Toilet arm lever is too big to fit

[hayley3]

I needed to replace the bulb so I decided to replace the arm at the same time, just for the learning experience. My problem is the square plastic shank??? of the arm lever does not fit all the way into the hole in the porcelain tank. How can I wittle that down so the handle will fit flush against the tank?

Thanks,
Cheryl, who is learning to be handy

 

[Reach4]

Unless you have an attraction for that toilet as a collectors item or period piece, you would probably be better to get a new toilet. If your toilet ever needs plunging, the new toilet would probably let you get rid of the plunger. A new toilet will not overflow with one flush, even if there was a total clog. There is not enough water used in a flush.

If you like the toilet for decor use, you could still replace the ballcock with a newer flush valve. That is usually easy. That does not affect the outside appearance.

But to answer your question, if you want to amend the lever arm, I suggest that you post a photo.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[hj]

Just trim it with a file or rasp to fit. And, you do NOT need to replace the toilet, nor the ball cock, or flush valve, just because that lever does not fit the hole.

 

[hayley3]

Thanks hj, that's just what I did!!!! I just bought a Dremel for xmas and woohoo I also bought the accessory kit which came with a plastic cutting wheel/disc and it worked perfectly to trim the plastic so the lever would fit!