Volex dry lining box

[swampydrill]

I backed out the screws on the light switch as i was having the wall re-plastered, now the decorating is finished i tried to put the screws back in and they don't tighten up, feels slack inside, i went and got 2 new ones and they also don't fit, even took 1 out of the other light switch and that doesn't fit, not sure what is wrong with it but don't really want to have to remove the plastic dry lining box if i don't have to.

 

[TicklyT]

A few possible causes come to mind:-

The plastic 'wings' that clamp the back of the plasterboard either side of the box may have moved so they no longer line up with the screws.
The fixing screws usually keep the 'wings' in place, and clamp them to the back of the plasterboard.

The threaded inserts usually fitted into the back of the 'wings' to take the screws may have come loose.

Have you tried moving the light switch out of the way, and trial fitting a 'naked' screw into the screw holes? - best to turn the power off before trying that!

If the skimmed surface is now deeper, you may find you now need longer than standard assessory screws just to reach the threaded inserts. Over-length screws are available for such occasions.

 

[sparkwright]

Perhaps you could buy a new Volex dry line box, and replace the 'wings'.

 

[swampydrill]

Can you actually change out the wings??

 

[JohnW2]

Can you actually change out the wings??

Usually - they normally just slip/clip in, but I can't recall exactly what Volex ones look like.

Kind Regards, John.