The strainer in the bath tub came off.  Turns out the "cross hairs" that secure the screw to the assembly rotted away, so the strainer isn't attached anymore.

Would something like this work as a replacement?  IOW, are drain openings a standard size?  House was built in late 2005.

Also, I believe a standard tub drain wrench won't work remove the existing (broken) drain since the cross hairs are missing.  Is a drain key the proper tool to remove the existing part?

Anything special I need to know when reassembling?  I plan on using pipe dope on the threads and putty under the flange.

Thanks in advance.

When the cross portion of the drain flange is gone, it becomes more of a "whatever you have to do" situation.

Do you have access to the underside of the tub?

If not, again, whatever tool works, is the one to use, however, more often then not, I end up carefully cutting the old flange out.

No on the pipe dope, yes on the putty.

I do not have access to the underside of the tub.

What about pipe tape on the threads?  Or is that not needed either?

no tape either, there is a rubber gasket, and sometimes a paper gasket, that is sandwiched between the drain shoe, and the bottom of the tub.


except I prefer to use one of these to install the new one, as opposed to a pair of pliers,

I tried the regular drain wrench and it tore off the remaining nubs of the "cross hairs".   FML.  

Thanks for the help thus far, Jake.  I'll update once I get a drain key or similar tool.

Did you lube the drain before trying to remove it?  Like soak it with WD40/Liquid Wrench/Ballistol

Negative.

This thread reminded me of a pet peeve of mine - building a house without access to the plumbing is STUPID.  I would guess the biggest threat to most homes comes from water - supply and waste.  To build a house without the ability to access these systems is, well,... I already said it once.

Use a hacksaw blade to cut the drain out.  Go slowly and do not over cut or you may damage the threads on the pipe.  You will probably need to make 2 to 3 cuts before you can remove the drain.

Never again will I buy a house with a sheetrocked basement ceiling.

Got it done today.  The drain key I ordered showed up in the mail yesterday.  The drain key, some boiling water to heat up the solidified putty, and a 15" crescent wrench got it done.

Thanks everyone for your input.