: When installing a new toilet. I always have trouble connecting the closet to the base. I have leakage from the 2 bolts near the gasket. How can I make sure I have the gasket in properly and the screws tight enough to prevent leaks without cracking the closet?

Charles,
Well, the rubbers washers should be under the head of the bolts, and then dropped down into the tank holes and the bowl holes. It shouldn't take too much to tighten them enough. Some tank to bowl connection come with wing nuts that tighten down by hand. Too tight, and snap! the bowl will crack! Good luck. Terry