On 13 Aug, 13:10, "Percival P. Cassidy" wrote:
We are in the midst of remodeling our kitchen. Now that I have removed
the microwave and the cabinets above it and alongside it -- and the
nearby base cabinets, I have found what seems like an enormous number of
holes in the sheetrock: a dozen holes where toggle bolts have been used
(presumably along with screws into the studs) to secure a succession of
microwave ovens, a ragged hole that serves no purpose at all that I can
see, and a vertical hole about 3 inches wide and about 1 foot long
running up from an electrical box that was uncovered by anything except
the cabinet that was installed in front of it. This is in addition to
the holes for electrical boxes for light switches and the outlet for the
microwave.

Mounting the new microwave will necessitate yet another lot of four
holes for toggle bolts. The wall is 5 1/2 feet wide. Would it be
advisable just to rip the sheetrock out and replace it? That would also
make it easier to rewire the outlet for the microwave to its own
breaker; it present it's on the same circuit as half the kitchen
outlets, but I haven't find the interconnection point.

Perce

To start with, if at all possible, I would put the microwave on it's
own circuit. Many localities (all?) require a dedicated circuit for a
built-in microwave, yet allow a shared circuit for counter top units.
I know that when my CT unit was on shared circuit, the breaker would
trip quite often. It's dedicated now.

It might also be advisiable to install blocking for the microwave
instead of using toggle bolts. I can't see the mounting hardware from
here, but my guess is that using blocking would be the most secure
method.

You got to do some patching anyway, so I'd cut out the section, wire
it correctly, add the blocking, and pop in a new piece. At least that
what it sounds like from here. Just remember to cut it back to the
middle of the studs on each side so you'll have something to mount the
patch to.