View Full Version : Can't loosen locknut under toilet
penmark
Oct 21, 2007, 03:58 PM
Greetings. I am a very non-handyman trying to replace the flush mechanism in my toilet. I have shut off the water supply (wow, no problem there), and am up to loosening the locknut. However, I find that the plastic locknut is very tight and is not seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers. Is there a way to loosen the nut so the wrench/pliers will work? Any answers would make my day.
Mark
N0help4u
Oct 21, 2007, 04:05 PM
Try spraying it with WD 40 or PB blaster
I don't know if a rachet and socket would work.
labman
Oct 21, 2007, 08:10 PM
I usually tackle stuff like that with my 16'' Channellocks. You can also try turning the internal parts. Even a partial turn could loosen it enough to be able to turn the outside nut then.
Try cutting it, hammer and chisel, hacksaw, utility knife, Dremel, anything goes.
speedball1
Oct 22, 2007, 05:56 AM
I find that the plastic locknut is very tight and is not seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers. Is there a way to loosen the nut so the wrench/pliers will work?
I follow Labmans advice and put a set of channel locks/ pump plers on the nut while holding the ballcock from turning. If that fails I take my mini-hacksaw and make a cut across the nut and peel it off. Good luck, Tom
ballengerb1
Oct 22, 2007, 09:01 AM
Tom and Labman are correct about the Channellocks. Many home owner do not have a wrench large enough for that nut but we all have Channellocks.