1 Gang plug sockets

[jampot1979]

Hi,

I have a single socket in one of my rooms and basically the back box screw mounts which mount the socket front have snapped off. At the moment I have had to mount the socket front on its sideways as the back box has two other securing mounts at the top and bottom.

I was wondering if you can purchase socket fronts where the mounting screws are at the top and bottom?

Sorry if its a stupid question. I was just going to replace the back box but its so plastered in there and I think i will destory half the wall trying to get it out.

 

[RF Lighting]

No.

Sockets with top / bottom screws havent been seen for 40 years at a guess.

You could try and drill the old screws out with a 3mm drill bit, and re-thread the lugs on box with an M3.5 tap

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BHM3dot5.html




(I don't have a photo of an old style socket)

 

[cb9002]

I've had the mounting lugs break too. My solution was to drill through the back box into the wall where the bolts would normally be, insert rawl plugs into the wall and then use long screws into the rawl plugs. 2 inch No 6 panhead screws should do you fine.

 

[Adam_151]

If you are doing that, why not just drill and tap the back of the box? (2.9mm for M3.5 btw)

 

[RF Lighting]

Who has a 2.9mm drill bit?

 

[securespark]

(I don't have a photo of an old style socket)

Splutter, jibber....jaw hits floor....I never thought I'd hear photoman say that...ever!

 

[turkish]

Well, i would like to give something back top the forum after the help you lot have given me so here you go, taken from my study during my rewire last week.

For reference my house was built in 1969 and on the back of the socket it says to BS1363

Cheers

Cerys

P.S If anyone wants it they can!

 

[ricicle]

I foresee someone asking if they can use the photo............

 

[turkish]

Good point, should have said from the start, if anyone wants to use the photo be my guest!!

Cheers

 

[RF Lighting]

Can we have a better focused picture of the front for the archive? (No pleasing some people)

Glad to see the photos.

We love pictures™





Here's a challenge:

First person to post a photo of an old brown socket wins a weekend away with Mod Rupert.

 

[ricicle]

Here's a challenge:

First person to post a photo of an old brown socket wins a weekend away with Mod Rupert.

One of the old round ones (not the pins) on a wooden pattress

 

[turkish]

Always happy to help!

Here ya go

And for the near miss collection. This i found in the kitchen. They had somehow managed to drill through the metal capping just clipping the cables to secure some worktop. When i got the cable out copper could be seen

Can i just say i may have re-wired my own house and that you lot don't recommend doing it yourself but after seeing the state of my install as i ripped it out, i sleep much safer at night now.

 

[RF Lighting]

Welcome to the hall of shame!


//wiki.diynot.com/electrics:hs:pic2

 

[bernardgreen]

First person to post a photo of an old brown socket wins a weekend away with Mod Rupert.

And the second prize.... ? A whole week with (censored)

 

[securespark]

I foresee someone asking if they can use the photo............

Well, seeing as you asked so nicely!!!

Thanks turkish...!