Wire coat hangers are a classic mistake—I've seen people try to twist them into all sorts of shapes, but they usually just end up scratching the inside of the pipe or getting stuck themselves. I get why folks reach for whatever's handy when water starts backing up, but it's rarely worth the hassle. Have you noticed how some of those plastic snakes actually seem to break off and become their own clog? I’ve pulled more than one out that was half melted from someone pouring boiling water down after.
Taking apart the trap is definitely a pain, especially if it’s an older setup with corroded threads. But sometimes it’s the only way to get at stuff like grease or little toys (found a marble once, still don’t know how). Do you think most people underestimate how much damage a bad DIY job can do? I’ve seen pipes scratched so badly they started leaking later. Metal snake’s solid, but even then, you gotta be careful not to force it too hard or you could punch right through thin-wall stuff.
Taking apart the trap is definitely a pain, especially if it’s an older setup with corroded threads. But sometimes it’s the only way to get at stuff like grease or little toys (found a marble once, still don’t know how).
I hear you on the trap—those old slip nuts can be a nightmare. But honestly, I’ve had more luck with a wet/dry vac than anything else. Sucked out a whole Barbie shoe once, no joke. Less mess than pulling apart rusty pipes, and you don’t risk cross-threading when you put it back together. Not saying it works every time, but sometimes low-tech beats brute force.