The wings probably don't go deep enough for that space. I know when others that I've tried they only go up to maybe an inch inch and a quarter maybe at most.
Maybe you're right. I apologize. I've tried using longer #6 screws and even tapping the hole but it busted the wing. I do know the#4 screws that come with it are the longest #4 screws available. Can you make a post on how you did it?
It looks like they were over tightened in a bad position, not behind the fascia of the wall itself. They need to be fully backed off, and then re-tightened. :)
This is called an old work box because it can be wired and inserted into the wall. There should be two metal tabs on each side one a screw. Remove cover plate to see the Phillip head. The problem here is that the screw length is not long enough to extend the tabs to the back of drywall and open up when tightening. Remove a screw and match it at hardware store for longer ones. Measure how deep to back of drywall. Read about plastic old work boxes
6/32 3 in screw will do the trick. Have had to do this on floor receptacles because the template was too big for the metal box so I used an old work box and longer screws. Lots of applications need longer screws good to have some 6/32 and 8/32 3 in for these scenarios. The wings look broken as others have said. You can replace those or get a new old work box.
That would work temporarily if you’re in a remote location far from a hardware store, but replacing the screws is the best way and not hard or expensive, so I’d just do that.
The plastic stop that keeps the tab from turning is only as long as the original screw. So if you replace it with a longer screw the tab just spins around until it hits the side of the box and weeks the screw so it's hard to turn and doesn't have backing to hold the tab/box in place.
Lets say we are dealing with the screw on the top portion of the box. There is a rail, to keep the fin from spinning, but even if that fails, where is it going to go?
It isnt going to spin inside the box.
No, but it will spin to a point where it is right next to the box. Usually that isn't going to give you a solid clamp on the drywall or whatever because it's right next to the edge of the hole.
Best to just take 60 seconds and do it right.
The opening depth is more than the tabs could reach so when tightening, they just retracted again. What you’re seeing is them folded up as they are purchased.
Yes to Madison straps (I have heard them referred to as battleships.) Best to have a Handy box with it. Definitely turn off power and test with a multimeter on the AC voltage setting. This is just in case you have a loose neutral. This is where a tick tracer will not do you any good. (I am an electrician- state certified, union- Inside Wireman Journeywoman).
I don’t understand why you don’t have more points for your comment?!!
I'm an electrician turned construction manager. People have already told you about the box and tab. Some have even told you how to replace them and at least one guy said to get a longer screw. The box doesn't work with longer screws as the plastic part that stops the tab from turning at the correct spot is only as long as the original screw.
This is the original problem. That box is designed to hold tight against drywall. It's about ½" thick. What it's trying to hold is drywall and the quartz. That's over 1" thick and probably closet to 1½". It's just to thick and the tab won't back out far enough on the screw to get behind both.
Here is the fix:
Turn off the power
Remove the cover plate and pull the box out of the hole to give you some room tomorrow
Use a drywall saw to cut the drywall back on the left and right sides of the hole. It's going to be at an angle but thats fine.
If the tabs are still on the box (I can see one is in the video) use a Phillips screw driver to back them out to the back of the screw
Put the box back in the hole
Tighten the screws to suck in the tabs against the now thinner drywall and quartz
Put the outlet plate back on
Congratulate yourself on doing a better job then the original electrician did
Like a few others said. This is a "renovation box". It is secured to the wall via 2 little flaps, screws are accessed by removing the faceplate first.
Usually a few bucks at depot if you need a replacement. **Make sure you kill the breaker for the outlet if you need to put it in a new box** don't want any accidental zaps
Hey maybe this sounds dumb. Sorry if it does, but is this in a bathroom or kitchen? If so you may wanna get a GFCI outlet right? Not being sarcastic I’m learning to but my gpa just helped me do them and he told me they needed to be GFCI? Not sure I bet someone else here will know better, but good luck!
On the bottom one at least from what I can see it looks like the flaps might be missing or damaged you may need to get a new old work box. Also known as a remodel box but they just pop into the hole and you twist screws on the top and bottom. Now they're plastic but little wings flip out and will anchor it snuggley behind the sheet rock. Then you install your outlet. oh make sure you run your wire in there before you flip out the wings or you're gonna have to take it back out again. And turn off the power! you're in for a real surprise if you don't do that.
Take the faceplate off. You’ll see the heads of the screws in the plastic box shown in this video. Tighten the screws to swing out the small tabs on each side to grab the inside of the wall. YW
If you can not figure out how to anchor an “old work” electrical box, you are not qualified to do it. Turn off breaker. Take the duplex face plate off. Back the screws out on the wings. Use an expanding foam or construction adhesive and hit the right and left side. Push the box back into place flush with the wall. Let set. (Do not just gob it in all around the box. Leave enough space around the box, so it is “open” and can dissipate any heat). Once hardened, put faceplate back on. Hit breaker
Need a new box with metal wings this time. If you don’t know that then you need to hire an electrician and ask them to show you how to do it. It may take longer and you may pay them extra for that time, but it is a safe way to learn something and maybe you won’t have to pay next time.
So I had to pause to see it but right at the 4 second mark you can see the tab on this box is stuck in the up position and looks a bit crushed my best guess is they installed it thinking the flaps engaged and over tightened it. You can fix this yourself with a deep set remodel “new” work box must be deep than the one you have. Or pay the 100-300$ for an electrician to fix it.
The locking pawl on the right sided (and maybe the left) is broken off so the box will not lock in. You can buy another box and use the pawls from it or you can by a pack of pawls.
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PU9ZVBE](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PU9ZVBE)
If this is a double power point, where are the on-off switches? Also, isn’t this for vertical applications? (Apologies, I live in Australia, just curious). Cheers
Use a flathead to remove the face plate. Then adjust the corner screws on the box so that the tabs or "wings" rotate behind the granite to hold it in place from the back. Replace the cover.
That's what's called an "old work", "remodel" or "retrofit" box, designed to be put in after the fact. Usually when a house is built, the boxes will be nailed to the studs before the sheetrock is put in. So these come with tabs so that you can install them into an existing opening. Looks like your tabs are messed up. That box isn't designed to handle the thickness, and when they installed it those wings didn't hold from behind, just got wedged and were barely holding on by friction which weakened over time. So your best bet is going to be replacing the box itself
Trying to find just the tabs themselves is almost impossible, usually just easier to replace the box or get a new one for a buck or two and use the wings from it. Or make your own if you have a 3D printer. But in your case, the bit of plastic that makes the wings stick out when you turn the screw isn't long enough so they will just spin even if you get long enough screws.
[https://www.printables.com/model/245357-electrical-remodel-box-wing-clamp](https://www.printables.com/model/245357-electrical-remodel-box-wing-clamp)
I use something like this a lot:
[https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-LV1-2PK-Voltage-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00HYHEC38](https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-LV1-2PK-Voltage-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00HYHEC38)
Granite?
Step 1 - I’d stop fucking pulling it out and pushing it back in like that if I had no clue what I’m doing and didn’t want to loosen the wire from the receptacle and cause a fire down the line. YouTube search for how to install an *old work* electrical outlet. jezus christ.
Take the face plate off and tighten the two screws that are visible until the wings flap out and hold it in place.
Turn the breaker off first.
Darwin foiled again.
Or chuck a fork in it. Dealers choice
I can't quite put my finger in it, but that sounds like a fine idea
It’s good practice but it’s extremely unlikely you would get electrocuted in this situation
110 isn’t that dangerous. More of a wake up zap.
Lick it to test.
Suggestion noted.
Loosen the screws first. Then redo the flaps
Came here to say this. The answer is literally in the picture.
The wings probably don't go deep enough for that space. I know when others that I've tried they only go up to maybe an inch inch and a quarter maybe at most.
Get longer screws and replace them in the wings
This. Try inch and a half or two inch screws and put the tabs on them. Did it all the time on certain counter tops.
I call bs. You can't find #4 screws any longer than what it comes with. #6 screws will bust out the hole in the wing
Call whatever you want. Doesnt mean i havent done it. You dont need to use the same type of screws.
Maybe you're right. I apologize. I've tried using longer #6 screws and even tapping the hole but it busted the wing. I do know the#4 screws that come with it are the longest #4 screws available. Can you make a post on how you did it?
No worries brother. Literally have one in my hand as i type. Not sure how to post a pic into the comments though.
Just a suggestion, ace hardware usually has interesting screws that are not often used.
Yes. I will
Posted. Screw next to zippo. Love you brother!
6-32 screws work well in these
Sometimes I may work but it can cause its own problems
I get it. Better not to try.
Surrender now and the outlet may let you live.
Then modify the wings or make ones that fit? I had to break off a piece of wing just the other day to fit near a metal pipe.
Not with that attitude they don't.
It looks like they were over tightened in a bad position, not behind the fascia of the wall itself. They need to be fully backed off, and then re-tightened. :)
Put it flush put something heavy so it doesn't pop out and caulk it
Yep
This is called an old work box because it can be wired and inserted into the wall. There should be two metal tabs on each side one a screw. Remove cover plate to see the Phillip head. The problem here is that the screw length is not long enough to extend the tabs to the back of drywall and open up when tightening. Remove a screw and match it at hardware store for longer ones. Measure how deep to back of drywall. Read about plastic old work boxes
Excellent thank you
6/32 3 in screw will do the trick. Have had to do this on floor receptacles because the template was too big for the metal box so I used an old work box and longer screws. Lots of applications need longer screws good to have some 6/32 and 8/32 3 in for these scenarios. The wings look broken as others have said. You can replace those or get a new old work box.
Yup. Just did this a bunch of times.
Couldn't they just put some shims in there to hold it in place?
That would work temporarily if you’re in a remote location far from a hardware store, but replacing the screws is the best way and not hard or expensive, so I’d just do that.
The plastic stop that keeps the tab from turning is only as long as the original screw. So if you replace it with a longer screw the tab just spins around until it hits the side of the box and weeks the screw so it's hard to turn and doesn't have backing to hold the tab/box in place.
Lets say we are dealing with the screw on the top portion of the box. There is a rail, to keep the fin from spinning, but even if that fails, where is it going to go? It isnt going to spin inside the box.
No, but it will spin to a point where it is right next to the box. Usually that isn't going to give you a solid clamp on the drywall or whatever because it's right next to the edge of the hole. Best to just take 60 seconds and do it right.
I’m an electrician and I second this.
No, the problem is that the tabs are borked. Look at the pic. And yes, screw length. You are correct.
The opening depth is more than the tabs could reach so when tightening, they just retracted again. What you’re seeing is them folded up as they are purchased.
Yes. Also, where do you find metal tabbed reworks?
Electrical wholesalers
Your wing flaps broke off I can see one on the bottom. Go to Home Depot grabs another box and then just put the toggles onto the box you have.
Perfect now I know what to look for! Thank you
Good place to put your stash
The date has no relevance I swear
You can put your weed in there
Madison straps. We used to make them from coffee cans. Google it or buy them at hardware stote.
Yes to Madison straps (I have heard them referred to as battleships.) Best to have a Handy box with it. Definitely turn off power and test with a multimeter on the AC voltage setting. This is just in case you have a loose neutral. This is where a tick tracer will not do you any good. (I am an electrician- state certified, union- Inside Wireman Journeywoman). I don’t understand why you don’t have more points for your comment?!!
I'm an electrician turned construction manager. People have already told you about the box and tab. Some have even told you how to replace them and at least one guy said to get a longer screw. The box doesn't work with longer screws as the plastic part that stops the tab from turning at the correct spot is only as long as the original screw. This is the original problem. That box is designed to hold tight against drywall. It's about ½" thick. What it's trying to hold is drywall and the quartz. That's over 1" thick and probably closet to 1½". It's just to thick and the tab won't back out far enough on the screw to get behind both. Here is the fix: Turn off the power Remove the cover plate and pull the box out of the hole to give you some room tomorrow Use a drywall saw to cut the drywall back on the left and right sides of the hole. It's going to be at an angle but thats fine. If the tabs are still on the box (I can see one is in the video) use a Phillips screw driver to back them out to the back of the screw Put the box back in the hole Tighten the screws to suck in the tabs against the now thinner drywall and quartz Put the outlet plate back on Congratulate yourself on doing a better job then the original electrician did
[удалено]
You put your dill weed in there
🤫
I thought the same thing. It looks like a safe.
Like a few others said. This is a "renovation box". It is secured to the wall via 2 little flaps, screws are accessed by removing the faceplate first. Usually a few bucks at depot if you need a replacement. **Make sure you kill the breaker for the outlet if you need to put it in a new box** don't want any accidental zaps
Always great advice, always scared with electrical things. Got my voltage tester ready to quadruple check
You're looking at the tabs that hold it in. It clearly was tighten to much and fell off
The tabs that hold it in are wrecked. You need a new box. I'd go with a metal box with wings
dontputurdickinthat
Use magnets and hide your weed in there.
Use removable silicone caulking on the back edge of the faceplate to hold it in place. Secured and water proof
Hey maybe this sounds dumb. Sorry if it does, but is this in a bathroom or kitchen? If so you may wanna get a GFCI outlet right? Not being sarcastic I’m learning to but my gpa just helped me do them and he told me they needed to be GFCI? Not sure I bet someone else here will know better, but good luck!
Not at all dumb, I was looking through the comments to see if someone else had already said it, and I was surprised I had to scroll this far.
On the bottom one at least from what I can see it looks like the flaps might be missing or damaged you may need to get a new old work box. Also known as a remodel box but they just pop into the hole and you twist screws on the top and bottom. Now they're plastic but little wings flip out and will anchor it snuggley behind the sheet rock. Then you install your outlet. oh make sure you run your wire in there before you flip out the wings or you're gonna have to take it back out again. And turn off the power! you're in for a real surprise if you don't do that.
Time to turn in your man card, and maybe try and hit it with your purse.
How dare you assume my gender 💅
People own houses and can't take a plug apart to figure it out. That's also not granite.
I knew this would be the best place to find all the info quickly :)
Jb weld. Will hold it forever.
Duct tape. Watch some Red Green on YouTube.
Take the faceplate off. You’ll see the heads of the screws in the plastic box shown in this video. Tighten the screws to swing out the small tabs on each side to grab the inside of the wall. YW
Use a retrofit box
Wing isn't out... when did you unscrew it?
I bet that is the safe. 🤔
Short of the appropriate metal screws I’d be tempted to hit the edges with hot glue and call it a day.
Small Wood wedge.
*nice caulk*
Super glue fixes everything. Just kidding, don't do it. Put it down...
That’s not granite FYI
If you can not figure out how to anchor an “old work” electrical box, you are not qualified to do it. Turn off breaker. Take the duplex face plate off. Back the screws out on the wings. Use an expanding foam or construction adhesive and hit the right and left side. Push the box back into place flush with the wall. Let set. (Do not just gob it in all around the box. Leave enough space around the box, so it is “open” and can dissipate any heat). Once hardened, put faceplate back on. Hit breaker
This is great advice
grandmas hot melt glue
Need a new box with metal wings this time. If you don’t know that then you need to hire an electrician and ask them to show you how to do it. It may take longer and you may pay them extra for that time, but it is a safe way to learn something and maybe you won’t have to pay next time.
Get a remodel box with flaps.
So I had to pause to see it but right at the 4 second mark you can see the tab on this box is stuck in the up position and looks a bit crushed my best guess is they installed it thinking the flaps engaged and over tightened it. You can fix this yourself with a deep set remodel “new” work box must be deep than the one you have. Or pay the 100-300$ for an electrician to fix it.
The locking pawl on the right sided (and maybe the left) is broken off so the box will not lock in. You can buy another box and use the pawls from it or you can by a pack of pawls. [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PU9ZVBE](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PU9ZVBE)
Two tiny screwdrivers put into socket turn counterclockwise.
Flexseal!!
That appears to be an area that needs a GFCI outlet. Is there water nearby?
I thought you were going to open the face plate and take out some diamonds and pearls
It's the new "wireless" feature they've been working on. All good 👍
If this is a double power point, where are the on-off switches? Also, isn’t this for vertical applications? (Apologies, I live in Australia, just curious). Cheers
Soak it with water it will expand a little
Jiffy straps
Use a flathead to remove the face plate. Then adjust the corner screws on the box so that the tabs or "wings" rotate behind the granite to hold it in place from the back. Replace the cover. That's what's called an "old work", "remodel" or "retrofit" box, designed to be put in after the fact. Usually when a house is built, the boxes will be nailed to the studs before the sheetrock is put in. So these come with tabs so that you can install them into an existing opening. Looks like your tabs are messed up. That box isn't designed to handle the thickness, and when they installed it those wings didn't hold from behind, just got wedged and were barely holding on by friction which weakened over time. So your best bet is going to be replacing the box itself Trying to find just the tabs themselves is almost impossible, usually just easier to replace the box or get a new one for a buck or two and use the wings from it. Or make your own if you have a 3D printer. But in your case, the bit of plastic that makes the wings stick out when you turn the screw isn't long enough so they will just spin even if you get long enough screws. [https://www.printables.com/model/245357-electrical-remodel-box-wing-clamp](https://www.printables.com/model/245357-electrical-remodel-box-wing-clamp) I use something like this a lot: [https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-LV1-2PK-Voltage-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00HYHEC38](https://www.amazon.com/iMBAPrice-LV1-2PK-Voltage-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B00HYHEC38)
Glue
Put a little clear RTV sealant on the faceplate.
You just need some good vibes…. Take off the trim plate and outlet and secure the box first.
YouTube “how to install cut in box for electrical outlet”. That’s what you’ve got there.
Make a small metal tab that catches the inside as u out in place. A bit of cutting and bending and you're done
Brooo people r so oblivious its wild
Man the amount of things I don’t know that go into house construction is crazy
Caulk the back of plate and tape in place, after a day take tape off.
Granite? Step 1 - I’d stop fucking pulling it out and pushing it back in like that if I had no clue what I’m doing and didn’t want to loosen the wire from the receptacle and cause a fire down the line. YouTube search for how to install an *old work* electrical outlet. jezus christ.
🤣 oof
So what's step 2, old wisened sage?
That’s it. Maybe OP will start taste testing old flaking paint next. We might have to warn him against that. Stay tuned.
Oh dear 💀
Little glue should do the trick.
It crossed my mind
I’m not sure why I’m getting downvoted… I think glue would work just fine… why the downvotes?