How to remove bathtub drain? (heat, plumber, glass, damage)

[penner]

How do I remove a bathtub drain? I'm referring to the part that screws in. I bought a special "drain remover" tool and the guy at the hardware store made it sound easy to remove..."just break the sealant seal and unscrew it out". Umm, not so easy! How do I break the seal? Is there a trick to removing it?

[harry chickpea]

The only suggestion I have is heat. LOTS of heat. It'll soften the plumbers putty or singe the gasket. Think hair dryer, if that doesn't work, propane torch if you don't have a fiberglass tub. Yuck.

[bustaduke]

Don't use heat unless you want to damage your tub. The porcelain will pop off from the metal and then you will have to change your tub along with the drain.

You have to get to the underside of the tub to remove the drain. The tool they sold you is a basket wrench and is used on the inside and you also need to use channel locks under the tub at the same time.

This site will tell you how to do it.

How to Remove a Tub Drain | DoItYourself.com

busta

[Ultrarunner]

I had one that wouldn't budge for love or money and had not choice other than to cut if off with a hacksaw or you could use a sawzall with the right blade.

Normally, sufficient force properly applied and it will break free.