r/howto • u/thebubbly1 • 7h ago
Serious Answers Only How to get a stripped hex screw out of a toilet seat cover
Hi all,
I’m currently trying to replace my toilet seat in my flat and seems as though the person who installed the seat (probably about ten years ago, I know… I don’t own the place. I offered to do the seat change to save me and the landlord money on split costs. Regretting it now!) stripped the screw. The hardware is also quite corroded from the humidity in the bathroom.
Do you have any advice for getting this stripped screw out? The Allen key just turns around.
The other screw came out no problem so I know it isn’t user error!
So far, here is what I’ve tried:
- tin foil around Allen key for grip (this just shredded)
- vinyl glove around Allen key for grip (also just put holes in the glove)
- a thin fabric cloth around Allen key (just put a hole in cloth)
- scotch glue mini sheet things around Allen key to stick it in and add leverage (no luck!)
- slightly larger Allen key from tool kit
- torx bit on screwdriver
I’ve ordered the following to try:
- a cheap spare set of Allen keys (I need one to finalise the install so can’t ruin the current one to get this off) and some super glue
- a dremel knock off
Do you have any recommendations for how to use the above to get this out or other supplies that could do the job?

