[BGMV]

I am trying to remove the sink strainer basket from my kitchen sink because it is old and rusty. I was able to remove the nut and rubber washer from underneath, but now the strainer will not come out. I have hit it from underneath to try to nudge it, but it will not move. I have sprayed liquid wrench on it to try to loosen the plumber's putty, but that hasn't worked either. This sink is probably 50 years old and I don't know if the strainer has ever been replaced before and if it is rusted on or what. The sink is porcelain. Can anybody help? Thanks!

[iamgrowler]

It's probably either rusted in or caulked in.

If it's been caulked in, I've had pretty good luck in the past heating them up with a heat gun.

If it's rust, you may have to slice it crosswise with a dremel tool and a corrugated cut-off wheel and then carefully pry it off with a thin bladed screwdriver.

If you try the dremel method, be very careful of the depth you cut to, you wouldn't want to cut through to the sink.

[speedball1]

If you've removed the retaining nut and the tail piece all that's holding it is the putty seal under the lip. I just take a hammer and tap around the bottom to loosen it and it should push right up. Good luck, Tom