Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Home Repair (alt.home.repair) For all homeowners and DIYers with many experienced tradesmen. Solve your toughest home fix-it problems. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
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? -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#2
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
John writes:
What is the solution without replacing the junction box? Drill and tap the next larger size screw. |
#3
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
"John" wrote in message ... 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? For plastic boxes a #6 drywall screw is a common solution. For metal boxes I normally retap the hole with a 6/32 or 8/32 tap. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#4
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
Some years back, I picked up a really handy tool -- looks like a
screwdriver, but with multiple taps --6-32, 8-32, and 10-32. Very easy to use for this sort of situation. |
#5
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
professorpaul wrote:
Some years back, I picked up a really handy tool -- looks like a screwdriver, but with multiple taps --6-32, 8-32, and 10-32. Very easy to use for this sort of situation. Yes, I have one of those too, but it only works if the hole is deep enough (or goes right through the part) to get to the larger sizes you need. Jeff -- Jeffry Wisnia (W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE) "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." |
#6
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
John wrote: What is the solution without replacing the junction box? just slide a tootpick or two into the hole then the screw can bite and pull, it will hold |
#7
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
On Mon, 28 Aug 2006 23:38:45 -0700, "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? Oversized self tapping screw or sheet metal screw. |
#8
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
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 -- |
#9
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
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/ |
#10
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
On Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:52:03 -0400, Bill wrote:
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? When I have stripped holes, I put a wooden match or toothpick in the hole, or part of one. 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/ |
#11
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
On Sun, 09 Sep 2012 02:44:01 +0000, 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 Plastic electrical boxes suck! Not only do the screws strip, but in case of an overheated connection, the box will melt or burn. Nails can also be accidentally driven into them, which will short things out. I dont and wont use them. Metal boxes cost more, but last almost forever. As far as your problem, take an extra long screw of the proper gauge, put a nut on it, and screw the nut all the way to the screw's head. Epoxy the screw in the plastic box, leaving 3/8 or 1/2 inch sticking out. When the epoxy is dry, saw off the screw head and remove that nut. Install the outlet and use the nut to attach it. (Same principal as a stud bolt). You may have to cut or file off more of that "stud" to make the cover plate fit. |
#12
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
Junction box is too small. I thought it was an accomplishment to do it in a Corvair man years ago. |
#13
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
wrote:
As far as your problem, take an extra long screw of the proper gauge, put a nut on it, and screw the nut all the way to the screw's head. Epoxy the screw in the plastic box, leaving 3/8 or 1/2 inch sticking out. When the epoxy is dry, saw off the screw head and remove that nut. Install the outlet and use the nut to attach it. (Same principal as a stud bolt). You may have to cut or file off more of that "stud" to make the cover plate fit. How do you thread a nut onto a screw? |
#15
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
On Sun, 9 Sep 2012 18:55:50 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote: wrote: As far as your problem, take an extra long screw of the proper gauge, put a nut on it, and screw the nut all the way to the screw's head. Epoxy the screw in the plastic box, leaving 3/8 or 1/2 inch sticking out. When the epoxy is dry, saw off the screw head and remove that nut. Install the outlet and use the nut to attach it. (Same principal as a stud bolt). You may have to cut or file off more of that "stud" to make the cover plate fit. How do you thread a nut onto a screw? If it is a "machine screw" it works just fine. |
#16
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
|
#17
Posted to alt.home.repair
|
|||
|
|||
stripped screw hole in junction box
replying to yeeha, noBS3 wrote:
I flattened both sides of a round toothpick, then added a drop of Gorilla glue, and inserted the screw. It seemed to 'bite' well. I'll know for sure after the glue sets. -- for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/mainte...ox-141464-.htm |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Wrong screw dilemma! | UK diy | |||
rifle stock screw hole worn out | Woodworking | |||
Screw hole plug options | Woodworking | |||
Hole in my basement wall | Home Ownership | |||
Hole in my basement wall | Home Repair |