Bathtub drain removal and install

[@famman780]

Took several attempts, around 10 times of hammering the drain removal tool down over and over again. It kept slipping out. Had to put a lot of pressure down to ensure the drain removal tool did not slip back up. Finally got it!

[@justpassinthru6952]

Had a brass one of these in a fiberglass tub for over forty years. The strainer broke off first try. Plan B.....Used an oscillating tool to carefully cut a notch across the top piece to be removed, then used a chisel and hammer to loosen it. Basically turned the top of the drain into a big screw head. Took about two revolutions to be able to remove by hand. I started a few days earlier to spray some WD40 around the drain. Hope this helps somebody.

[@rchandos]

Well done. I recently had the exact same problem where the webs across the drain had rusted out. Lacking the knurled tool that you used, I cut a groove or notch in the ring with a hacksaw blade, applied WD-40 around the drain, then with a sharp chisel hammered against the notch until eventually it broke loose and came out.

[@maverickcheston8874]

Great idea!

[@johnbouman8248]

Good video, I followed all the same steps but mine was really stuck, I ended up using a heat gun to soften the old putty.

[@sd906238]

It's amazing how in a lot of videos the job is so easy. They cut out the part where 5 guy are busting their backs trying to remove a part or it is done in a store show room and the parts are easy as butter to remove. When I do a so called easy job it always turns out to be a major pain. I want to see the videos that show how to do it when parts refuse to budge. Now I want to see how you removed the brass tool from the old drain.

[@mikesdoityourself]

I agree that there is a lot of struggle that goes on in between the video recordings- they would be really long videos without editing - I like the idea another person commented on about using a heat gun to soften the old putty- excellent idea!

[@HomesByGlen]

LOL...I've been trying for 2 days to get this F%$^$%^% tub drain out with this Husky tool! It moves the drain barely but won't budge. I've even tried heating it up with a hair dryer. When/If I get this out, I'm coating the threads with WD40 or Teflon tape so if I ever need to replace it again, it won't be such a little Bitch.

[@charlesreid3482]

Me too

[@Chris-wp3ew]

@@mikesdoityourself I could see that with a cast iron tub... Mine is the new plastic type and that makes me nervous (melt hazard), as does banging down on that drain. That's threaded into PVC... Can't that be damaged? I bought one of those removal tools yesterday and it just spins... Just got another ratcheting type removal tool today and that doesn't work either. It REALLY gripped and heard and felt and big BANG! I fear I just cracked the PVC pipe that drain threads into.

[@wubuck79]

I had to purchase and use this exact tool the other day for the same reason. In my case, lightly tapping did not work. I had to hammer it in with a good bit of force in order to finally seat it. But it did eventually work as intended.

[@Tommy_boy007]

Yeah… what if the threads break off inside your pipe?

[@TheMAC0876]

Good video. I don't even worry about tightening the screw on the plug. I rather it loose so I can take it out when it's time to clean. As long as the rubber around it is good, it will hold the water!

[@jimhinkle7245]

You can use heat to loosen up the threads. Use a Heat Gun, not a hair dryer. Don't cook it, just warm it up. It'll soften some of the adhesive or plumbers putty.

[@Valkyrie-p7y]

Just bought that tool at Menards to gonna try it tonight. Don’t care for that drain cap you installed. Pop ups are so much easier

[@brianleeper7556]

A 12 inch crowbar from Lowes did the job just fine for me. It fit inside just right and I was able to claw it to unscrew it out.

[@Billwis52]

nice job, but a torque wrench???

[@h0ng_stuff]

Good to know there is an extraction tool to remove the drain when the crossbar breaks. Hope I don’t run into that problem 🤞🏻

[@dustinmetz8283]

Use the right tool in the first place and this won’t happen it’s called a tub wrench works much better than hammer claws

[@rdfreiwald1954]

Great job demonstrating the proper use of a tub drain extractor! I was hoping they made a tool like this, as the insides of my drain have been missing since I bought the house. One comment however, my USAF Aircraft Maintenance Shop Chiefs and I cringe when good mechanics use and abuse tools badly. NEVER use a torque wrench (TW) for a breaker bar! It immediately messes up the calibration of the torque wrench, and it shears the adjustment screw in the TW head. Being that most good mechanics, and some very good USAF mechanics normally abuse TWs, (by accident) the difference is the USAF guys have the tools and training to recalibrate and repair it! Thanks again for your video!

[@mikesdoityourself]

As you can see with this beam style torque wrench, it is easily restored to zero by moving it if it goes out of calibration. Thanks for the comments 👍- Mike.

[@pondacres]

Yeh, that's where I'm at as well, the center cross thingie is busted, looks like the drain remover tool is calling my name.

[@michaelgordon7618]

Mike....Nice job and it looks great!

[@PamelaMorrisRealtor]

I just used the WD 40 underneath with pulling up with a screwdriver to get it into the grooves & evebtually the hammer worked best aftera few attempts with the other tools. The old one was the original from 1987🙄🙄🙄

[@robertoguerrero18]

Mike...thanks! I was concerned about doing this until I saw your video. Very helpful.

[@mikesdoityourself]

Roberto Guerrero- glad the video helped!

[@darryl7279]

Thanks I wondering how I would get that out. No crossmembers on my drain and it 's 50 years old I will have to heat it.

[@michaelngo5135]

Don't know why you not replace the gasket (underneath the bathtub and on top of drain water pipe) before install back the bath tub drain stopper . It will no make sense if you are not replace the gasket it will leak a gain .

[@jindo333333]

I agree with you.

[@Shelton87]

Needed the hammer after all lol thank you for this

[@blondegirlsezthis8798]

applying heat i.e. leave a blow dryer an inch over it for 20 mins it will come free far faster!

[@jesalf9604]

definetely using tools you already have although some men don't have that tool :)

[@rhabdomere]

Hi Mike, do you remember the name and brand of the drain stopper? My old one seems to be the same and I am trying to find a replacement. Thanks!

[@mikesdoityourself]

I want to say it was a Danco lift and turn tub drain that was purchased at Home Depot. Good luck! - Mike

[@rhabdomere]

@@mikesdoityourself Thank you so much for your quick response. I saw the Danco one but the round part is 1.5 inch, which is way bigger than mine (1 inch); Nevertheless, the good thing is that after I studied another functional one from my other bathtub, I realized what the problem was and got it fixed by replacing the screw!

[@raulcampos441]

Great job Sir. I have a question what problem Yo have ? To change the part of the tub ?? Tanks for. Your time help me a lot ..

[@mikesdoityourself]

The first issue I had was the center of the drain was crumbling. Shortly after this drain removal, I actually did a full bathroom remodel with the help of others over a couple of months. This tub was removed and I put in a walk in shower and a bigger tub that I installed next to a adjacent wall. I also installed new cabinets, tile flooring, and a ceiling mounted shower head. Thank you for your comments. -Mike

[@raulcampos441]

All right thanks for your time Sir ,,

[@mariocuellar9060]

Where did u find that extraction tool?!!?Badass!!!I need one of those!!!I usually my sawz-all!!!Lol!!!I'm glad I learned something!!!U no how us ole plumbers r!!!Lol!!!

[@mikesdoityourself]

The extraction tool was purchased at Home Depot- I believe it ran about 20 bucks. Good luck! - Mike

[@douglasdailey5998]

Aaah it was a torque wrench look closer at the video, the long rod on top of the breaker bar makes it a torque wrench. Old school torque wrench but a torque wrench the same.

[@gizzyguzzi]

Beam torque wrench. Better than clicky ones. Easy to calibrate.

[@AquayMizMo]

That tool couldn't break through the chrome no matter how hard I hit it. I ended up making a pie cut out of the drain with a sawzall and chizelled out that section, then it easily pryed loose.

[@craigg.6609]

What was the reason you didn’t use the installation tool?

[@mikesdoityourself]

Hello Craig- Just using what I had available at the time- Mike.

[@kungfoosquirrel]

You mention using a torque wrench but then you use a breaker bar. I don't mean to be a stickler but the reason people at home shouldn't use a torque wrench is because they're a precision tool and when loosening things, you don't know how tight they are and you can damage the torque wrench. Use a breaker bar

[@mikesdoityourself]

Good Advice, Mavis! I was using a beam or needle type torque wrench which is fairly inexpensive and was all that I had at the time. This type is easy to hand calibrate to zero and does the job when nothing else is available. Now the click (spring) type, electronic or digital type should never be used for anything but torqueing in a forward position. Damage to these wrenches can happen very easily. These can be fairly expensive and every tool deserves to be used as it was intended. Thanks for the excellent observation!

[@calvert48]

What about the rubber washer between the tub and the drain shoe?

[@mikesdoityourself]

This bathtub drain didn't come with a rubber washer, so I used plumber's putty to fill any gaps.- Mike

[@TheIrishAmish]

"I bought an installation tool, but I'm going to exactly what you shouldn't do".

[@jameshicks8872]

Start with Wd 40 1st. Let sit for 5 minutes before trying to remove tub drain.

[@akeemlouigarde4689]

I should've seen this video in the beginning😂

[@rayol7695]

where did you buy the extraction tools at?

[@mikesdoityourself]

I bought the tool at Home Depot, but Amazon should have it, also. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@ethelbernal8938]

I have to do this to my drain. Do you not have to put plumbers glue or anything around the drain for when it goes back into the pipe?

[@mikesdoityourself]

No because it screws over and down into the drain. Good luck with your project! - Mike

[@evelyncook8061]

I bought this exact removal tool and cannot even get it to hammer in straight. Tub drain is a rusty corroded mass approximately 1000 years old like everything else in this house.

[@kylehhotwork]

Invite me over. I'd like to fix your plumbing.

[@oscararredondo9672]

I tried a different method and the outside lip of the drain tore off so im left with just the cylinder part stuck on the pvc threads. The extractor keeps dislodging and won’t grip

[@mikesdoityourself]

You might have to use open jaw some pliers and put pressure against the cylinder and try to unscrew it out- or chip it away carefully (with a flathead screwdriver, pick, hammer) without destroying the threads and vacuum out the pieces. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@timothyyocham7804]

Using that drain Stoppers what causes them to rot out in the first place

[@greatbilby]

a Ridgid Internal Spud Wrench works well too.

[@thelowmein9143]

Hey Mike, when I'm installing the new spud, how tight is tight enough? I don't want to over torque and break it, but also don't want to have it too lose and water get under the tub. I tightened mine until the plumber's putty oozed out the sides, then kept going until the screwdriver i was using to turn the installation tool started to bend slightly. BTW, i used the exact same brass remover tool, and it made life a LOT easier lol.

[@mikesdoityourself]

Hello Lowmein, As long as the new spud is seated into the drain, the putty will fill in any gaps. It sounds like you are doing fine with your tightening job. (Moderately tight is fine) The water will go down the drain either way. The next time the drain needs to be changed, the easier it will be if it's not super tight. It can always be tightened a little bit more if it seems too loose. That brass tool definitely makes the job easier. Good luck on your next project 🙂- Mike.

[@TheIrishAmish]

NOT a 1/2" "Torque Wrench", it's a 1/2" BREAKER BAR.

[@bobamericana3099]

if you noticed the little bar on the top that goes back to the handle it operates a needle for the torque gauge.

[@jarofclay55]

No, that was actually a torque wrench.

[@digschopper9321]

That's not for breaking loose corroded hardware,but whatever works,I guess.

[@eboneezeradams1821]

torque wrench

[@gizzyguzzi]

nope. torque wrench. Beam style.

[@Jo.Weaver]

Ugh I have to do this tomorrow, when the extractor gets here. 🤞🏽

[@donnawoolston8466]

Mike how do get the drain extractor tool out of the drain when it is stuck. the old drain is turning but will not come out

[@mikesdoityourself]

I would try some adjustable pliers to separate the two. The threads may be stripped on the tub drain. - Mike.

[@elliottryan13]

My extraction tool is slightly too big (universal size Husky brand) and can't find ANY sizes smaller. Do I just hammer it and hope my tub doesn't crack? Yes the cross cracked.

[@mikesdoityourself]

I would try to dremel some cross cuts into the drain - then use a flat head screwdriver and hammer to rotate the drain piece out. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@elliottryan13]

@@mikesdoityourself Sweet I was thinking about that but didn't know how legit it was. Thanks Mike.

[@elmerfudd835]

Do you recall the part number of the replacement drain you used and where you purchased it from?

[@mikesdoityourself]

It was a Danco lift and turn tub drain kit (model 89239)- I believe the width of this one is 1 and 1/2 inches for the drain hole - yours maybe a different size. I got this one either from a plumbing supply store or Home Depot. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@jamiepan7650]

Good video.

[@angelrodriguez6973]

Thats the mother of the easy out

[@mookuchanel186]

i want to install can you help me

[@jbzieg9677]

please put on double speed

[@AB-db1pz]

Yeah...appreciate the video, but so sloooo

[@markusaurelius4015]

Question: Mine is only able to be hand screwed in 1-2 turns then I have to use a wrench to get it the rest of the way in… Once it hits the bottom, it is not flush and there is a clear gap on the side closest to the cover plate. I’ve tried multiple times. How can I get it to screw in even/flush??

[@mikesdoityourself]

Your bathtub or drain threads may not extend up high enough/low enough to seat properly to bottom out at the drain- putty may take up some of the distance but you may need a different (perhaps longer) drain. Good luck on your project! - Mike

[@mikesdoityourself]

Or shorter drain, if it's too long and it's bottoming out.- I don't think that would be the case though. Maybe your threads got cross threaded(messed up) and that's why it's not seating properly.

[@markusaurelius4015]

@@mikesdoityourself thanks for the reply. I thought it might be cross threaded too so I retried and the same issue happened again… The old one was on flush before this new one. I’ve tried backing it off over and over and can only get it to screw in 1 turn by hand before I have to use a tool. I’m worried this may mean I just don’t have the right size threading… Which is weird because they looks the same when I hold it up to the old one.

[@amandaevans5909]

What if the pipe underneath has come away and the new plug/waste can't screw onto it? The pipe below is just bouncing around

[@mikesdoityourself]

If there is an access panel to the side of the tub to get to the pipe below, I would secure it by strapping it to something, securing it in concrete or whatever is deemed appropriate. It might be needed to make an access panel to get to that connection, then you can determine if you need to replace the connection or re-secure it. I would call some plumber's or ask around at your local home improvement store to see if they have any ideas. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@amandaevans5909]

@@mikesdoityourself thanks Mike. Unfortunately no access panel. I think it was fitted with the bath!

[@jusyoutube915]

I use toilet paper between the hammer and the drain works fine..takes the shit out.. thank you for the video 👍

[@jwaggonr]

guess torque wrench is all you had that fit the socket

[@RatBonez74]

Yeah, that gave me anxiety. Lol

[@reese3407]

Jerry rig, needs some tools! 😂

[@hughwynn6193]

You said that you bought an installation tool, but you decided to use a pair of needle pliers which was not a proper way to install a bathtub drain. I meant you did not follow the plumbing installation code. I am a retired licensed plumber with over 33 years of professional experience.

[@mikesdoityourself]

Building codes related to plumbing relate to mostly venting but also include using proper materials, fittings, valves, drainage, etc. Tools are not covered in plumbing codes- please research your comments before you put out false information. The method shown is for people that don't have a installation tool and as long as they tighten it enough, this procedure is more than adequate. This is a DIY project - no plumber necessary- Mike.

[@elbaestridge6503]

It worked.

[@marcelinoramos4580]

Thank you

[@nosirrahm]

Thanks for the info, but about 4 minutes were wasted on the tools you used that weren’t made for the job.

[@007MegaRoll]

keeps spinning but I cant pull it out something holding it, what to do?

[@mikesdoityourself]

If it's just the tool that keeps spinning, you may need to hammer it in more or heat up the threads/plumbers putty to loosen it up. You may have had the threads break off the drain/pipe. You may have to cut it out with an oscillating tool and fix your pipe/threads. A plumber may be needed in this instance. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@carlmeyer2318]

What about the gasket at the bottom of tub???

[@mikesdoityourself]

Only had to worry about getting enough putty under the new drain and then tightening it down- there was no gasket but other tubs may or may not have gaskets- Good luck! - Mike

[@johnoceanyang5522]

Today I have the same problem 😩can’t get it out. Everyone out there expert please commend me

[@joepall323]

Get yourself a drain wrench!

[@bhiggh_topalvarado4374]

Wat if it just keeps spinning but wont come out

[@mikesdoityourself]

If the threads are gone or damaged, you should be able to pry the drain off the bathtub with a flat head screwdriver or a plastic flat pry tool. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@dabensonsamson8964]

😅 thanks for simplifying it…

[@j.v.623]

U got a specialized tool to get the strainer out than you use needle nose pliers to tighten it. Huh...

[@mikesdoityourself]

You have to show people options for when they don't have those special tools- Mike.

[@j.v.623]

@@mikesdoityourself or.. you can show what tool is use for the job. Needle nose can get damaged and not work properly the next time you need that tool for its purpose. Tha is for replying and good luck.

[@brian2100]

What about using silicone 100 percent

[@mikesdoityourself]

It should be a good alternative to plumber's putty. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@brian2100]

@@mikesdoityourself what about paint and taping

[@missprissy59]

A hammer 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 just get the correct tool and save time.

[@senecaofcordoba1623]

When your only tool is a hammer everything gets fixed with a nail.

[@efraincastro2005]

To spensil take it off the tap

[@FT-64]

Where do you find a tool for a 2 inch drain? Everything I see in the stores is for 1.5 inch drains, but the one I need to remove is nearly 60 years old, and is significantly larger (Kohler).

[@mikesdoityourself]

There is a Rigid 1 to 2 in model 342 internal wrench that may work for you- I haven't actually used it so I'm not sure of the success rate of this tool- I saw this on the H.Depot website or you can check some plumbing supply companies for ideas or tools. Good luck! - Mike

[@MrRato1951]

ok. thank you

[@chriscampbell895]

What’s the name of that tool

[@mikesdoityourself]

Tub drain extractor tool or bathtub drain removal tool. Good luck!- Mike

[@denisslota1013]

what happened to the piece that broke off?

[@mikesdoityourself]

It broke off into the grip of the pliers but if the piece had fallen into the drain I would have tried needle nose pliers or a magnetic pickup tool. If the piece is small enough to wash down the drain, there shouldn't be an issue.

[@jaydux9733]

Genius!

[@cesareocacho2503]

whats that tool called again?

[@mikesdoityourself]

Cesareo Cacho - tub drain extractor or a tub drain removal tool-available online or at the home improvement store-

[@nestormartinez3781]

5555

[@lookeywho1287]

Never use a torque wrench like that!

[@mikesdoityourself]

This torque wrench is easy to calibrate b/c. its a needle type of torque wrench and very inexpensive. Of course, an expensive torque wrench would never be used this way.- Mike.

[@VinnySuccessJesusfam]

@@mikesdoityourself tell him mike. hes all torque. o action lol...ty for video

[@mikegolfmike227]

Not an open-end wrench. It's a pair of pliers. Wth?

[@mikesdoityourself]

Yes, I had just used an open end wrench off camera that fit in the drain, which didn't work well. On camera, I used the slip joint pliers and didn't have any luck with it either. Yes, that wasn't an open-end wrench. - Mike.

[@TBaker-dx1vc]

Use the right tool! It cost 10.00 and would have worked the first time!

[@evelyncook8061]

More like $20 at my Ace

[@xcheatahx1]

What is the right tool please? I'm going to replace my old tub and want to do it in one try and not to back and forth to the store.

[@johnhfrick]

xcheatahx1 It’s called a tub drain wrench. You can find it here - www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Double-Ended-Tub-Drain-Wrench-16PL0128/304217585

[@billdoyle4474]

@@johnhfrick A tub drain wrench won't work if the cross metal pieces are gone

[@lindamatheny8921]

Gasket?

[@mikesdoityourself]

Some of these bathtub drains may have rubber gaskets, or you can make your own gasket using plumber's putty. Good luck with your project!- Mike

[@btp60]

I know you had good intentions but...

[@theodorewysinger9815]

Why not buy a DRAIN WRENCH ?

[@mikesdoityourself]

Sure, this is just an alternative to someone going out and buying such a tool.- Mike

[@johnrambo6265]

Tub Drain Wrench ...............

[@jamescassidy8886]

Use a real ratchet dude!

[@DoctorMaxMoebius]

too long. who cares about the failures? waste of time there and you need to edit out the useless first attempts (maybe show 1)

[@gailcarroll6935]

Thank you

[@eosme]

what's that tub extractor called?

[@mikesdoityourself]

It's called a tub drain extractor or bathtub drain removal tool. - Mike

[@Tyga1locks]

Where did you buy it from

[@mikesdoityourself]

@@Tyga1locks hm.depot- Lowe's might have one also- good luck on your project! - Mike

[@Tyga1locks]

@mike thanks im going to buy a torch to going to heat it up a lil and use that tool lowes don't have it but ace does I'll let u know how it turns out

[@Tyga1locks]

Hey mike thanks it came out in less than 3min awesome video