How to Cut Toilet Bolts: 4 Easy Ways

Toilet bolts can deteriorate over time, so they can get stuck and cause installation issues. When no toilet bolt removal tool can suffice, you may need to resort to cutting them. The key is to learn how to cut toilet bolts safely, or else you’ll scratch the fragile surface of your toilet.

Most of the tools you’ll need require precise hand control. This includes a mini hacksaw, a rotary tool, and a mini-oscillating tool. If you installed bolts with a snap-off capability, then trimming them will be a breeze.

Continue reading to discover the exact steps below.

4 Ways to Cut Toilet Bolts

The first step to remove rusted toilet bolts is to use a socket wrench. When this attempt doesn’t work, you’ll have to cut the bolts off. Here are 4 safe ways to trim the toilet bolts.

1. Go fast with an oscillating multi-tool

The quickest way to cut toilet bolts is to use a power tool like an oscillating multi-tool. To ensure that you cut rusted toilet bolts without any hitch, look for a high-tension model. The high tension will hold the blade tighter and cut the metal easily.

1. Wear protective gloves and goggles for safety.
2. Cover your drywall with a cloth or newspaper to protect it from hot sparks that might be flying during the cutting process.
3. Now, position your oscillating tool at a 45-degree angle near the bolt.
4. Cut through the bolt carefully. Avoid putting too much pressure and let the blade do the work.

TIP: Never cut a stuck toilet bolt perpendicularly because it will increase the risk of damaging your toilet.

Watch how to cut a toilet bolt with an oscillating multi-tool in this video.

2. Try a rotary tool

For more efficient cutting of toilet bolts, consider using a rotary tool like Dremel. The small wheel can spin with great precision but requires stead hand control. If you have the skills to manage this compact tool, then this is the perfect method for you

1. First, find the right bit to use for cutting through metal. The EZZ456 Cut-off wheels are the best attachment for this purpose.
2. Set the desired RMP. You can start with 35000 RPM and increase the speed as you go along.
3. Now, turn on the rotary tool and start cutting through the toilet bolt. Use both hands to hold the tool to enhance stability.

TIP: Don’t forget to wear your safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any flying hot sparks.

3. Manually cut with a mini hacksaw

For a slower cutting process, a mini hacksaw is a suitable choice. The thin blade is sharp enough to cut through a soft metal like brass. Since this method doesn’t produce any hot sparks, it’s pretty safe.

1. First, place a piece of cardboard behind the bolt to prevent scratching the toilet surface.
2. Mark the part where you want to trim the bolt with a pen.
3. Now, grab your hacksaw and start sawing the extended part of the bolt.
4. Once the tip of the bolt snaps off, remove it. Use a pair of gloves because friction can cause the bolt to feel hot at this time.
5. Clean the shavings from the bolt, and you’re good to go.

TIP: Never rush with a hacksaw because it can easily slip and cause damage to the surface of your porcelain or ceramic toilet.

4. Just snap it off

Cutting toilet bolts without a saw can be possible. All you need to do is to replace toilet bolts with those of snap-off capability. Unlike the regular toilet bolts, snap-off models allow you to manually bend the ends for that clean cut. 

1. Hold snap-off toilet bolts with a pair of pliers or vise grips.
2. Bend the tip 2-3 times or until the bolt snaps off.
3. Once you’re done, cover the shortened bolt with a cap to finish the installation.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to cut toilet bolts, you can easily replace rusted toilet bolts and remove those long threaded portions before capping. Make sure that you know how to use the tools beforehand to avoid more problems. While a mini hacksaw produces no hot sparks, the cutting can easily be done with a power tool.

If you have succeeded with any of these tools, please share them in the comment section below. Share the article with your friends to help more people with the same problem.

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A next guide made for you: How to tighten toilet bolts.