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    chunxMcG's Avatar
    chunxMcG Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 11, 2009, 07:56 PM
    Tub drain center hole too big for strainer screw
    Hi all. I bought a fancy, "universal" shower drain strainer for my boyfriend's bathtub (which had no strainer). It came with a 1-3/4"-long screw, about 11/64" in diameter (I don't know anything about screw sizes so I held it side-by-side with some drill bits we had and it was the closest match :o ) Anyway, the strainer itself fit perfectly over the drain, but the center hole inside the drain is about twice the diameter of this screw! I'd like to keep the strainer but would also like to screw it securely in place. What do you think I should do in this case?

    Thanks in advance for your time and help. :D
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
    Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 11, 2009, 08:11 PM

    Most likely you won't be able to bolt the stainer down because if you got the right size screw it wouldn't fit through the center hole in the strainer. You may be able to find the right size screw and then drill out the center hole of the strainer. You may be able to just silicone the strainer in place, make sure area is completely clean and dry, make sure to let silicone set up for at least 24 hours before using tub. These are just some options, let me know what you think.
    chunxMcG's Avatar
    chunxMcG Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 11, 2009, 08:33 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by mygirlsdad77 View Post
    most likely you wont be able to bolt the stainer down because if you got the right size screw it wouldnt fit through the center hole in the strainer. You may be able to find the right size screw and then drill out the center hole of the strainer...
    So, back to my drill bit experiments, it looks like either the 9/32" or the 19/64" drill bits would fit into the drain's center hole. Your point about the center strainer hole is well taken, but it looks like it's large enough for at least the 19/64" bit. I may attempt a search for the right-sized screw this weekend.

    Here's another approach I'd like your opinion on. I just read about plumber's epoxy putty. Could I use this to coat the lining of the drain's center hole, thereby making the opening smaller, or even plugging it up completely? The post said this putty allows you to drill into it when it dries. Is this putty permanent, and would this be a feasible workaround?

    Thanks again!
    mygirlsdad77's Avatar
    mygirlsdad77 Posts: 5,713, Reputation: 339
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    #4

    Feb 11, 2009, 08:57 PM

    Never use the stuff, so I can't really say. May be worth a try, but may also be more or a mess maker than its worth. Hopefully some one else on this site may be able to give you advice about the epoxy. I think you would be best off to find a screw that fits the mount. You should be able to find one that has a chrome finish, and the right head, so it will look like it came from the factory. Maybe go to a hardware store and get a whole bunch of screws, all different sizes, then find the one that works, and return the rest(keep receipt and let them know what you are doing, make sure they are OK with you bringing back the ones that don't fit).
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 12, 2009, 04:27 AM
    Hi all...

    Epoxy is not going to be a good choice here... won't last. Try to see if you can drill the hole in the strainer larger.

    Hold the strainer in a bench vise if possible to eliminate any rotation during drilling. Be careful not to have the strainer spin in your hand... could cut you.

    Good luck...

    MARK
    chunxMcG's Avatar
    chunxMcG Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
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    #6

    Feb 12, 2009, 08:03 AM
    Mygirlsdad77 & Mark - thank you both for your time advice. I'll try looking for the proper drain screw and leave the epoxy putty as a last resort. Cheers!
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