Metal back box: screw fastener lug sheared off

[mike004]

While fitting a wall socket, one of the lugs in the metal back box sheared off. So now the fastening screw for the socket face has nowhere to locate to.

Any ideas? The left screw fastens the left side of the socket home OK, but the right side is jutting out.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Steve]

Buy a new backbox?

 

[plugwash]

either replace the backbox or find some other safe way to mount the socket to it. tapping the backbox and using a long screw is possible but the plaster behind may cause an issue.

 

[Jim2287]

the lug is actually gone ? or the hole in the lug is cross-threaded ?


if its cross-threaded, you can buy a small tap from electrical whole salers which might be able to fix the problem

 

[Adam_151]

Just to add, the tap you need is a M3.5 and is usually used on a hole of 2.8mm

 

[Har_vey]

new box, or you could try a 2" 6 screw and a wall plug.

 

[securespark]

If you really cannot replace the box due to disturbance of decoration, and the adjustable lug is the one missing, buy a new box with an identical lug, carefully remove the lug, and refit it to the existing box.

 

[mike004]

Thanks for all the replies.

* Fitting a new back box -- the existing one is neatly plastered in. I don't want to dig it out.
* Metal lug -- the back box has been in for 20 yrs. The lug + the part which attaches to the box has rusted and broke off when I was trying to remove a cross-threaded screw.

Looks like the "use a long screw" option might be easiest...

Thanks
Mike