attempting to remove and then reinstall a (STA-TITE?) toilet seat

Submitted by donkendeals t3_10q8z3p in DIY

I'm attempting to temporarily remove a couple toilet seats in order to install bidet attachments, and while I gather this is generally supposed to be pretty easy, I'm having trouble with the specific setup of my toilets (which I think might be STA-TITE?). the metal covers over the seat hinges do not seem to want to be pried open even with a flathead screwdriver, so instead I'm trying to attack the problem from below by loosening the locking nut with a ratchet and deep socket. does this seem like the correct approach? unfortunately even the largest (15mm) socket that I have doesn't quite fit over the nut properly and I haven't been able to remove it.

ideally whatever I do to remove it will be reversible as I'm still planning to use the same seats afterward, though I'm open to buying new parts if that's necessary. I've researched the problem on Youtube a bunch but there appears to be far more videos about how to install a STA-TITE seat than how to remove them, and surprisingly none of the ones I've found have been helpful.

photos of the hinges and the nut are here: https://imgur.com/a/xPd9IJZ

thanks in advance for any advice, I appreciate it!

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nolotusnote t1_j6orq7l wrote

Right idea, wrong tool.

Loosen the plastic nut with a pair of pliers, not a socket. You can likely use your fingers, once the tension is removed.

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donkendeals OP t1_j6osxj0 wrote

so that was the first thing I tried after giving up on the hinge covers, but the pliers just pretty much tore up the plastic of one of the nuts instead of turning it. image here: https://imgur.com/a/UDVSjVU

maybe I need to try different pliers or apply less force? thank you!

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hellraiser29 t1_j6p56mj wrote

Home hardware stores have a special set of sockets for those types of nuts.

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donkendeals OP t1_j6p60ho wrote

interesting, thanks for the tip! do you happen to know the name of the socket type or the specific type of nut, aka what I'd search for?

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hellraiser29 t1_j6p7b2y wrote

I believe its called a plumbers wrench. Here is all the different kinds out there. Im not sure the exact one that would fit but if you show a image of what your dealing with the person at the store would be able to give you better guidance.

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