Right way to attach flapper to toilet flush handle

[norry]

Grr!

This has been bugging me for years now, and it just occurred to me to ask GJ.

The flush handle just has your basic holes in it. The flapper chain is made of those little linked balls - it's sturdy enough for the job, but doesn't meet well with the handle.

Usually, you get some little thing that looks like a mutant paper clip that's supposed to hold the two together. And it does, sort of, for awhile.

What's the right answer? What am I missing here? Surely the plumbers of the world aren't constantly reattaching flappers to flush handles.

 

[Jbullfrog]

You need a new hook, as that is what the chain attaches to the arm with.

 

[indyokie]

What brand do you have ?

 

[Jagmandave]

Don't use a metal paper clip tho, they rust away quickly........ask me how I know!

 

[norry]

You need a new hook, as that is what the chain attaches to the arm with.

Oh, is it possible to get one of those by itself? I've never tried to buy just the little hook.

 

[norry]

What brand do you have ?

Eljer. It's a type called a Touch Flush, which means it uses a special flapper that they don't sell at HD or Lowe's. There's a local plumbing shop I used in the past when fixing a Kohler toilet at my mom's house - ugh, I do not miss working on that toilet, but at least they were able to get the parts for it. So tomorrow I'll give them a ring and see if they have a replacement flapper, or at least the hook.

 

[Ron Fletcher]

Just get a bigger chain AND a bigger/thicker hook.

 

[9C1]

I am watching this. I don't have a flapper -- just a ball & rod, but the connection to the flush handle and chain are a continual issue.

 

[markviii]

My "go to" hardware store is Do It Best. They carry the separate repair parts. I think most of my toilet tanks use a linked chain with a stainless hook connector. These can be bought separate from the flapper or handle. Lots of handles (depending on brand) come with the chain/connector as well, but can be purchased separately, too.

Chris

 

[Stuart in MN]

My local Ace hardware also carries the separate parts, you should be able to buy just the chain and retaining clip.

 

[diggerrick]

I've had one attached with a short piece of stainless wire for several years.

 

[norry]

I've had one attached with a short piece of stainless wire for several years.

That was the latest of the can't-miss ideas I tried, but it didn't seem to work nearly as well as I'd hoped. It stayed attached, but it seemed to want to get tangled. Yours is working well? Maybe I should just try rearranging it.

 

[norry]

My "go to" hardware store is Do It Best. They carry the separate repair parts. I think most of my toilet tanks use a linked chain with a stainless hook connector. These can be bought separate from the flapper or handle. Lots of handles (depending on brand) come with the chain/connector as well, but can be purchased separately, too.

Chris

This was a great suggestion, thanks! Do It Best had the little end-links that go on the beaded chain, and they have a hole in the middle. You put one on the chain sideways, then another one on the end. Cut the chain to fit. This seems to be working great so far, and it cost me a princely 20 cents at Do It Best. They even had a replacement for the worn-out dial on my light dimmer... another $1.99 and made in USA to boot.