I had to replace my bathroom commode. Due to floor conditions from prior use, the installer used copper or brass bolts to install the commode. These were taller/longer than the ones that came with new commode. Covers for bolts could not be covered with original covers that came in the box with new commode. I went to big box store and bought some "replacement covers" and they were too short. I could not figure what I could use to cover the unsightly bolts standing up. I kept looking and thinking WHAT COULD I USE?
I walked down the aisles in bog box store and saw PVC caps in white (color I needed). I had measured the height and size for bottom needed, so I measured the caps diameter and depth inside the caps. I bought two and put them over the bolts and TADA, it fit and looks just like it was made for it. So I got Elmer's glue and glued in place. It now looks "finished" and complete.
Source: I did this myself. Never could find anything, anywhere to solve my problem. I looked everywhere.
What a great idea. My son replaced my toilet last year and I have the same problem with the bolts being too long for the caps. I'm not sure what PVC caps are though. Where do I find them...Home Depot?
What a great idea. My son replaced my toilet last year and I have the same problem with the bolts being too long for the caps. I'm not sure what PVC caps are though. Where do I find them...Home Depot?
My thought was that using Elmer's glue to put into place would hold it, but not be difficult to remove. Elmer's is not permanent. I agonized about how I could cover them and not be "stuck" later trying to get it off. The neatest part is the PVC caps cost less than 50 cents each. So inexpensive. I hate looking at them unfinished.
Hey, that's a good idea! Some of us with arthritis have trouble getting down on the floor and into an angle where we could saw the bolts, so that's a good fast solution. Shouldn't be all that hard to get the covers off if ever needed, I wouldn't worry about the glue. Regular white Elmer's glue is just temporary on glazed porcelain anyway, would come off by soaking with a wet cloth around it, or even tapping it firmly to pop them back off if you ever need to. I've had the same thing happen, after some installer in a hurry left bolts that way. Thanks for mentioning this, it's a clever idea!
The bolts are made long to fit a range of toilets. The plumber or who ever installed the toilet should have cut the bolts with a hack saw to lenght. The caps should never be glued on because some day the toilet may have to be taken up for any number of reasons.
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