Dimmer switch ring removal tool

Jljunk · Dec 15, 2021

what kind of tool do I need to remove these nuts on a dimmer switch?

Thanks

littlespark · Dec 16, 2021

Normally, needle-nose pliers, but that doesn’t look like there’s much to grip.

Looks to need a screwdriver type tool with forks instead of a blade to….. actually, have you got an old fork?

telectrix · Dec 16, 2021

hammer and a screwdriver. .tap gently to break the lock, then use fingers.

Lister1987 · Dec 16, 2021

telectrix said:
hammer and a screwdriver. .tap gently to break the lock, then use fingers.

Taking off that dimmer or getting into the wife's fortress?

timhoward · Dec 16, 2021

What @telectrix said.
small flat blade at an angle to the slot, gentle taps.

Lucien Nunes · Dec 16, 2021

If you are dexterous, use one screwdriver in one slot to push steadily on the nut, and a second in the other slot tapped with a hanmer, more effective that the hammer alone. You can actually get adjustable 2-prong spanners to fit these slotted nuts as well as the exact correct box spanner, but using a hammer and screwdriver in place of the correct tool is a mark of a 'real' electrician.

Jljunk · Dec 16, 2021

littlespark said:
Normally, needle-nose pliers, but that doesn’t look like there’s much to grip.

Looks to need a screwdriver type tool with forks instead of a blade to….. actually, have you got an old fork?

Is it the inner or outer ring that retains the plate

w0z · Dec 17, 2021

Jljunk said:
View attachment 93038what kind of tool do I need to remove these nuts on a dimmer switch?

Thanks

You might try carefully placed normally closed small circlip pliers, with the pins in the slots as long as you can apply even pressure as you twist them, angled ones even better, or failing that you could always make a key by cutting a slot of sufficient depth to clear the toggle in a suitably thin square edged piece of metal.

Jljunk · Dec 17, 2021

w0z said:
You might try carefully placed normally closed small circlip pliers, with the pins in the slots as long as you can apply even pressure as you twist them, angled ones even better, or failing that you could always make a key by cutting a slot of sufficient depth to clear the toggle in a suitably thin square edged piece of metal.

Is it the inner or outer ring that retains the plate

w0z · Dec 17, 2021

Jljunk said:
Is it the inner or outer ring that retains the plate

I meant spindle not toggle (sorry about that, you did say dimmer) and I can't tell from the photo whether the inner ring overlaps the outer or sits inside it. If it sits inside it then you should be able to remove the outer ring only and leave the potentiometer attached to the plate. You MUST isolate power before removing the plate.
If the inner ring is fouling the outer ring you'll have to take it off too (but that would likely leave the potentiometer unsupported so care required if that happens)

James · Dec 17, 2021

I recognise the make of switch in the picture.
they come supplied with a tool for tightening and undoing the nut.

send me your address by personal message and I will drop one in the post to you.

I did a large house a year ago with loads of them installed.
got several of the tools that came home in my tool box or pocket.

when you next pass a box collecting for the air ambulance or lifeboats put something in it on my behalf and consider that full payment.

p.s. I have put one in the van so if you do send me your detail, you should have it tomorrow morning.

Taylortwocities · Dec 17, 2021

I have bought grid plate dimmer switches that come with a ring tool for that job. Lord knows where I’ve put them though!

Edit. Varilight sell a dimmer plate that includes the tool!

CLICK BAIT

Jljunk · May 24, 2022

James said:
I recognise the make of switch in the picture.
they come supplied with a tool for tightening and undoing the nut.

send me your address by personal message and I will drop one in the post to you.

I did a large house a year ago with loads of them installed.
got several of the tools that came home in my tool box or pocket.

when you next pass a box collecting for the air ambulance or lifeboats put something in it on my behalf and consider that full payment.

p.s. I have put one in the van so if you do send me your detail, you should have it tomorrow morning.

James re previous conversation about that tool. I will happily donate a tenner to any charity you mention if you would post me

James said:
I recognise the make of switch in the picture.
they come supplied with a tool for tightening and undoing the nut.

send me your address by personal message and I will drop one in the post to you.

I did a large house a year ago with loads of them installed.
got several of the tools that came home in my tool box or pocket.

when you next pass a box collecting for the air ambulance or lifeboats put something in it on my behalf and consider that full payment.

p.s. I have put one in the van so if you do send me your detail, you should have it tomorrow morning.

Hey James thanks for previous help with that tool. I am embarrassed to say I've misplaced it and need it.
I will happily donate £10 to any charity if you wouldn't mind sending another one . Even a picture would be useful so I know what I'm looking for. Want to avoid bodging it and scratching up the plate.

I understand from previous conversations that the outer ring in each case holds the plate to the wall is that right? And I'll need to remove all three outer rings to remove plate to access potentiometer?

James · May 24, 2022

yes, the pot's are held to the backbox by an internal grid, the rings hold the faceplate on.
i will dig out another one for you.

Dimmer switch ring removal tool

Jljunk

littlespark

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telectrix

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Lister1987

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timhoward

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Lucien Nunes

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Jljunk

w0z

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Jljunk

w0z

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James

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Taylortwocities

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Jljunk

James

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