We have another Kohler that has a different, but similar design. If you don't want to go the replacement part way, you MAY be able to get by with a toggle bolt solution - it depends how far below the ceramic surface the plastic expander extends. This solution would involve lifting the cover flap over the hinge holes and drilling a hole (1/2 " or so) through center of the plastic screw. Then use a toggle bolt (with a stainless steel washer on one end) and insert the toggle bolt through so it expands on the bottom side of the ceramic surface. Tighten the toggle bolt and flip the plastic cover back over it to hide it.
If this doesn't work, you could unscrew your toggle bolt (the "wings" will fall to the floor, sorry) and then use a progressively larger drill bit to drill out the plastic screw, just as one drills out a rivet. The danger is in going too large and making contact with the ceramic, which will likely shatter (or at the very least chip) the bowl. Once you are able to drill out the plastic screw, you can use a larger size toggle bolt and make more secure contact with the back side of the ceramic bowl surface with you toggle wings.
thanks to all, but I used a sealants on both the front and back of the toilet seat, and it works great.thanks to all, but I used a sealants on both the front and back of the toilet seat, and it works great.
Answers & Comments
We have another Kohler that has a different, but similar design.
If you don't want to go the replacement part way, you MAY be able to get by with a toggle bolt solution - it depends how far below the ceramic surface the plastic expander extends.
This solution would involve lifting the cover flap over the hinge holes and drilling a hole (1/2 " or so) through center of the plastic screw. Then use a toggle bolt (with a stainless steel washer on one end) and insert the toggle bolt through so it expands on the bottom side of the ceramic surface. Tighten the toggle bolt and flip the plastic cover back over it to hide it.
If this doesn't work, you could unscrew your toggle bolt (the "wings" will fall to the floor, sorry) and then use a progressively larger drill bit to drill out the plastic screw, just as one drills out a rivet. The danger is in going too large and making contact with the ceramic, which will likely shatter (or at the very least chip) the bowl. Once you are able to drill out the plastic screw, you can use a larger size toggle bolt and make more secure contact with the back side of the ceramic bowl surface with you toggle wings.
thanks to all, but I used a sealants on both the front and back of the toilet seat, and it works great.