mpw wrote:
responding to http://www.homeownershub.com/mainten...ox-141464-.htm
mpw wrote:

John wrote:


Sometimes, when working on receptacles I run into stripped screw holes.
These holes are built-in to the junction box which is made of plastic or

some brownish and brittle material.

I suspect this was caused by someone trying to overcome a too-crowded
(or
poorly laid out) junction box by using these screws to force the
receptacle
into the box.

What is the solution without replacing the junction box?


Over time, the plastic outlet boxes can become brittle and break, also inserting screws that are self tapping or drywall screws will cause the threads to strip and or crack and often prevent the outlet from seating flush.
I am assuming that the existing box has adequate cubic inch rateing and is not overfilled.(you can't put one ton in a half ton truck).If the box is undersized, you will have to remove and replace it.
If the box is not undersized you can try glue, expoxy,tape or a G-clip


Interesting. Here is a link to the appropriate form of G-Clip (I never
heard of them before, but then I don't get out much):

http://www.g-clip.us/