What Tools You Actually Need to Repair a Seat

By Raised Toilet Seat Staff

You don’t need a contractor’s license to repair a raised toilet seat—just a few basic tools and the confidence to tighten a bolt without cracking your bowl.

Here’s a complete list of what you actually need to keep your seat stable, safe, and functional.


🔧 1. Flathead Screwdriver

The single most useful tool for:

  • Tightening riser bolts
  • Adjusting clamp brackets
  • Removing toilet seat covers

Tip: Use a wide blade for better grip on plastic bolts.


🔩 2. Adjustable Wrench or ½” Box Wrench

Used to hold nuts underneath the toilet bowl while tightening from above.

✅ Works with most universal bolt kits
✅ Provides more control than pliers

Important: Use gentle pressure to avoid cracking porcelain or stripping plastic threads.


🧼 3. Cleaning Supplies

Before doing anything, clean the toilet rim and riser base.

Best options:

  • Alcohol wipes
  • Degreaser + paper towel
  • Toothbrush for gunked-up hinges

Clean contact = less wobble. Simple.


🧰 4. Replacement Bolt Kit (Optional)

If bolts are stripped, rusted, or missing, have a spare kit ready:

  • 2–3” nylon or stainless steel bolts
  • Washers + wingnuts
  • Optional rubber spacers

Search:

“Raised toilet seat bolt kit” or “3 inch toilet seat bolts”


🧲 5. Rubber Bumpers or Non-Slip Pads

These aren’t always included—but they make a big difference in stability.

Look for:

  • Adhesive rubber pads
  • Foam bumpers (like what come with bidets)
  • Grippy silicone tape

Apply them to the base of the riser to reduce lateral movement.


🧠 Optional Tools That Help

ToolWhy It Helps
FlashlightFor seeing under the bowl
Tape measureFor bolt spacing or bumper placement
Zip tiesFor stabilizing loose handles or hoses
Small pliersFor removing broken nuts or corroded parts

🛠 The “Nova Minimalist Riser Toolkit”

Want to repair almost anything? Keep these:

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Alcohol wipes
  • 1 bolt kit
  • 4 rubber bumpers
  • Flashlight

That’s it. No drills. No drama.



Looking for toilet seat repair kits or accessories? See more options here.