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Back box problem - electric socket

andyBeaker

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Unfortunately I have a power socket where the thread on one of the holes in the back box where the socket screw goes into has partially stripped which prevents the socket screw tightening properly.

While I could faff around and replace the back box it will be a bit of a pain, particularly as the room has just been decorated and the box is very deep in the wall (for reasons beyond me) is there a clever way of fixing the back box? I see there are 3.5mm taps on eBay but I wonder if that will fix it? Would a 4mm tap be too much?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-5mm-Tap...143058?hash=item1a0bae9f12:g:v~UAAOSwtnpXliV0

Any help appreciated@tu*@tu*
 

robsbird

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you said it had stripped the thread so the is now no point in tapping what is not there

new back box or some back box's have moving taps you may be able to remove the tap and then remove them from a new on and refit.

@tu*
 

sr71caspar

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Is it a metal back box?
If so, I have in the past used a pair of mole-grips to slightly squish the threaded bit where it has been punched through, so the screw grips the thread again.
 

DLN1965

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If you happen to find a longer similar bolt and nut ...
Glue the nut in situ and use the longer bolt to bolt into it ...

It MAY work :dunno:
 

andyBeaker

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Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately the box is buries really deep in the wall (75mm screws!) so it is going to be difficult to mess around with what is there already. Unfortunately it is also the 'fixed side of the box, rather than the adjustable bit that I might have been able to get out.

The thread hasn't completely gone, the screw tightens a bit and the slips before getting properly tight.

Think I have found the answer - simple but clever.......and massively over priced for what it is but good luck to them. Hopefully a once in a lifetime purchasesh1tehppns

https://backboxsaver.com/
 

noobie

Clueless in most things
Using that as an example, why not get a standard flat square washer/nut for the standard size thread, glue it onto the back of the tab then the screw will simply go through the stripped thread, onto the washer/nut and you can tighten ?

edit, saw dln had suggested it
 

Jaws

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Drill the hole out a bit and using epoxy attach a nut to the far side.
I actually used a nut and a washer and a second nut ..
Not easy to explain but ..
Looking from the outside I put a bolt in place, wangled a nut on the back of it behind the tang, then slipped a washer over the bolt then added ( with a bit of faffing ) a second nut.. Not tightened, just loosely in place
I then lathered epoxy all over the two nuts and washer and the tang.

I used this method as I really did not want to risk just a single nut holding in place.. I figured that the nut/washer/nut assembly would give excellent purchase for the glue.
That was about 15 years and three new face plates ago.. It is still ok
 

jeffa

Been there, and had one
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Just knock the tab in a little, the fixing screw then grips as it is now going through an oval hole
 

lee j

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Andy - Look on ebay for "3.5mm socket screw extention screws" priced around £3.50 for 10. Need a couple of nuts to fit in place as you say the existing threads have stripped in the box plate. Have used these previously and give a neat easy fix for your problem. No glueing involved and can easily be replaced if the need arises.

Lee
 

andyBeaker

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DEG5Y

Been there, and had one
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IF you can reach it, try putting a pop rivet in the hole and re-tapping it. (may have to drill it out a bit.)
If the rivet gun won't quite reach, put a bit of tube between the head and the rivet as long as the tool grips it should work.
 

andyBeaker

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Andy - Look on ebay for "3.5mm socket screw extention screws" priced around ?3.50 for 10. Need a couple of nuts to fit in place as you say the existing threads have stripped in the box plate. Have used these previously and give a neat easy fix for your problem. No glueing involved and can easily be replaced if the need arises.

Lee

hot off the press.........

Decided on the above solution which appears to be elegant and probably the most permanent and least fiddly solution.

Really appreciate all the input, a great range of options, none of which I had thought of.

@tu*
 

57grant

Registered User
Consider using silicone gasket to seal it, removable and sticks like SH1T when dry

Grant
 
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