There are many posts about my problem but I need to take it to the next step.
Need to remove a Watco tub drain shoe already have removed the push/pull stop then tried to remove shoe but the corroded cross bars broke off easily. Purchased a Ridge #342 internal wrench but still will not break loose.
Have been soaking shoe lip with WD40 for several days but no luck. I'm afraid the PVC drain piping will break and turn creating a mess. Trying to replace the drain due to pitting and corrosion but no leaks (yet)
It's an upstairs tub , I have a small access to this area but not the drain area without cutting a larger access hole. I didn't try heat yet, need some coaching on this and cutting just the metal part if that possible. Luckily we don't use this tub much but any of the above steps may take it out of service if the drain piping lets go.

Thanks, Ed

There are many posts about my problem but I need to take it to the next step.
Need to remove a Watco tub drain shoe already have removed the push/pull stop then tried to remove shoe but the corroded cross bars broke off easily. Purchased a Ridge #342 internal wrench but still will not break loose.
Have been soaking shoe lip with WD40 for several days but no luck. I'm afraid the PVC drain piping will break and turn creating a mess. Trying to replace the drain due to pitting and corrosion but no leaks (yet)
It's an upstairs tub , I have a small access to this area but not the drain area without cutting a larger access hole. I didn't try heat yet, need some coaching on this and cutting just the metal part if that possible. Luckily we don't use this tub much but any of the above steps may take it out of service if the drain piping lets go.

Thanks, Ed
Hey Ed,

Here's a Watco drain, (See image). These are brass to brass threads that sound like they're corroded together. When that happens to me I take a hacksaw blade, wrap a rag around it for a handle and very carefully saw down to the threads. I then take a small sharp chisel and start to peel that drain right out of the tub shoe. You might have to do two cuts to get it started. Good luck, Tom

Hey Ed,

Here's a Watco drain, (See image). These are brass to brass threads tyhat sound like they're corroded together. When that happens to me I take a hacksaw blade, wrap a rag around it for a handle and [B]very [carefully/B] saw down to the threads. I then take a small sharp chisel and start to peel that drain right outta the tub shoe. You might have to do two cuts to get it started. Good luck, Tom

Thanks Tom
Today I used a heating gun on the flange and it finally broke loose, the flange tore away from the threads but the Ridge 342 easily removed them with no apparent damage to pvc pipe. I guess the putty was just doing its job, I was cautious not to turn too hard for fear of pvc damage.
Again, thanks for your reply

Ed