I am putting in a new shower and when I tried to remove the base, it will not come out due to the fact the old drain is secured in the base. I figured I should have been able to unscrew the old drain, but instead of having threads, it appears they put lead around the drain to hold it.

Any idea on what I can do to get the old drain out so I can put in the new shower base.
Thanks for your help
Jerry W.

To remove a poured lead and oakum joint take a 3/8" drill bit and drill a few holes down past the lead and into the oakum.. Push a screwdriver under the lead ring and lever it up. Once it's free you can began to peel the lead ring out. Now pick out the oakum and you can pull the joint apart. Good luck, Tom