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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1348269791 Message started by Fraser on Sep 22^nd, 2012, 12:23am

Title: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by Fraser on Sep 22^nd, 2012, 12:23am

Hi,

I'm hoping someone will be able to answer my question as it's starting to really bug me. I have a Catalano Zero + toilet which has a loose seat. I think it is a top fitting seat based on the internet research I've already done. I can find lots of details about replacing such a seat, but none that seems specific to the Catalano Zero (I've checked the Catalano website but can't find any information there) and it's particular fixings.

I just can't figure out how to remove the seat/hinges, and I don't want to break the hinges by pulling the seat too much. I've attached some photos of the seat fixings and hopefully someone can help.

Cheers

Fraser

[album]frasermac&1348269650[/album]

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Sep 22^nd, 2012, 12:54am

Not seen that one before, so does the chrome lift off, maybe a cap.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by Lectrician on Sep 22^nd, 2012, 7:43am

It does look like a chrome cap on the top of the chrome post. A stanley blade or filling knife may help.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by Fraser on Sep 22^nd, 2012, 11:50am

If by the chrome post you mean the vertical tube sticking up from the chrome disc, then although it looks in the photo like there is a cap on top, it is not separate piece. I did try to prise it off the top, but it's definitely just part of the post.

The chrome disc on the left hand side is loose and this is what is causing the seat to wobble. The chrome fitting on the right hand side is stuck fast to the bowl and there is no movement in it. I've tried prising it away from the bowl with a stanley knife, but it doesn't budge - at least I've not tried any real force on it.

I thought that maybe I would be able to pull the toilet seat horizontally and take it off the actual chrome hinge but I don't want to break the seat by forcing it - not sure if this would be an option.

Where the seat attaches to the hinge

[gallery]frasermac/1348269651.jpg[/gallery]

there is a round disc on the other side of the post - I though that maybe I could prise this out, but again it does't seem to budge and I don;t want to break it.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by cumbriahandyman on Sep 23^rd, 2012, 12:22pm

I suspect it tightens from below, so you might need to remove the toilet!!! :-/

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by Fraser on Sep 24^th, 2012, 6:07pm

That's what I was worried might be the answer! Seems like a pretty poor design.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Sep 25^th, 2012, 12:24am

Nope the chrome part will come off some how.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by Fraser on Sep 29^th, 2012, 2:11pm

Ah well, I'll maybe have another look at it to see if anything further can be done.

Thanks for all the responses

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by Fenster79 on Dec 3^rd, 2012, 11:20pm

Hello,
i haveexactly the same loo seat and searching web as would like to replace it and unsure how to get it off.

Was wondering if you ever found a solution to removing the seat.

Any help granted.

I am convinced it has to be removed by loosening the chrome disc but it will not budge.

Thanks

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Dec 4^th, 2012, 12:37am

Try pushing the rod in where it comes through the post, they may be sprung loaded.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by markcb on Apr 24^th, 2013, 12:37am

I have exactly the same dilemma with exactly the same product. Did any of these suggestions work or was any other solution found?
thanks in anticipation!

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Apr 24^th, 2013, 12:47am

I would try all the suggestions and see how it goes, I can't see it can be that difficult ;)

I would be amazed if you have the same in Australia though.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by markcb on Apr 25^th, 2013, 6:22am

Thank you for your prompt response.
Yes, believe it or not it is exactly the same product and model, and exactly the same problem (although down here in Australia the water swirls the other way round of course).
I have tried all the suggestions made with no success. There is no access at all from below, the chrome pegs are one piece, and there is no spring loading.
I agree it should not be all that difficult, but it seems to be! There is nothing on the Catalano website or their online technical sheets of assistance.
I will keep enquiring and post anything I come up with.
Thanks again

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Apr 25^th, 2013, 11:20am

Can you post a few clearer pics, and the model of the seat if possible.

Perhaps the seat isn't meant for a concealed fixing :-?

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by markcb on Apr 26^th, 2013, 2:07pm

Delighted to report that I have figured it out. (The model is exactly as described and depicted in the very first post above - Catalano Zero+)

The tightening mechanism is by way of internal butterfly nut so there is no access to it except by lifting and turning each vertical silver peg clockwise.
This mechanism is explained and demonstrated here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3siBoPGPPg
"How to change a GSI top fixing toilet seat with butterfly clip"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3siBoPGPPg

Of course, to be able to turn the vertical silver peg you first need to disengage the horizontal silver peg, at the same time detaching the toilet seat and lid. How you get each horizontal peg out is not at all obvious. It is not a capped grub screw (as suggested in the video), but just a silver cylinder which is held in place by a rubber ring sunk into its body about half way along. Unfortunately the ends of the horizontal pegs when installed are pretty well flush with the face of the vertical pegs, but with a bit of sideways manipulation you can get a couple of millimetres poking out. That should be just enough to prise out the rest of the horizontal peg, first with a small screwdriver then using finger and thumb. Once the horizontal pegs are out and the seat and lid are set to one side, just lift each vertical peg in turn, tightening them clockwise as shown in the video. Putting the small screwdriver through the horizontal hole gives enough leverage for good tightening (but don't overdo it and crack the unit). Make sure the horizontal holes are lined up, then replace the seat and lid by pushing the horizontal pegs back through the holes into the seat and lid.

I hope this is clear. Let me know if it isn't.

Thanks for the interest shown in this problem.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by woodsmith on Apr 26^th, 2013, 4:23pm

Thanks for posting this, it certainly isn't obvious how these things are tightened up.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Apr 26^th, 2013, 11:29pm

Perfectly clear Markcb.

It was the peg bit that gave it away.

Is there anyway you can actually push the pegs out by holding the seat in different positions.

Pssssst, we had a toilets seat delivered and there was 32 bits of plastic, all needed. ;D

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by markcb on Apr 30^th, 2013, 3:27am

Unfortunately you can't push the pegs through because the other ends are completely enclosed by the seat and lid. Each peg has a very small lip at the exposed end that provides some purchase and can help to get them moving.

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by thescruff on Apr 30^th, 2013, 9:32am

HongKong engineering at its best ;D

Title: Re: How do I tighten a loose top-fixing toilet seat?
Post by MaryM on Apr 16^th, 2023, 8:30pm

I found this thread useful when trying to fix a GSI Panorama seat. It is a case of pulling out the horizontal metal pegs, which have no cap at the end or screw thread inside. I was able to extract one trying a series of tools:pliers, screwdriver, hammer. The other refused to budge, even using a mallet and screwdriver to try and chisel it out with some force. I ended up pulling out the whole fixing from the hole in the ceramic part of the loo. It was very corroded and I think this type of fixing is unsuitable for a hard water area.Even with the seat off I couldn't get the peg out.I ordered a new seat with soft close hinges and this while also having the awful butterfly clips, which I dreaded losing down the hole forever, at least does not have the same problem with the hinges