Replies

1. 
   McDesign | Jan 13, 2007 06:38pm | #1

   Since there's usually a gap between the tank and the bowl (for the gasket to compress in) is there a way you could make an interface plate?

   A plate of 1/4 - 3/8" stuff, maybe Azek, with studs sticking up that engage in the tank, and studs that stick down to engage the bowl holes.

   Drilling the bowl might work - BUT - the worst cut I ever saw was someone who fell back on a toilet bowl that shattered.  Kinda hate to put a stress concentration there.  The existing holes have a nice radiused edge

   Forrest

2. 
   plumbbill | Jan 13, 2007 07:44pm | #2

   OK I have to ask WHY don't they line up? Different brands?

   If I had to drill I would drill the bowl too.

    I would use a glass/tile drill bit that looks like a caveman spear, & lots of water to keep the bit cool.

   Those holes are put into the china before firing.

   Here's the kicker though---- it would probably be easier to drill the bowl, but the tank is usually the cheaper of the two depending on make & model.

   So if you crack the bowl, you will have to spend more buying a bowl, or you could go the cheaper & safer route of just buying a new tank without drilling.

   “How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, his precepts! O! ‘tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.” —Benjamin Franklin

3. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 13, 2007 07:53pm | #3

   ...and I thought there wouldn't be anything new to hear today.  :-)

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

4. 
   Shacko | Jan 13, 2007 08:27pm | #4

   Thats a bad idea, if you have a tank that dosen't go with the bowl drilling holes will cause more problems even it you manage to drill without breaking it. Tanks and bowls are specific to each other, sorry.

   .......................................
   "If all else fails, read the directions"

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/13/2007 12:30 pm ET by Shacko

5. 
   IMERC | Jan 13, 2007 08:29pm | #5

   diamond grit hole saw...

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!
   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

6. 
   handymanvan | Jan 13, 2007 09:41pm | #6

   Unless this toilet is special, buy a new package, little cheap toilets are around $60.00 and you can get a nice big one complete for $99.00 at HD or Lowes.

7. 
   DanH | Jan 13, 2007 10:02pm | #7

   Yeah, not a good idea generally. And I think you need something different from a regular tile or masonary bit -- an abrasive hole saw or some such.

   Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm but the harm does not interest them. --T.S. Eliot
8. 
   wilmore | Jan 13, 2007 10:12pm | #8

   I thank you all for your advice.  Actually I've had this toilet set in a warehouse for almost six years - when I went to install it is when I found the holes don't align.  I measured several other sets I've installed and determined that the tank holes are about 3/4 inch too far apart, just enough to keep the bolts from going through in a straight line.  It's an expensive set from Crane and their warranty only lasts five years which sort of bothers me since I think a defect in WORKMANSHIP should be warranteed forever but ...  The supplier won't honor the workmanship either.  Anyway, special thanks to McDesign - his advice made me think of an offset bolt so I fabricated a bolt from 5/16 all-thread, two pieces brazed together just enough to account for the 3/4 inch offset.  No drilling.  Just installed it and it works fine.  Thanks again.