Lightswitch problem.

[Dackers]

I changed a lightswitch and, when screwing the new one on, the screw went funny (technical eh?) and has now burred the little hole that it screws into. Consequently I can't get another screw into it so the switch is only attached at one side. Does this mean that I'll now have to hack the wall to pieces, remove and replace the metal box with the wires in and then replaster, redecorate etc etc or has anyone got any good ideas to help me out? It all seems like it's going to be an awful lot of work and upheaval just to be able to attach the blooming thing to the wall!

Any help or ideas anyone could give me would be much appreciated.

By the way, in a room with only one lightswitch, does it matter if the switch I bought has "intermediate" on it - will it still work? B&Q can't seem to get their labelling right...

Thanks all!

 

[Adam_151]

An intermediate switch can be used in place of a single way switch, use both L1 connections, or both L2 connections.

You could try retapping the hole (m3.5) if that doesn't work, open it up much bigger to allow the screw to pass through, drill a 2.5mm hole in the back of the box in line, tap that out to 3.5mm and use a longer screw

 

[plugwash]

before going as brutal as trying to drill it right out you might want to try tapping it slightly larger. standard socket screws are iirc M3.5 but i belive its possible to tap the lug out to M4 and then use a M4 screw with most sockets.

 

[Steve]

B&Q - they get "shelf stackers" to stock shelves - consequently, things are never where they should be - how does a simple 17 year old shelf stacker know about 2-way, intermediate and 1-way? Nothing is ever in the right place - the plumbing aisle is the worst, copper fittings strewn all o'er the place.

 

[Dackers]

Thanks Adam_151, Plugwash. Crafty1289 - did I hit a nerve by any chance?!

 

[Lectrician]

If the lug is on the adjustable side of the box, find a similar box, and rob the lug from one to put in the other - needs a little jiggery to get it in.

What ever you do - DONT get angry and fit a no8 wood screw - I see it far to often!

 

[Steve]

Crafty1289 - did I hit a nerve by any chance?!

no, just felt like a rant.

 

[Lectrician]

Atleast in the plumbing aisle it is obvious which is a tee, 90, stop end etc