replying to BETAC-T, Rhode Island Jim wrote:
Here's how I was taught 50+ years ago to cut out boxes in "lath and plaster"
and this is by no-means a "5 minute job" and most assuredly NOT a POWER TOOL
JOB! This job requires a SHARP keyhole saw. NOT A SHEETROCK JAB SAW! 1)
Find the "approximate" location and outlet hole height. The reason I stress
approximate height has to do with the laths themselves which are obviously
nailed into place in a random pattern, allowing an approximate 1/2" space from
lath to lath. 2) Mark lightly with a pencil, the approximate location of the
hole, (the empty space between studs). 3) Take a small diameter 6" screwdriver
and your electrical pliers (as your hammer) and gently tap through the plaster
wall until you find the space between the laths and continue up the lath till
you find the space between the next lath. 4) You now use that lath as your
centering guide. After you've inserted your probing screwdriver left and
right into the hole you've exposed between laths to make sure no studs are
nearby, in the way of the hole you are about to cut, then take your old work
outlet box and lightly trace the opening with your pencil. (For this type of
job, I actually prefer metal old-work boxes with ears and 1" X #4 or #5
wood-screws) as opposed to plastic or fiberglass boxes, although they may be
used with much diligence and care. 5) Now comes the delicate, tricky part.
Take your razor-knife and gently score and remove all the plaster and you will
now have, in the shape of your box, a full lath in the middle and 1/2 lath
above and 1/2 lath below. 6) With your keyhole saw and your fingers gently
holding either the top or bottom lath, (your choice on the 1st cut) Let's use
the top lath, left side, while holding the lath as best you can, saw up,
approximately 1/2 way through the lath till you reach the plaster. Then on
the right side, while holding the lath, again for stability, so as not to
break the plaster, repeat what you just did on the left side. When you get to
the plaster, twist and gently snap the lath with your saw-blade, breaking off
1/2 the lath. 7) Now that there is more space for your fingers, take the
middle lath and on whichever side you prefer, while holding the full lath with
your thumb and fingers, gently saw nearly all the way through the lath,
leaving approximately 1/4" of lath. On the other side, repeat the process,
but if you left the bottom attached, now on this side start at the bottom and
work your way up and cut all the way through the lath, the go to the other
side and finish that cut. 8) Now do the 1/2 of the remaining bottom lath as
in #6 above and snap through that lath. You should now be able to gently
insert your box into the hole to assure it fits, gently making any hole
adjustments that might need to be made. Now insert your wires/s into the
empty outlet box and then using the wood-screws I mentioned, gently screw the
box into the laths, top and bottom. Now go ahead and complete the
installation installing the new outlet. Use oversize plates to cover any
imperfections in your installation. Now take a break and go have a coffee or
a beer. Good job!

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