Tub drain trip lever stuck in pipe

[rdsnake]

Replacing some of my bathtub shower drains and it appears the trip level linkage is stuck in the drain pipe. I planned on replacing the leakage with a plate and pop up drain in which I would emlimiate the linkage all together. Any tricks to get it it out? I guess I could just remove the plate and leave the linkage in there but I would feel like a hack.

 

[Reach4]

I am not a plumber. I would put a flat blade screwdriver tip in there and pry up the linkage at an available spot, while pivoting the blade on the bottom of the hole. If there was no pry point inside, I would just pull harder.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[rdsnake]

I grabbed the metal linkage with pliers and gave it a strong pull. She isn't moving.

 

[hj]

Soak it in D-40 or a penetrating oil for a couple of days, then give it a hard yank.

 

[rdsnake]

I'm not over looking anything, correct? It's just stuck?