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Author:
Dwarv (OH)
Hello, we have a 1950s Eljer toilet that needed a handle replacement. It was corroded, so we used a hacksaw to remove the nuts, but now the handle post is stuck in the mounting hole and we can't get it out. We've tried prying, gripping with pliers to try to turn, gently tapping from inside the tank. It is like it is glued in the hole! Please help!!
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
WD - 40 several times over several days if necessary
do NOT, repeat NOT, turn or twist the 'stem' as it is in a SQUARE hole
you may need a short piece of wooden dowel to use as a 'punch' from inside the tank
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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
packy (MA)
i think i would try a small sharp drill. keep the metal cool with water and make a bunch of holes .
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Author:
NP16 (OR)
Your toilet is 70 something years old?
I would be trying to sell you a new Toto Drake II.
But I think everyone should have a nice toilet.
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
WD40 is not a very good penetrant, there are better ones available. I use Liquid Wrench.
Try heating up the lever shank with a heat gun and then apply penetrant. Repeat a number of times. The heat really helps.
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Author:
hj (AZ)
If the stub is corroded in the hole, there is already a LOT of pressure and the tank wall. DO NOT do anything that expands the metal or it may finally crack the top of the tank. Treat it VERY gently.
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Author:
Lorensr (CA)
White vinegar poured on a cloth wrapped around the handle where it oenetrates the tank hole. Allow it to soak over night. you will have to treat it numerous times as it will dry out.
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Author:
DaveMill (CA)
Packy wrote:
> think i would try a small sharp drill. keep the metal cool with water and make a bunch of holes .
This will work, and it won't take overnight. Once you drill a few TINY holes the material will start to collapse and you can tap it out.
hj wrote:
>If the stub is corroded in the hole, there is already a LOT of pressure and the tank wall. DO NOT do anything that expands the metal or it may finally crack the top of the tank. Treat it VERY gently.
Drill TINY holes. If you try to drill holes that are too large, you will increase the pressure hj mentioned and crack the tank.
NP16 wrote:
>Your toilet is 70 something years old?
>I would be trying to sell you a new Toto Drake II.
This is what I would do as well. Based on the advice here, I bought a Toto toilet 5 years ago. Best toilet ever.
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Author:
vic (CA)
I've had the same experiences as NP and Dave.
I love both of my trouble free great flushing 13 year old as well as my 7 year old Toto "comfort height" Drake toilets (BTW: both made in Vietnam).
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