Surface mounting threads for switch plate screws are wrung off.

[StepOne]

Hi everyone,

As you know each surface mount box for a lighting switch has two threaded metal tabs for the screws to attach the front switch plate. On one of our boxes the threads have been wrung off and as a result the screws no longer tighten.

Is there a solution to this problem, without having to digout and replace the box?

Many thanks for any helpyou may be able to provide.

 

[Darkwood]

Welcome to the forum Stepone

 

[R G]

Drill a 3mm hole in the rear of the box , then use a 3.5mm tap and then a long socket screw...

 

[HandySparks]

Hi everyone,

As you know each surface mount box for a lighting switch has two threaded metal tabs for the screws to attach the front switch plate. On one of our boxes the threads have been wrung off and as a result the screws no longer tighten.

Is there a solution to this problem, without having to digout and replace the box?

Many thanks for any helpyou may be able to provide.

Use a set of pipe grips, Mole wrench or similar to slightly squeeze the tab across the two opposite edges. This will close up the hole, which can be re-tapped.

It needs something with good mechanical advantage. An ordinary pair of pliers is unlikely to give enough force.

 

[DPG]

There was also a thread on here from a while ago which had some good ideas in it for this. Try the search function for 'back box threads' or something similar - some good ideas came up I remember. Last year some time I think. Daz

 

[sparksburnout]

If you use as long a screw as the back box will allow, and you havn't got fingers like cows t*ts you can get nuts on behind the tab. Makes it a bit of fun for the next bloke as well when it comes to removing it......

 

[colshaws]

www.sparksdirect.co.uk/MK-Box-Fixin...Terminal-Fixing-Flange-Old-to-1G#.VpVlQBWLTIU

 

[StepOne]

Hi everyone,

Many thanks to all wh took thetime to reply.

I've ordered something called the 'Backboxsaver' which looks like plastic clip holding a captive nut that fits over the metal tab in the backbox, here:

https://backboxsaver.com

I'll let you know how I get on...

 

[sparksburnout]

Yikes 2 x £4.99 plus VAT. Couple of M3 nuts 0.5p!

 

[DPG]

Expensive yes, but a very good idea. China will copy them soon and they'll be 20p anway Daz

 

[hightower]

As you know each surface mount box for a lighting switch has two threaded metal tabs for the screws to attach the front switch plate.

Have I read this wrong? Surface mount box? As in a plastic pattress box? What would be to dig out on that seeing as it's surface mounted?

 

[DPG]

I don't think he means surface. He means flush. Daz

 

[hightower]

I don't think he means surface. He means flush. Daz

Been a long day..... Time to go home I reckon.

 

[sparksburnout]

Expensive yes, but a very good idea. China will copy them soon and they'll be 20p anway Daz

Yeah and they will just strip like all the other chinese junks.

 

[rolyberkin]

Hi everyone,

Many thanks to all wh took thetime to reply.

I've ordered something called the 'Backboxsaver' which looks like plastic clip holding a captive nut that fits over the metal tab in the backbox, here:

https://backboxsaver.com

I'll let you know how I get on...

£4.99, patent pending? If I was a dragon I wouldn't be investing.