I am doing the happy dance right now! I called the hardware store yesterday to inform them of the issues I had with the cartridge puller and the man told me I could bring it back for another one, but he wouldn't have it in the store until today. So I went to go get it after work, but ended up staying at my parents' house for dinner so didn't get home until about 20 min. ago.
I decided to give the new tool a try, but wasn't sure I would have success with the way the cartridge broke off inside of the pipe. It was at an angle and there was only one hole left in the cartridge for the tool to grip on to. I put it in and could feel the piece spinning around. I could also feel it grip something, but the moment I turned it, it would just start spinning again. I was just about to give up when I could feel it grab something and get a little tougher to turn. I very slowly held onto the tool and pulled it out very gently. Lo and behold! the broken off piece came flying out and into the tub!! I was so happy and excited!
I slipped in the new cartridge and was so anxious to give it a try, but wouldn't you know, I could not find the darn knob! This kind of stuff always happens to me! LOL! I decided to go ahead and screw the part in without the darn knob and give it a whirl. I ran down to the basement to turn the water back on and yelled at my son to tell me if it was leaking or not. He didn't answer, so I ran upstairs to see that it wasn't leaking at all. I pulled it out (see pic to see what I mean about not having the knob) and it worked like a charm. Then pushed it back in and found that it didn't leak one single drop!
Whew! This job is done! Now to get that new mouse pad, and find the darn knob for this thing. As for now, I'm happy with it even if it does look a bit "ghetto fabulous!"
Thanks so much for all of the help! I appreciate it so much and it saved me a bundle!
Deana
P. S. I do realize that my tub needs a good cleaning after all of this, but I am exhausted and it can wait until tomorrow!