Backboxes

[DominicB]

What's the best way, once you have chased in a backbox and it's flush with the wall to make sure it's level? Found it to be a right pain as you can't get the level on it.

 

[Leesparkykent]

What's the best way, once you have chased in a backbox and it's flush with the wall to make sure it's level? Found it to be a right pain as you can't get the level on it.

Using one of these levels with the smaller removable level.

T3482 CK Tools Spirit Level Pocket 210mm - https://www.electricians-direct.co.uk/buy/t3482-ck-tools-spirit-level-pocket-210mm_548.htm?sid=1015808

 

[DominicB]

What a magical looking device

 

[Leesparkykent]

What a magical looking device

Perfect for your situation

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

Me personally I'll hold the level to the wall on your box height(level of course), eye it up whilst in line with the level.
Don't do much chasing anymore with the new apprentice though

 

[Richard Burns]

I use a mini caravan level that fits in the back box, always handy to have a small level available for such uses and for when light manufacturers do not leave a flat surface to level against!

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

Me personally I'll hold the level to the wall on your box height(level of course), eye it up whilst in line with the level.
Don't do much chasing anymore with the new apprentice though

Forgot to mention I tend to just fix one screw into the centre of the back box just tight enough to keep it in place but enough for me to adjust. I also tend to make sure either the chase for top of the box or the bottom is nice and flat and level if possible. Then hammer drill plug and screw the rest of the holes by going through back box holes.

Then if it's a bank of sockets one next to the other leave a 15-20mm gap for the socket fronts to fit

 

[Pete999]

What's the best way, once you have chased in a backbox and it's flush with the wall to make sure it's level? Found it to be a right pain as you can't get the level on it.

Put some long accessory screws in the fixing holes and lay your bolt level across the two screws, any deviation will be minor and you can level the switch/socket during the 2nd fix stage

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

Put some long accessory screws in the fixing holes and lay your bolt level across the two screws, any deviation will be minor and you can level the switch/socket during the 2nd fix stage

If I'm feeling a bit cheeky and have already fixed the box and it's a bit... on the p**s I'll line my level up with the lugs to see if I can get away with it on the 2nd fix haha

 

[davesparks]

I use a laser level

 

[Jamchiv01]

Also use a laser level: http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dw088k-self-levelling-line-laser/38474

Good for marking multiple sockets around a room / matching existing sockets, chases and marking out downlights.

It can be seen in daylight very good too.

 

[uksrevivor]

A good eye is very useful as well, the pop out mini level from the C.K boat level will work wonders and any slight movement when you fix the backbox with plugs and screws will be able to be taken up with the adjustment you will get from the accesery fitting on second fix. laser levels are perfect for multiple backbox fitting keeping them all on the same level. If you keep the cutout neat and straight your eyes will work well with the line you have drawn with a spirit level.

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

Another tip is when marking out over mark the top/bottom of the box so even when you chase out the box you have your level line for reference... obviously don't do this if you need be conservative In a house that is lived in. Two big sharpie marks either side of a box they're filling in with one strike

 

[uksrevivor]

Another tip is when marking out over mark the top/bottom of the box so even when you chase out the box you have your level line for reference... obviously don't do this if you need be conservative In a house that is lived in. Two big sharpie marks either side of a box they're filling in with one strike

Thats what i meant to say about the line drawn with spirit level your eyes will be able to level it using the marks.

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

Thats what i meant to say about the line drawn with spirit level your eyes will be able to level it using the marks.

He has lots of tips now; happy chasing Leeds redbrick is still the worst. Thank Christ I live in Bradford where most of them are already falling apart