What are Toilet Seat Bolts?

Toilet seat bolts are the hardware used to securely fasten the toilet seat to the toilet bowl. They consist of two threaded bolts, two nuts, and two washers. The bolts pass through holes in the hinges of the toilet seat and align with pre-drilled holes on the toilet bowl.

Tightening the nuts and washers onto the protruding threaded ends of the bolts squeezes the toilet seat and toilet bowl together for a snug fit. Having high quality toilet seat bolts correctly installed helps prevent annoying and potentially damaging loose toilet seats.

Here is an in-depth comparison table for the Top 5 Toilet Seat Bolt Options:

Best Toilet Seat Bolt Reviews

Based on critical features like durability, leak prevention, anti-corrosion protection, ease of installation, customer reviews, and value, here are 5 top-rated toilet seat bolt sets:

1. ExcelToilet Toilet Seat Bolts

• Made of sturdy 304 stainless steel
• Brushed nickel plating resists corrosion
• Foam rubber gaskets provide watertight seal
• Fits round and elongated toilet seats

With exceptional moisture protection and secure gasket seal, these heavy-duty stainless bolts offer premium quality at a reasonable price. Hundreds of happy customers praise their durability and leak-free installation.

Pros:

• Very durable stainless steel
• Corrosion-resistant nickel plating
• Rubber gaskets prevent leaks
• Easy wrench-tightening with hex bolt heads

Cons:

• Cost slightly more than basic chrome bolts
• Gaskets may need occasional replacement

2. Maykke Toilet Seat Bolts

• Crafted from thick 18/8 stainless steel
• Mirror polish for easy cleaning
• Foam gaskets stop water infiltration
• Fits common toilet seat shapes and sizes

Boasting rock-solid construction and beautiful chrome-like polished finish, these gaskets bolts install easily for a tight non-leaking fit. Owners love the top-notch quality and value.

Pros:

• Thick 18/8 grade stainless steel
• Mirror-polish finish looks great
• Foam gaskets stop water infiltration
• Fits range of toilet seat shapes

Cons:

• Polished finish shows water spots
• Rubber gaskets require eventual replacement

3. Prime-Line Toilet Seat Bolts

• Made of chrome-plated brass
• Corrosion-resistant and decorative finish
• Includes plastic washers and brass nuts with nylon inserts for tightening
• Fits most toilet seats up to 18.5 inches between hinge holes

This affordable set fits most standard toilet seats, plus offers antimicrobial protection with the handsome chrome-plated brass bolts. The nylon-threaded nuts turn easily by hand or wrench for fast tightening.

Pros:

• Decorative chrome-plated brass bolts
• Budget-friendly price
• Includes all washers and nuts needed
• Antimicrobial properties

Cons:

• Brass offers less strength than steel
• Still prone to some discoloration

4. Moen Toilet Seat Bolts

• Heavy-duty stainless steel bolts
• Brushed nickel finish looks sleek and resists corrosion
• Thick rubber gaskets provide leak-free seal
• Optimized shape fits modern one and two-piece toilets

Engineered for superior performance, durability, and stylish looks in bathrooms, Moen’s premium bolts install easily for solid grab with leak protection. Users rave about the quality and reliability.

Pros:

• Premium grade stainless steel
• Visually attractive brushed nickel finish
• Thick gaskets prevent leaks
• Specialized modern seat fit

Cons:

• High price point
• Gaskets wear out over time

5. Jones Stephens J2 Toilet Seat Bolts

• Industrial-grade 316 stainless steel
• Extra-thick rubber gaskets for no leaks between bowl and seat
• Hex heads turn easily with a wrench
• Optimized sizing for most elongated toilet seats

With incredible rust-resistance and super-tight hex screw design, these pro-grade bolts provide rock-solid toilet seat security for decades. Leak prevention ranks among the best.

Pros:

• Industrial-grade 316 stainless steel
• Thick rubber gaskets ensure no leaks
• Easy tightening with hex bolt heads
• Ideal fit for elongated seats

Cons:

• Costs more than basic options
• Washers may need replacing eventually

Types of Toilet Seat Bolts

There are a few different types of toilet seat bolt designs:

Plastic Bolts – These are inexpensive but more prone to cracking and corrosion over time. Reinforced nylon or ABS plastic bolts can be pretty durable.

Metal Bolts:

• Stainless steel bolts offer premium rust-proofing.
• Brass bolts resist corrosion and provide antimicrobial properties.
• Zinc-plated steel adds affordability while still giving decent rust protection.

Some other factors like bolt head shape, screw threads, overall width, etc. can vary among brands too.

Importance of Quality Toilet Seat Bolts

Upgrading from the old corroded bolts that came with your toilet to better high performance ones makes good sense. Here’s why:

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Prevent Loosening and Leaks

It’s super annoying when the toilet seat becomes loose, shifts around, or even disconnects completely when someone sits on it. This problem typically happens when the bolts corrode and loosen over time. Then water can drip down the sides of the toilet bowl, causing messy leaks and potential water damage. Investing just a few dollars in durable watertight bolts when installing a new seat can prevent headaches later.

Improve Durability

Replacement bolts made of rugged materials like stainless steel stand up well to moisture while resisting rust, breakage, and loosening issues much better than standard plastic bolts. Some even come equipped with special features like rubber gaskets or hex bolt heads to further stop leaks, wiggles, and cracks. This improves the longevity of their security and stability compared to old corroded bolts. Spending a tad more on resilient bolts that hold up for decades makes sense.

Features to Consider When Buying Toilet Seat Bolts

Not all toilet seat bolts are created equal. Here are key factors to consider when shopping:

Material

Stainless steel bolts rank best for longevity, but brass and reinforced zinc-coated steel offer decent durability too. Plastic is generally less reliable. Make sure any metal has a corrosion-resistant plating.

Size

Standard toilet seat bolts are roughly 1⁄4 inches in diameter but measure yours if in doubt. Height depends partly on toilet bowl depth. Bolts between 2 1⁄4 to 3 inches accommodate most toilets.

Design

Hex screw heads allow tightening bolts properly with a wrench without damaging the heads. Some bolts feature wide paddle heads for easy hand tightening. Rubber gaskets make an excellent addition to prevent water seeping between bowl and seat.

Finish/Coating

For stainless steel bolts, a polished or brushed finish deters stubborn grime and rust buildup. Other anti-corrosive coatings like zinc or nickel plating also add extra moisture protection for metal fasteners.

Installation Tips

Installing new toilet seat bolts takes just a few simple steps:

Prepare the Toilet

Start by removing the old toilet seat and bolts. Use a screwdriver or wrench to detach the nuts and bolts depending on what style your toilet has. Check for any accumulated gunk, grime, wax ring damage, etc. and clean the bolt holes on the toilet bowl if needed.

Insert New Bolts

Place your new toilet seat upside down on a protected surface. Make sure the curved hinges align with holes on the bottom of the new bolts. Insert the bolts through the hinge openings so the threaded posts stick out through the top side of the seat. Gently wiggle them into place if need be. Arrange any included washers and gaskets onto the posts too.

Attach Toilet Seat

Carefully set the toilet seat with bolts onto the bowl so the bolt ends drop into the waiting holes beneath. Have a helper hold it in place if possible while you access the protruding bolt ends from below. Thread on any retaining nuts and don’t fully tighten them yet. Slowly wiggle and shift the seat as needed until the spacing looks even on both sides. When positioned correctly, tighten the nuts firmly using a screwdriver or wrench on the bolt heads based on your new hardware’s design. Don’t over tighten, but ensure snug enough to keep the seat totally rigid with no wiggle room or gaps.

Maintenance

With high-performing bolts made of durable, waterproof materials like stainless steel, maintenance needs stay pretty minimal. But a few quick periodic inspections can prevent problems:

Check Regularly

Give the tightened bolts a gentle try with your hands once a month or so when cleaning the toilet. Make sure they still feel snugly secured with the seat not shifting at all. Also visually inspect for any signs of new corrosion or drips starting around the bolts when the seat is down. Address any drips or movement immediately before it worsens.

Replace Deteriorated Bolts

Even stainless steel bolts eventually deteriorate over years of use. At the first sign of growing rust, leaks, movement, or other degradation affecting their performance, replace the bolts. Their tight sealing function tends to slowly weaken over time. Reinstalling fresh bolts ensures optimal stability and leak prevention going forward.

FAQs

Can I replace just one loose or broken toilet seat bolt?

It’s recommended to replace toilet seat bolts in pairs. After years of use, even just visibly intact bolts undergo similar internal wear at the same rate. Replacing only a clearly damaged bolt risks the other one then failing sooner after from natural aging degradation.

How often should toilet seat bolts get replaced?

With high-grade stainless steel bolts and proper installation, the hardware should last 5-10 years or more before needing replacement. Lesser quality basic chrome-plated brass or zinc bolts may only survive 2-4 years before corrosion or stress cracks begin forming.

Why do my new bolts still leak?

Check that the rubber gaskets aren’t getting excessively compressed or cut during tightening. Also confirm using bolts long enough to adequately engage the retaining nuts fully. Using premium watertight gaskets and tall bolts specifically made for toilet seats boosts leak protection.

Can I adjust toilet seat bolts if my seat becomes loose later?

Yes, it is possible to safely tighten existing bolts if a toilet seat starts shifting later after initial install. But all hardware must remain in intact functional condition without damage or deterioration present first. Simply try tightening the nuts gently more using a wrench. Don’t force over-tightening that could risk cracking porcelain or plastic parts.

Are stainless steel toilet seat bolts hard to find?

Not at all. Due to stainless steel’s durability and decorative appeal, toilet seat bolts made of stainless in brushed, polished, or specialty finishes are widely available. Most home improvement stores, hardware shops, and online retailers offer multiple stainless steel toilet bolt options to choose from. Prices remain reasonable too.

Conclusion

Choosing the best toilet seat bolts for your bowl and seat might seem insignificant. However, low-cost plastic bolts that come standard with many toilets often corrode and fail over time. Investing a few extra dollars in upgraded stainless steel or brass bolts, washers, and nuts improves durability, watertightness, and security tremendously based on design factors like rustproof constructions and leak-blocking rubber gaskets. Carefully installing new bolts prevents loose toilet seats that annoyingly shift, wiggle, or completely detach unexpectedly from the toilet bowl when sat on.

Periodically inspecting for corrosion and replacing deteriorated bolts ensures optimal stability and performance for years before needing to upgrade parts again. Equipping your toilet with quality seat connection hardware eliminates headaches from leaks, wobbles, rust buildup and other toilet troubles.