Step 6 · Tighten the Strainer Locknut

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Ask a helper to hold the strainer steady from above by inserting the handles of pliers or a screwdriver into the crossbars of the strainer body. From below, use channel-type pliers or a specialized strainer locknut wrench to tighten the locknut. Tighten it firmly to compress the putty and the rubber gasket, creating a watertight seal. Be careful not to overtighten, which could crack the sink or the strainer. A good rule of thumb is to tighten until snug, then an additional quarter to half turn.