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?

 

[littlespark]

Is the adjustable lug? You could swap it out with a good one.
otherwise you could maybe twist or bend the lug through the middle to close the hole up a bit??

 

[freddo]

Either replace the box, or sometimes you can squash the lug a bit, then use the thread tap on it, though that is a bit of a bodge.

 

[JBW175]

Drill out and re thread to 4mm mate. Easier than replacing a box.

 

[ipf]

Don't you just love a deep box with threaded lugs and stripped long screws??
It's all part of the learning curve...a bit of ingenuity, maybe?
Oh to be a spark!?

 

[Flanders]

Fit red plug in back box and use a 2 inch 6 screw . Just make sure you don't snag any cables.

 

[Risteard]

BackBox Savers

 

[Strima]

Not the cheapest but can save a lot of hassle: https://backboxsaver.com/

 

[ipf]

Fit red plug in back box and use a 2 inch 6 screw . Just make sure you don't snag any cables.

He's got 3'' threaded fixing screws, though.

Them 'box savers' make it easy....wish we'd had 'em in the 70's.....£6 quid a pop, wow.

 

[Flanders]

He's got 3'' fixing screws, though.

Ok missed that not sure you can get 4inch 6s . Now I like Strima's solution.

 

[SJD]

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.

Not a fan of woodscrews into the lugs, I usually assume a builder has had a go when I see those.

 

[buzzlightyear]

So times I keep old screws for new boxes
Just in case.

 

[RDB85]

Is the adjustable lug? You could swap it out with a good one.
otherwise you could maybe twist or bend the lug through the middle to close the hole up a bit??

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

 

[RDB85]

Drill out and re thread to 4mm mate. Easier than replacing a box.

It’s just been plastered so I wouldn’t fancy replacing the box.

 

[RDB85]

BackBox Savers

Bit expensive but they seem to solve the issue.

 

[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 .