Old, Rusted Bolts Have Staying Power

Q: I need to replace a toilet seat, but I’m having trouble removing the old, rusted bolts that hold it down. I’ve tried using rust remover and a spray penetrating oil, but nothing’s worked. Any ideas?

C.H.

Buena Park

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A: If the seat is just a little loose, you can pull it up and get a hacksaw blade in there, says plumber James Kerry of Fullerton.

If not, you’ll have to saw into the hinged portion of the seat and lid, then cut away the area where the bolt sits and break it off. Fortunately, most new seats use plastic bolts and screws that don’t deteriorate like the old metal ones.

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Q: Our kitchen cabinets are faced with natural wood and are clear-coated with a varnish or shellac. I used a household cleaner recently to wash them down, and that’s left the surface sticky. Do they need to be refinished?

T.M.

San Juan Capistrano

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A: Many household cleaners are very harsh for use on wood and can remove the finish, says Mark Bausman of Bausman & Father Furniture Refinishing in Huntington Beach.

This is especially true of spray-bottle general-purpose cleaners often used in kitchens. Some are strong enough to be used as a stripping agent on wood. You’ll need to remove the old coating with a wood-stripping solution.

Lightly sand the cabinets, then apply a new finish coat. There are some new, water-based urethane finishes that provide an excellent protective coating and are very easy to use.

* If you have a question about your home or garden, A Helping Hand will help you find the answer. Send questions to John Morell, Home Design, The Times Orange County, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626.