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rusty toilet tank bolts jay-n-123@verizon.net 11-05-2007
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Posted by on November 5, 2007, 9:29 am
On Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:48:51 GMT, "jay-n-123@verizon.net"

>In one of the toilet tanks in my house, the heads of the bolts in the tank
>look all rusty and deformed. They looked that way 3 years ago when I moved
>in here, and haven't leaked yet.
>
>Since nothing is leaking, I'm just wondering if I need to address this, or
>should I leave well enough alone. Since my female friend moved out, nobody
>is using the toilet on a regular basis.
>
>FYI: This toilet is a Gerber. Replacement of the tank bolts looks like it
>would involve removing the entire tank, because there are hex nuts attached
>to the bolts at the bottom of the tank. The nut is between the bottom of
>the tank and bowl. At the very tail end of the bolts are wing nuts. In
>other words, it looks like, to access the hex nut, this would involve
>unscrewing the wing nuts and lifting the entire tank, unless there are tools
>thin enough to reach the hex nut. Do any such tools exist? The gap is very
>small. Another issue is that the heads of the bolts appear to be so
>deformed that there isn't any slot remaining to stick a screwdriver.
>Should I leave well enough alone if it's not leaking?
>
>Thanks,
>
>J.

Personally I wouldn't disturb it but I don't see any harm in trying to
drain the tank so that it can be dry around the bolts and then spray
some rust inhibitor and let it soak for a couple of days before
refillng the tank. Maybe it would work, maybe not but this way you
aren't disturbing the seal unless the rust is helping??

Once I had to saw off a bolt that was on the bottom of the tank
holding the guts in place and used a hacksaw (straight handle type) to
get into a cramped area. The bolt and nut were plastic and too tight
and when I tried to use various pliers it was stripping the nut so
cutting the bolt was my only remaining option. It worked and then the
rest of the job was easy. At first I dreaded the job because I didn't
know what to do but with a little thought and the right tool, it
wasn't so bad.

Posted by SteveB on November 5, 2007, 11:30 am

<observer> wrote

> Once I had to saw off a bolt that was on the bottom of the tank
> holding the guts in place and used a hacksaw (straight handle type) to
> get into a cramped area. The bolt and nut were plastic and too tight
> and when I tried to use various pliers it was stripping the nut so
> cutting the bolt was my only remaining option. It worked and then the
> rest of the job was easy. At first I dreaded the job because I didn't
> know what to do but with a little thought and the right tool, it
> wasn't so bad.

Dremels work perfect for that tight space and application.

Steve



Posted by on November 5, 2007, 1:38 pm
On Mon, 5 Nov 2007 08:30:45 -0800, "SteveB"

>
><observer> wrote
>
>> Once I had to saw off a bolt that was on the bottom of the tank
>> holding the guts in place and used a hacksaw (straight handle type) to
>> get into a cramped area. The bolt and nut were plastic and too tight
>> and when I tried to use various pliers it was stripping the nut so
>> cutting the bolt was my only remaining option. It worked and then the
>> rest of the job was easy. At first I dreaded the job because I didn't
>> know what to do but with a little thought and the right tool, it
>> wasn't so bad.
>
>Dremels work perfect for that tight space and application.
>
>Steve
>

I've been thinking of buying a dremel with a lot of accessories. I
might revisit my idea and see what is available. Any good source to
buy from?? Is the battery operated one worth it or better to stick
with electric?

Posted by SteveB on November 5, 2007, 2:56 pm

<observer> wrote in message
> On Mon, 5 Nov 2007 08:30:45 -0800, "SteveB"
>
>>
>><observer> wrote
>>
>>> Once I had to saw off a bolt that was on the bottom of the tank
>>> holding the guts in place and used a hacksaw (straight handle type) to
>>> get into a cramped area. The bolt and nut were plastic and too tight
>>> and when I tried to use various pliers it was stripping the nut so
>>> cutting the bolt was my only remaining option. It worked and then the
>>> rest of the job was easy. At first I dreaded the job because I didn't
>>> know what to do but with a little thought and the right tool, it
>>> wasn't so bad.
>>
>>Dremels work perfect for that tight space and application.
>>
>>Steve
>>
>
> I've been thinking of buying a dremel with a lot of accessories. I
> might revisit my idea and see what is available. Any good source to
> buy from?? Is the battery operated one worth it or better to stick
> with electric?

It all depends on what you want to use it for. I have a Foredom, but I use
it for much more than just what one would use a Dremel for. I have way more
in carbide bits than a Dremel costs.

So, analyze what you want to use the tool for. If you want to do wood
carving, or intricate things, you might want to step up. If regular stuff
and an occasional bolt cutting is in line, then the Dremel will do just
fine. Shaft sizes are mostly the same, so you can even use the cheapo HF
and Chinese accessory packs of like 500 pieces for eight bucks.

I personally don't like the battery models, as they run out of gas before
they cut through anything substantial. And then, when I go to use the
thing, the battery is usually dead. Cords have their restrictions, too, but
they won't run out of juice. The higher speeds of the motors (I think) use
up batteries faster. And one of the new ones with a high voltage battery is
starting to get big.

Dremels, Foredoms, and other such tools are great because they do a
particular job when nothing else will, and save a lot of misery and
heartache. (As breaking the porcelain while trying to get out a bolt.)

Steve



Posted by on November 5, 2007, 4:15 pm
On Mon, 5 Nov 2007 11:56:13 -0800, "SteveB"

>
><observer> wrote in message
>> On Mon, 5 Nov 2007 08:30:45 -0800, "SteveB"
>>
>>>
>>><observer> wrote
>>>
>>>> Once I had to saw off a bolt that was on the bottom of the tank
>>>> holding the guts in place and used a hacksaw (straight handle type) to
>>>> get into a cramped area. The bolt and nut were plastic and too tight
>>>> and when I tried to use various pliers it was stripping the nut so
>>>> cutting the bolt was my only remaining option. It worked and then the
>>>> rest of the job was easy. At first I dreaded the job because I didn't
>>>> know what to do but with a little thought and the right tool, it
>>>> wasn't so bad.
>>>
>>>Dremels work perfect for that tight space and application.
>>>
>>>Steve
>>>
>>
>> I've been thinking of buying a dremel with a lot of accessories. I
>> might revisit my idea and see what is available. Any good source to
>> buy from?? Is the battery operated one worth it or better to stick
>> with electric?
>
>It all depends on what you want to use it for. I have a Foredom, but I use
>it for much more than just what one would use a Dremel for. I have way more
>in carbide bits than a Dremel costs.
>
>So, analyze what you want to use the tool for. If you want to do wood
>carving, or intricate things, you might want to step up. If regular stuff
>and an occasional bolt cutting is in line, then the Dremel will do just
>fine. Shaft sizes are mostly the same, so you can even use the cheapo HF
>and Chinese accessory packs of like 500 pieces for eight bucks.
>
>I personally don't like the battery models, as they run out of gas before
>they cut through anything substantial. And then, when I go to use the
>thing, the battery is usually dead. Cords have their restrictions, too, but
>they won't run out of juice. The higher speeds of the motors (I think) use
>up batteries faster. And one of the new ones with a high voltage battery is
>starting to get big.
>
>Dremels, Foredoms, and other such tools are great because they do a
>particular job when nothing else will, and save a lot of misery and
>heartache. (As breaking the porcelain while trying to get out a bolt.)
>
>Steve
>


Thanks Steve. You reminded me of my dad because I think he bought one
years ago and used it for wood carving (old scooners 1 to 3 foot in
length). I've got about a dozen of his (deceased now) wood boats with
masts and nylon stringing (fine detail wood work upon close
inspection) which I won't part with no matter how much money I'm
offered... consider it a family heirloom now and reserved for my 2
daughters.

Appreciate the reply Steve !!

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