Backbox fitting

[tomredsky]

We moved home and I doing some renovating. I've a few backbones to fit, mostly into old brickwork. Some data, some electrical. I was going to do the prep before getting the sparks to complete the work.
I thought the easiest and cleanest way to fit a back box would be with a multitool but when I look around no one is mentioning multitools, it's usually angle grinders or backbox tools.
Does anyone use a multitool to fit back boxes and if so what kind of cutter? Or should I sack that idea and get a small angle grinder and chisel?

 

[Mottie]

What are the walls made of?

 

[Murdochcat]

as above

 

[Ollyfp]

If you really want to keep the dust to a minimum (and you have plenty of time and patience!) you can use masking tape to stick an old laundry tablet box to the wall beneath the back box (dust catcher) drill multiple holes into the recess with a masonry bit and then use a scutch chisel to remove the debris.

 

[tomredsky]

Yes, mostly brick. Very old brickwork too so an angle grinder it is. In the past I just used a hammer and bolster but I'd rather not shred my knuckles.

On the matter of dust, which has been a real pain so far and the wife says I've killed the hoover, has anyone used and these extra hands?

The XtraHand (Including 3 x Pro Hose Adapters) Genuine Product - XtraHand

The Genuine XtraHand with 3 Pro Hose adapters is perfect for trades people or DIYers that want to connect other power tools to their extraction/vacuums

xtrahand.net

I want to try and keep the dust to a minimum and I'm not sure I was to spend ages taping boxes to the wall.

 

[opps]

Armeg make a drill based backbox cutting system.

Tri-cut Complete Box Sinking & Channelling Set | Armeg

New EBS Single Box Sinker Set with Tri-Cut Round Cutter. 50% more carbide inserts for longer life. Enhanced performance in hard materials.

armeg.com

I have never used it. I normally chain drill.

 

[Ollyfp]

I was cutting channels for cables on a very windy day. I opened the back and front doors and the grinder dust blew straight out and up into the air. Perfect. Not for the neighbours though. Lol

 

[johnny2007]

Buy a back box tool set, you won't regret it.
Perfect fit every time and no swearing.
You'll need an SDS drill to use it.

 

[morqthana]

They don't work well in hard brick. Great for lightweight concrete blocks, but then so would be a multitool or even a padsaw.

 

[morqthana]

Does anyone use a multitool to fit back boxes and if so what kind of cutter?

Masonry multitool blades

Any good? Are some good-er than others? I've got to cut some holes for socket back boxes, into brick or deep-joy-breeze-block. I'll stitch drill and use a bolster and hammer to remove the bulk, but I'd like to trim the edges with a blade so as to (fingers crossed) avoid any making good to...

www.diynot.com

I've not gone ahead yet, but I think I'll give the carbide tipped blades a try, to see how well they work. Maybe OK in conjunction with stitch drilling. May have to regard the blades as short-life consumables.

I've only got box recesses to cut - no cable chases.

 

[tomredsky]

Buy a back box tool set, you won't regret it.
Perfect fit every time and no swearing.
You'll need an SDS drill to use it.

I have a feeling that the bricks are not that robust. If you look at the image I attached, you'll see what I mean. I'm a bit worried that an SDS will crack or break the brick and leave me with a lot of making good to do. If I can cut the brick, I'll limit the potential damage. That's the theory at least.

 

[nero44]

I did one using a multitool and carbide blade. Worked brilliantly as the cuts were very clean and the backbox fit perfectly. However.... It does take a bit of finesse to get the depth correct and flat for the box to fit flush against/into the wall...blade was dull afterwards, so if I had to do multiple boxes I am not sure I would do the same again. Definitely worth a try IMO if you already have a multi tool.

 

[morqthana]

On the matter of dust, which has been a real pain so far and the wife says I've killed the hoover, has anyone used and these extra hands?

The XtraHand (Including 3 x Pro Hose Adapters) Genuine Product - XtraHand

The Genuine XtraHand with 3 Pro Hose adapters is perfect for trades people or DIYers that want to connect other power tools to their extraction/vacuums

xtrahand.net

It'll probably work fine for drilling, as per the photo on the box (but then so does a helper standing there holding a vacuum cleaner tube just below the hole). Be as much use as a chocolate teapot for a grinder or chaser.

And you'd still be connecting it to the same vacuum cleaner, with the same risk of "killing" it.

 

[morqthana]

I did one using a multitool and carbide blade. Worked brilliantly as the cuts were very clean and the backbox fit perfectly. However.... It does take a bit of finesse to get the depth correct and flat for the box to fit flush against/into the wall...blade was dull afterwards, so if I had to do multiple boxes I am not sure I would do the same again. Definitely worth a try IMO if you already have a multi tool.

Thanks.

Which make(s) of blade?

 

[nero44]

FYI, the socket in this picture was the one I did with a multi tool. Bit of plaster and then pure brickwork.

make was EZARC (some cheap amazon brand). Can't necessarily recommend this (or any other).. in fact I bought Erbauer a while ago for a different project and they are not much better... so I will be going with a cheaper multi pack and just exchange more frequently. Bit like I do with my headphones.. new set from amazon for 20 quid every 1-2 years...