Is this normal with dry-lining back boxes or is mine broken?

[jack6581]

What I thought would take me five minutes has turned into a nightmare


I'm trying to put a socket faceplate back on, but every time I try to get the screw to catch, the movable threaded lug/wing just pushes backwards.


I've spent over half an hour trying to get the bloody thing to catch now!


Is this something other people come across, or is there something wrong with mine? Any tricks for getting it to catch

 

[Wayners]

Pull it forward after fitting box.
So you put box in.
Push wings out and pull wings forward.
Should lock a bit.
I've done loads and no problem.
Odd if both sides are broken

 

[jack6581]

Hi the box is already fitted I am just trying to change the light switch, one worked ok but I am having a nightmare with one it just keeps slipping back every time I try to screw it

 

[pete01]

Get a longer pin

 

[jack6581]

yeah i was thinking of wedging it with tape but might not be safe I might have to get longer screws for this one. Thanks

 

[Wayners]

Box lug / wing might be broken on the one side.
I've had that may times so carry spares.
If you can buy same box you can remove the one side and replace without taking the old box out.
Is it yellow?

 

[pete01]

Try the pins without the socket in place to make sure the threads are good.

 

[jack6581]

Hi it is yellow, when the the front is not in and I can hold the lug I cab screw it in but wit the front on it just moves backwards.

 

[Murdochcat]

A slightly longer screw is probably the answer

 

[endecotp]

Is this something other people come across

Yes, it's frustrating. Some are better than others, and I think some are better when new, i.e. the first time that they are screwed they hold better. Longer screws help; I have also resorted to wedging things behind the "wing", e.g. offcuts of cable insulation or lumps of plasterboard.

 

[Wayners]

Just hold it forward with some thread looped around and out the side then.
Get screw in a bit and pull thread out.
Cotton or string.
Hold both ends in your hand don't tie it