A method for releasably securing a sink strainer in a drain hole of a sink by providing a lock nut having a split defined by a pair of opposed surfaces and a locking system comprising a pair of opposed tabs attached to the outer surface of the lock nut with one tab on one side of the split having a threaded hole spaced perpendicularly with respect to the opposed surfaces for receiving a threaded fastener and a second tab attached to the outer surface of the lock nut on the opposite side of the split in opposed spaced relationship to the first tab. The second tab having a hole in axisymmetric spaced relationship to the threaded hole with a diameter of sufficient size to allow a threaded fastener to pass therethrough, and a threaded fastener positioned within the axisymmetric spaced hole and arranged to pass through the hole in the second tab and securely engage the threaded hole in the first tab. When engaged, the threaded fastener holds the opposed surfaces in mating relationship during normal use, and when removed, provide for the lock nut to release from its position in response to application of an external force.