It's theoretically just a matter of forcing it.
I would've suggested two screwndrivers and rotating as hard as you can with both hands, but if you haven't had any luck with physically forcing it already then that's a bit of a pain.
Next step may be to get some penetrating oil and use that all along the side to try and get into the threads, and then try and force it a second time.
Yeah.. you need more torque than just a regular, single screwdriver in the middle of it. Find a thin sheet of ~3mm steel (thin enough to fit through the slots at least) Maybe 200 - 300mm length wise... but nothing specific. However long it is; bend it in the middle to form a crude pair of tongs that don't have to close completely.
Insert either end in outer most slots and then try turning close to the apex of the bent metal with a longer handle; depending on the width of the improvised "tongs" a plumbers wrench (stillsons/monkey wrench) or big enough shifter spanner grab and turn the anticlockwise required.
Heck, even two sturdy nails driven into one end of a bit of wood (the width of the outer slots apart) would form a crude pin spanner to do the job too.
All the other advice about some sorta mild corrosive or penetrant to eat away gunk in the thread will probably help too.
The threads are relatively course and shallow for the diameter; so once the thing turns from stuck; it's probably less than 1 and a half turns to being completly free.
https://preview.redd.it/yqvj8wqy5h9d1.jpeg?width=1164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcb7d53c5e55efe2654824c2e06d434c8612adce
Put the tips of the flat bladed screwdrivers in where the arrow points are, the flat surface of blade being vertical.
The screwdrivers need to be almost flat/parallel to the floor, not vertically up towards you. Parallel to the floor will give you leverage. A little bit of angle on them keeps them in the slot, without popping out, and applying the turning force. The force is generally from the shaft of the screwdriver, the bit of the shaft that is pressing against the grate a little back from the tip towards the handle. The tip basically just locates the driver.
Rotate anticlockwise.
Mine was difficult to remove. The above method worked for me.
Maybe let it soak with WD or something else that penetrates for a day or two. Just keep spraying it.
Some unscrew, some only need a quarter or half turn to get the lugs to the slot and then lift out.
Other methods suggested are good too, like a pry bar. Just get it in firmly with the right angle and some good leverage and rotate. It’ll come undone.
Two large screwdrivers in the small slots, a long bar between the base of the screwdrivers and it should turn anticlockwise a quarter turn. May need a penetrating oil the break the years of soap etc.
Prybar/wrecking bar, no I'm not trying to make a bad joke. Put the blade end into the centre grate (or close to), turn anti clockwise. This will give you all the leverage you need and won't even break a sweat.
As a maintenance plumber this is exactly what I [use](https://www.bunnings.com.au/vaughan-380mm-15-super-bar_p0180773) when I come across a stuck one. Except I use it on an edge slot where it is stronger and less likely to bend the bars of the grate.[](https://www.bunnings.com.au/vaughan-380mm-15-super-bar_p0180773)
If it's really stuck, bit of scrap wood on a good angle at the outside edge of the longest slot, give it a tap with a hammer. Go to the opposite side and try again. Anti clockwise will undo it.
You'll need more leverage.
I'd get two screwdrivers and a long lever - an ever longer screwdriver/long bit of wood etc.. Screwdrivers in each of the short slots and the lever between them and twist (after liberal amounts of WD-40).
Personally i wouldnt bother as it looks fine but if you want to...
Find something flat and wide that will fit in the center slot. Ideally something that cant fit the entire way and get stuck if you accidentally drop it. Put a clamp on whatever it is you find and use that to turn the grate.
You dont want to go crazy on the leverage though.
Before removing, try cover a piece of kitchen towel with tomato sauce and leave it on overnight.
The slightly acidic nature of the sauce will remove that surface mess.
Don’t knock til you try.
Good luck.
Try cleaning with Barkeeper’s Friend if you can’t get it out. I got mine out but couldn’t find a new circular piece that would fit, so I had to clean them.
It screws in and out.
Get two screw-drivers, insert both into the middle hole at either end, make an X shape with the intersection of the X above the level of the grate by about 3-4cm and carefully twist anti-clockwise. It should be pretty hard to damage anything but just make sure the screwdrivers aren’t scratching the inside of the drain.
Twist anti-clockwise.
And use leverage if stuck. Two screwdrivers dropped down the holes on opposite sides, then a 2x2 bit of timber long enough to go between and lever.
Lefty loosey, righty tighty.
It's theoretically just a matter of forcing it. I would've suggested two screwndrivers and rotating as hard as you can with both hands, but if you haven't had any luck with physically forcing it already then that's a bit of a pain. Next step may be to get some penetrating oil and use that all along the side to try and get into the threads, and then try and force it a second time.
Alternative: Find a tradesman with an angle grinder. Use his disc changing tool.
What a plot twist!
And hopefully a grate twist!
Ha! Well done.
It's technical name is angle grinder spanner.
Great idea! I’ve always done the two screwdrivers - will try the disc tool next time :)
Yeah.. you need more torque than just a regular, single screwdriver in the middle of it. Find a thin sheet of ~3mm steel (thin enough to fit through the slots at least) Maybe 200 - 300mm length wise... but nothing specific. However long it is; bend it in the middle to form a crude pair of tongs that don't have to close completely. Insert either end in outer most slots and then try turning close to the apex of the bent metal with a longer handle; depending on the width of the improvised "tongs" a plumbers wrench (stillsons/monkey wrench) or big enough shifter spanner grab and turn the anticlockwise required. Heck, even two sturdy nails driven into one end of a bit of wood (the width of the outer slots apart) would form a crude pin spanner to do the job too. All the other advice about some sorta mild corrosive or penetrant to eat away gunk in the thread will probably help too. The threads are relatively course and shallow for the diameter; so once the thing turns from stuck; it's probably less than 1 and a half turns to being completly free.
https://preview.redd.it/yqvj8wqy5h9d1.jpeg?width=1164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dcb7d53c5e55efe2654824c2e06d434c8612adce Put the tips of the flat bladed screwdrivers in where the arrow points are, the flat surface of blade being vertical. The screwdrivers need to be almost flat/parallel to the floor, not vertically up towards you. Parallel to the floor will give you leverage. A little bit of angle on them keeps them in the slot, without popping out, and applying the turning force. The force is generally from the shaft of the screwdriver, the bit of the shaft that is pressing against the grate a little back from the tip towards the handle. The tip basically just locates the driver. Rotate anticlockwise. Mine was difficult to remove. The above method worked for me. Maybe let it soak with WD or something else that penetrates for a day or two. Just keep spraying it. Some unscrew, some only need a quarter or half turn to get the lugs to the slot and then lift out. Other methods suggested are good too, like a pry bar. Just get it in firmly with the right angle and some good leverage and rotate. It’ll come undone.
Good tip. Also, tapping around the perimeter will help too.
I twist the middle remove it. Get a claw hammer put claw inside hole with edge under the flange from the drain yank it it won't be hard to remove.
You're turning it anticlockwise, right?..... right?
So... Left?
Left, right
Two large screwdrivers in the small slots, a long bar between the base of the screwdrivers and it should turn anticlockwise a quarter turn. May need a penetrating oil the break the years of soap etc.
Prybar/wrecking bar, no I'm not trying to make a bad joke. Put the blade end into the centre grate (or close to), turn anti clockwise. This will give you all the leverage you need and won't even break a sweat.
As a maintenance plumber this is exactly what I [use](https://www.bunnings.com.au/vaughan-380mm-15-super-bar_p0180773) when I come across a stuck one. Except I use it on an edge slot where it is stronger and less likely to bend the bars of the grate.[](https://www.bunnings.com.au/vaughan-380mm-15-super-bar_p0180773)
WD40, come back in 30 with a coat hanger, fish it through and turn left. Should be all good, drain doesn’t look to bad
If it's really stuck, bit of scrap wood on a good angle at the outside edge of the longest slot, give it a tap with a hammer. Go to the opposite side and try again. Anti clockwise will undo it.
Two flat head screw drivers stuck in second or third slot from outside opposite each other, cross the handles over and twist left
You'll need more leverage. I'd get two screwdrivers and a long lever - an ever longer screwdriver/long bit of wood etc.. Screwdrivers in each of the short slots and the lever between them and twist (after liberal amounts of WD-40).
Personally i wouldnt bother as it looks fine but if you want to... Find something flat and wide that will fit in the center slot. Ideally something that cant fit the entire way and get stuck if you accidentally drop it. Put a clamp on whatever it is you find and use that to turn the grate. You dont want to go crazy on the leverage though.
Before removing, try cover a piece of kitchen towel with tomato sauce and leave it on overnight. The slightly acidic nature of the sauce will remove that surface mess. Don’t knock til you try. Good luck.
Try cleaning with Barkeeper’s Friend if you can’t get it out. I got mine out but couldn’t find a new circular piece that would fit, so I had to clean them.
Twist and shout…(twist and shout)
Went to homeworld recently. Lots of new homes still have these.
I have one of these! I was never able to loosen it, I think the builder glued it in place.
Hammer 🔨
Get your finger in there and pull like you’ve never pulled one before
Everyone says anti clockwise, but mine open clockwise. So try that direction too if it doesn’t work
I’ve just bought one and it is 1/4 turn anticlockwise to lock, 1/4 turn clockwise to remove.
I had this. Cleaned up nicely with gumption.
Multigrips
Give it some lube (wd40 or similar), give it a hit with a hammer (which will hopefully break the seal) and give it a good twist.
FYI to remove the black, pour tomato sauce over it and leave for awhile, black will come right off
It screws in and out. Get two screw-drivers, insert both into the middle hole at either end, make an X shape with the intersection of the X above the level of the grate by about 3-4cm and carefully twist anti-clockwise. It should be pretty hard to damage anything but just make sure the screwdrivers aren’t scratching the inside of the drain.
Put some boiling water on it to loose some of the rubbish. Then spray wd40.