Until yesterday evening I was in the same "seat" as all of you that have been trying to find a solution for replacing the toilet seat on a 1-piece Kohler Toilet. Just out of sheer frustration and my unwillingness to pay $46.00 to Kohler for their "kit," I began my quest to figure out a simple, cheap way to solve this problem. I, along with thousands of other unhappy people out there, have been searching the internet for a solution and I have it! Until last night, I had tried drywall anchors, wedge anchors, and well nuts and out of these 3 solutions offered by others, the only solution that came close was using large drywall anchors; however, this only held tight for a couple of weeks before becoming loose. I was so happy to finally find a solution that worked that I felt as though it was my obligation to share it with all of the frustrated customers out there, so if you would like to finally fix this problem for good follow these steps:
Materials Needed:
- Drill
- Rubber Mallet (Hammer works, but use caution)
- 3/8" Carbide Drill Bit (glass/tile bit)
- Insert Nuts 1/4" X 20 (2X)
- 1/4" X 20 Screws (2X)
- Washers (2X)
Step 1
Remove existing seat. If screw is just spinning, cut the existing screw/bolt with a hack saw. An easier way to cut the existing screw is with a Dremel multi-tool and metal cutoff wheel. Once cut, the screw should fall down into the tank. Drill out the existing Kohler molly nut.
Step 2
The existing toilet seat anchor holes must be enlarged slightly, which is done by using a 3/8" Carbide Drill bit. Slowly drill the hole letting the bit do the work. Applying too much pressure can cause a crack in the porcelain.
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Step 3
Once holes have been made slightly larger, use a rubber mallet to tap in a 1/4" X 20 Insert Nut into the toilet anchor hole until flush. A regular hammer can be used as well, but be VERY careful not to miss and hit the toilet. Use a lot of small "taps" rather than trying to hammer with a lot of force. Slowly but surely the nut will make its way securely into the hole. Repeat this step on the other anchor hole.
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Step 4
Place toilet seat over holes and secure new toilet seat to the toilet with washers and 1/4" X 20 X 2" screws.
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DONE!