Is this a tough job or could your average handyman do it?

Klang180 · 26 Nov 2021

Hello, I recently had two downlights replaced but unfortunately they are a lot smaller than the ones in there previously. I wasn't too bothered by appearances initially but now that I can feel a draft coming through as well (roof of a single storey extension) I am starting to feel bothered by it from both angles.

Question is how easy a job would this be to make it look alright and could a handyman do it or would you need a plasterer? I might even be bold enough to attempt it if it isn't complicated but I really don't know.

So over to you guys, what do you think?

Munroast · 26 Nov 2021

quite easy but very faffy and time consuming

gonch69 · 26 Nov 2021

You can buy reducers for smaller down lights

sxturbo · 26 Nov 2021

You can get conversion kits depending what size hole was there.

I used a conversion kit in our bedroom for some very old downlights. They don't look too bad, certainly better than the old lights that were there and saved me loads of time filling in the hole

stevethespreader · 26 Nov 2021

If your going to fill the hole its quite easy its best to drop the light get a strip of plasterboard and some board adhesive put a screw in the plasterboard so you can hold it put a dab of adhesive each end of the plasterboard poke it through the hole and pull down on the screw you can then fill it with more adhesive or bonding and then finish it off with plaster or if you have access from above happy days

Klang180 · 26 Nov 2021

Thanks to you all for the suggestions. I will look into the conversion kits for sure as that might be a simple solution. Steve I think I understand what you're saying but will have to think about it more as it does seem more complicated than my simple brain can manage, at least at this time of the evening anyway.

Klang180 · 26 Nov 2021

When you mention a downlight conversion do you mean a bezel? Something like this? https://www.toolstation.com/integra...bbI9_wb5rZIrnKWnJ5TL25ylN-uOUkJBoCsroQAvD_BwE

SFK · 27 Nov 2021

No that goes on the front of a downlight (not yours - specific downlights that have replacement front covers).

For you, Search for downlight hole reducer:
https://www.google.com/search?q=dow...motorola-rev2&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

To test to see if you want to do it, with the power off, pull that downlight out of the hole and see where you will unscrew the mains cable that goes to it.

Sfk

SFK · 27 Nov 2021

Also, easiest option is to measure the hole diameter, as there are some bigger downlights that need a bigger hole.
For example this needs a 97mm diameter hole

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Saxby-Orbi...e-Dimmable-Downlight-9W---Matt-White/p/213336

Munroast · 27 Nov 2021

stevethespreader said:
If your going to fill the hole its quite easy its best to drop the light get a strip of plasterboard and some board adhesive put a screw in the plasterboard so you can hold it put a dab of adhesive each end of the plasterboard poke it through the hole and pull down on the screw you can then fill it with more adhesive or bonding and then finish it off with plaster or if you have access from above happy days

That is the simple but long drawn out faffy method I have used in the past, although I have used 4mm plywood, precut the hole in the plywood, then split it in half so as I can get it through the existing hole.

Klang180 · 27 Nov 2021

SFK said:
No that goes on the front of a downlight (not yours - specific downlights that have replacement front covers).

For you, Search for downlight hole reducer:
https://www.google.com/search?q=dow...motorola-rev2&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

To test to see if you want to do it, with the power off, pull that downlight out of the hole and see where you will unscrew the mains cable that goes to it.

Sfk

Thanks for letting me know. I did search those words or something ot that effect but actually it came up with a lot of bezels, hence my confusion. I have seen something called a c-kit which might work but not something that is obviously a downlight hole reducer.

Klang180 · 27 Nov 2021

SFK said:
Also measure the hole diameter, there are some bigger downlights that need a bigger hole.
This needs a 97mm diameter hole

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Saxby-Orbi...e-Dimmable-Downlight-9W---Matt-White/p/213336

Cheers, I will make sure I take this into account.

stevethespreader · 27 Nov 2021

Munroast said:
That is the simple but long drawn out faffy method I have used in the past, although I have used 4mm plywood, precut the hole in the plywood, then split it in half so as I can get it through the existing hole.

Its not drawn out at all cut board stick it fill it job done, it seemed drawn out as i was explaining it but in realty it only takes 5 minutes

Deleted member 292770 · 28 Nov 2021

get lights that fit the holes.

roughcaster · 29 Nov 2021

Definetly the best way Steve.

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Is this a tough job or could your average handyman do it?

Deleted member 292770

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