster food anyway!

Good luck with it!

[skylarker.livejournal.com]

Yes; look for the nuts!

[carbonel]

You were exactly correct. I hadn't realized I was dealing with a nut-and-bolt combination instead of a screw.

I did need to use a pliers to get one of the bolts loose from the nut, but the deed is now done.

Thanks for your help.