replacement lugs ?

[jctilingservices]

just changed my fused switch with a bit of help from 1 of the guys off this forum ( thanks for that by the way mate) Now i have another problem

i have just changed my light switch when i screwed the face plate on the screws were not tightening up, took the face plate off only to find the backbox does not have metal lugs, BUT plastic blocks held behind 2 sort of thin bent over lugs. Are these plastic parts still available or is my only option to change the backbox altogether, just wall papered this room yesterday and no spare paper, just my luck
thanks guys

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

There's a number of options. I would try getting M3.5 nuts and gluing them behind the plastic bits.

 

[jctilingservices]

There's a number of options. I would try getting M3.5 nuts and gluing them behind the plastic bits.

excellent advice, thanks very much, will try that tomorow

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

BTW M3.5 nuts are not that common. There are some on eBay at the moment if you get stuck.

 

[TicklyT]

BA nuts are still available, but the matching accessory fixing screws probably won't be. How about scavenging the brass inserts from a plastic surface mount box?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Get a couple of 3.5mm extension studs and glue them into place. There's some on fleabay here
or from your local electrical distributor.

Alternatively, get a couple of long thin wood screws (No4 or 6).
Drill right into the back of the box through the existing plastic lugs (a 2mm drill will be planty) Then hold the switch plate in place and screw right through into the back of the box.
NOTE: be very careful not to screw through the wires in the box!

 

[tonyelectric]

The boxes you describe are old MK, not made anymore. Carefully remove the blocks, buy a surface mount backbox and smash it to bits to obtain the brass inserts, from the back of the blocks drill a hole through the original slightly smaller than the brass inserts but not quite all the way through. Push the brass inserts in tightly and replace the plastic blocks in the box.

 

[jctilingservices]

thanks very much for all the advice guys, its much appreciated, managed to get some M3.5 nuts so the jobs done now but thanks once again everyone