Broken ear on a back box

[david3456]

I was looking around my mother's flat and noticed that a double socket is only being held with one screw. The slidy ear (metal back box) has broken off.

Is there a simple solution? My inclination would be something like a self tapping pillar.

 

[maltaron]

I might be shot down by BAS, but I solved this problem by drilling through the back box, masonry drill and plug into the wall and a long no.4 screw straight thro' the fitting. Probably not the ideal way but it does work.

 

[securespark]

In the past, I have drilled a hole in the back of the box and tapped it, then fitted a long M3.5 screw.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is there a simple solution?

You could try bending the lugs on the box open far enough to slip a new threaded piece in.

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

Rotate the back box 90 deg and use the lugs that are currently top and bottom?

 

[martinxxxxxx]

Rotate the back box 90 deg and use the lugs that are currently top and bottom?

I think the backbox is embeded in the wall, so if he were to take out he might as well replace it.

If it is the lug that moves that has gone missing just pinch one out of a new backbox. if not I drill the back with 3mm drill and tap it out with the 3.5 tapping tool that are only about 5 quid

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

I think the backbox is embedded in the wall, so if he were to take out he might as well replace it.

Yeah. Not thinking. It's early Sunday after a heavy night before. Fingers working independently of brain!!

 

[333rocky333]

I think the backbox is embedded in the wall, so if he were to take out he might as well replace it.

Yeah. Not thinking. It's early Sunday after a heavy night before. Fingers working independently of brain!!

double socket

As BAS said above sometimes you can slide in a new lug if its the adjustable one, you may even be able to refit the original

 

[david3456]

Thanks for the suggestions. So it looks like an improvisation, rather than a something existing for the purpose.