Backbox Disaster

[soulman]

Hi, I returned to a property today for second fix, all was going well until i hit the sockets! The metal backboxes i installed, the fixed lug on one side would not hold the screw. The screw would just turn & not nip up. There was 6 in total out of 30 that were faulted. (Appleby)
Anybody got any ideas on how i could rectify this without removing the boxes.

Cheers

 

[R G]

3 identical posts right next to each other, does anybody read all posts before posting?

I think we all posted at the same time mate ,,,

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Hi, I returned to a property today for second fix, all was going well until i hit the sockets! The metal backboxes i installed, the fixed lug on one side would not hold the screw. The screw would just turn & not nip up. There was 6 in total out of 30 that were faulted. (Appleby)
Anybody got any ideas on how i could rectify this without removing the boxes.

Cheers

get pliers and close up the screwhole slightly...then tap it out 3.5mm again...

 

[jaypp]

deleted as I double posted the post below

 

[jaypp]

can you get in the lug from a fast a fix box and screw to the side of the box, can the 3.5 not be retapped, or can put ptf or insulated tape round the screw to make it bigger

Don't do this unless you earth the back box

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Don't do this unless you earth the back box

depends..

if its the fixed lug thats gone then yes..

if its the adjustable floating lug...then not necessary

 

[Deleted member 9648]

When rewiring 60's houses I always save the accessory fixing screws,the imperial thread is coarser than a metric M3.5 and usually takes on a stripped thread. A stock of 'em on the van saves a lot of grief.

 

[MDJ]

I have an idea, why not move this thread to the DIY forum

 

[Engineer54]

This is the difference between being new and being skilled and experienced!! Being able to think and work these sort of things out on your feet. Skill and experience doesn't only apply to the technical aspects of the job!!

 

[egginyourface]

I've been in this situation few times. I drill a 5mm hole in the back box in line with the lug then pack a couple of wood splinters into the hole. I then screw normal socket screw into it and it holds nicley

 

[Engineer54]

I've been in this situation few times. I drill a 5mm hole in the back box in line with the lug then pack a couple of wood splinters into the hole. I then screw normal socket screw into it and it holds nicley

Drilling through the back of the back box would be my very Last solution, and normally only then, if the tab has snapped off the box. In the case of a new installation, not exactly what the customer/client is paying for though is it....

 

[High Tower]

Seriously??

Just wrap a few turns of ptfe round a new pin!

 

[mark80]

Get some socket screw extension studs (google them, should be a link to amazon) and use a removable lug from another backbox and screw the stud in, using the good lug as a washer behind the knackered one. Then tada! Works a treat for me everytime, no drilling or anything!

 

[babylonsBurning]

mark80, I like your suggestion the best so far!

 

[mark80]

Cheers mate. Only spotted these studs by chance in a wholesaler ages ago and thought they'd get me out of a few situations with knackered lugs beyond repair, and they have certainly have! Definitely a necessity to have lying around in ya fixings box IMO

 

[Richard Burns]

I have used flattened out U clips tapped to 3.5 and clipped onto the faulty lug.