Screws on Metal Backbox won’t tighten.

[RDB85]

I’ve been changing some sockets and the last one won’t tighten. They have used 75mm screws. The screw just slides into the lug. I’ve got a CK 3.5mm tap and tried that. Still no luck. Has anyone any tips or tricks? Or any screws that I could buy to make it tighter in the lug?

 

[Pete999]

Bit expensive but they seem to solve the issue.

got a link Mate

 

[RDB85]

got a link Mate

Sorry Pete:

Socket Fixer Repair Kit for Electrical Back-Boxes, Easy and Quick to Replace Damaged or Missing Lugs. Ideal for Electricians and DIY Enthusiasts. (1 Pack Contains 2 Parts) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CVNFM6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_N8sZFb57DKHC5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Pete999]

Sorry Pete:

Socket Fixer Repair Kit for Electrical Back-Boxes, Easy and Quick to Replace Damaged or Missing Lugs. Ideal for Electricians and DIY Enthusiasts. (1 Pack Contains 2 Parts) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CVNFM6S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_N8sZFb57DKHC5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Cheers mate thanks a bunch

 

[RDB85]

Cheers mate thanks a bunch

They don’t look too bad, as the screws are 70mm long, I don’t fancy trying to compress the lug and then retreading. Just in case it doesn’t work. Seem okay and less fiddly compare to the back box savers.

 

[Wilko]

If the squeeze doesn’t work, I have some 4mm machine screws .

 

[littlespark]

If it’s the adjustable, you might be able to fold out the retaining tabs, slide out the lug and replace it with one from another box of the same make.... or if it’s a 4 lug box, use one of the unused lugs.
Screw in a fixing screw to hold the lug in place while you fold in the tabs again.

it’s all a bit fiddly, but better than using wood screws.

 

[ipf]

Drill and tap M3 hole in rear of back box, then use a screw that is not too long that it hits the brick/block or whatever is behind the box. Screws can be trimmed nicely to length with the M3.5 cutting holes in my VDE pliers.

I had something similar with these, on a 2gang (not a double) backbox, a few months back.

I started to replace the faulty timer but the new one was slightly bigger and wouldn't sit above the FCU.
It was a bit testing with the drilling angles, especially when the the tap snapped on the second hole....?
I always use some basic crimpers with threaded screw cutters, by the way. Save a lot of problems.

 

[Lister1987]

I've got some of these

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10pcs-86...-/303615697122?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Bigger than a BBS granted but they work easy enough

 

[telectrix]

if it's a sliding lug, swipe one from another box. if fixed, i drill

It’s the adjustable lug. How do you swap them out?

sliding lug - just bend up 1 of the retaining tabs a tad, slip new lug in and secure.

for fixed lug I cut off the lug, then drill the box directly behind 6mm, then 5,5mm masonry bit into wall followed with a red wall plug into which I screw an extender.then I have a fresh new 3.5mm hole

 

[RDB85]

if it's a sliding lug, swipe one from another box. if fixed, i drill

sliding lug - just bend up 1 of the retaining tabs a tad, slip new lug in and secure.

for fixed lug I cut off the lug, then drill the box directly behind 6mm, then 5,5mm masonry bit into wall followed with a red wall plug into which I screw an extender.then I have a fresh new 3.5mm hole

View attachment 62769

Thanks Tel. I will grab a backbox from Screwfix in the way home

if it's a sliding lug, swipe one from another box. if fixed, i drill

sliding lug - just bend up 1 of the retaining tabs a tad, slip new lug in and secure.

for fixed lug I cut off the lug, then drill the box directly behind 6mm, then 5,5mm masonry bit into wall followed with a red wall plug into which I screw an extender.then I have a fresh new 3.5mm hole

View attachment 62769

Thanks Tel, I will grab a backbox from Screwfix, I will see if they do the extenders too.

 

[telectrix]

Thanks Tel. I will grab a backbox from Screwfix in the way home


Thanks Tel, I will grab a backbox from Screwfix, I will see if they do the extenders too.

@ screwfux, extenders just under £3 for 10.

 

[RDB85]

@ screwfux, extenders just under £3 for 10.

Do you have a link?