Pro Handyman Blog

If you have ever replaced a kitchen sink, or even a strainer, you know that they can be very difficult. These basket strainers stay locked onto the sink for years until someone decides that it is time for them to go. I always recommend using a new sink strainer when replacing the kitchen sink, but if you are doing a repair or just want to upgrade the strainer, it can be challenging to remove.

When working under the sink, you will need to remove the piping leading from the strainer. When you try to unscrew the basket nut, typically the entire strainer will move along with the nut, so you won’t be able to remove the strainer. Here is a trick: grab a pair of pliers. From above the sink, turn the pliers upside down so that the jaws are facing up and the handles are facing down. Place the ends of the handles through two of the holes in the strainer. You will have to slightly open the jaws for this. Once the pliers are inserted into the basket you can place a large screwdriver horizontally into the jaws of the pliers. You have just created a handle to hold onto to prevent the basket from turning as you unscrew the basket nut.

You can use this trick when you re-install the new strainer too. Just use a bead of plumbers putty under the lip of the strainer and push it into the hole. You can hold the strainer still as you install the friction washer, the rubber washer and the basket nut.