How To Fix Sunken Electrical Outlet Or Switch On Drywall! DIY Tips & Tricks Tutorial For Beginners!
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- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2024
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On this episode I'm going to show you How To Fix Sunken Electrical Outlet Or Switch On Drywall! DIY Tips & Tricks Tutorial For Beginners! This is a super easy fix on your electrical outlet or electrical light switch that has that sunken look or outlet gap! I’ll show you 3 methods on how I do it and an extra 2 BONUS methods so make sure you stay and watch the whole video so you don’t miss out on these important and useful techniques! Fix it like a pro!
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DISCLAIMER:
This video is meant for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only! To better your knowledge on the concepts of electricity, electrical circuitry, entertainment component circuitry and all other wiring methods. Electrical codes in my area may be different from yours so always make sure you follow and stay current with your local code. With different codes around the world constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulation for a project. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WIRING OF ANY KIND if you lack the knowledge and understanding required. Otherwise, personal injury and/or death as well as property damage or loss could occur. Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. If you are a younger person or are inexperienced with electrical devices, ask for help from a parent, teacher or a licensed professional.
WARNING- Electricity is dangerous and can cause personal injury or DEATH as well as other property loss or damage if not used or constructed properly. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing do-it-yourself electrical work, PLEASE do the smart thing and hire a qualified and licensed electrician to perform the work for you.NEVER WORK WITH LIVE VOLTAGE. Always disconnect the power source before working with electrical circuits.When performing electrical work, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES. Always follow your local electrical code and requirements which are specific to local areas.By utilizing this video and the information given, YOU are expressly holding "FIX THIS HOUSE" HARMLESS FOR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH, OR ANY OTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM YOUR ACTIONS. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Fix This House cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Fix This House and all parties associated with it ARE NOT responsible for the use and results of this information by any party, especially those lacking sufficient skill or knowledge to perform these steps safely and ANY HAZARD CREATED IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.
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#outlet #switch #Drywall 
Хобби
This is a cool tool. Just a note that if the box is setback more than 1/4" you will need to use a box extender. Per NEC 2020 article "314.20 Flush-Mounted Installations", boxes can not be further back than 1/4", to correct this code deficiency you can use a box extender. Also note If the surrounding material is flammable no amount of setback is allowed. This is for safety.
Thank you for that information! 🙏🏽😊 Have a great weekend my friend!
Not sure if it's worth the extra effort, but replacing the whole thing with an old work box is an option. I went this route due to parts availability and was satisfied with the results.
1à1
Free
Any link for a box extender?
I had no idea how to fix this problem until I watched your video. I did not know the spacer products you used even existed. Very helpful, thank you.
Thank you so much! Stay tuned for more videos were I discus some more cool products 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
They also make stackable plastic spacers that do the same thing.
Just had my house completely rewired as part of a larger remodel, and I'd say about 80 percent of the new outlets and switches are either sticking out, sunken in, or crooked. I've pointed it out to the GC, but I'm doubtful they're going to remedy it (and that's a whole other story). So having your tutorials is going to be a huge help for me--hopefully the backup solution! Appreciate you.
Awesome video. I just wanted to add that I have found with the small folding shims if you cut one and put it going the opposite opposite way so that it makes a circle and not a half moon it actually does not move at all.
Thank you for sharing your technique! 🙏🏽😊
Your method of fixing things helped me even though I couldn't find my specific problem. I opened up a switch since I was adding something downstream of it and wanted to see what was in there. One of the "wings" that clamps it against the back of the wall either broke or fell off. So the bottom of the switch box was not stable.
I dreaded having to replace the switch box since the wires were old and nicely tucked into the box. I watched a bunch of your vids and got inspired. I got a new "old work" box with wings, removed one of them, and replaced the broken part. Took only minutes.
I'm pretty good with many electrical tasks, but neatly tucking many wires in a box is not one of them! A video about how to do this using the Voltclaw would be great!
Thanks for the inspiration! I wouldn't have thought of this otherwise. Great channel!
In my part of the country we normally borrow a foot or two of ac vacuum tubing. We cut a piece a bit longer than the box is recessed, slide it over the screw and tighten it up compressing the tubing and setting the plug at the right depth.
Thank you so much! My dad and I are renovating and ran into this issue!
I have used spacer the Steel Level Spacer Plate to fix two outlets, based on this video. They worked perfectly! Thanks so much.
I've found for slight adjustments, snapping off the ears of the outlet or switch and using them as washers behind works.
That's what I was taught back in the early 1970s and was told that's also why those ears were breakable by design.
@@jackedwards7420 Exactly why they’re there. Even if you don’t need them on that receptacle snap them off and put them in your tool box for later use.
That extra lip is pretty useful.
In Europe, the boxes for ectrical fixtures are round, but you still have the problem with a tiny lip that has to prevent the box from falling in.
Our singke outlets however have an extra plastic outlet cover screwed over the wall cover (there's a recess and hole in the cover for that).
So you normally asseble it like this:
- fix the round box with screws that have clamps at the other end (guess you have the same system?)
- screw the recessed fixture part screwed to the box
- snap on the wall cover plate
- put the the outlet cover over the recessed area of the wall cover and screw it to the fixture
Great tips. If you have a box of misc hardware laying around you can cobble up spacers with nuts and washers.
I was going to ask that question as I have rubber washers of differing thicknesses which I was considering using. Cheers
I have a roll of green tubing that 6/32 screw fits perfect in. I cut off pieces to fit between the plug/switch and the box over the screw to shim it out and of course if it's needed I use a plastic box extension.
Great tips! Such a hassle to deal with this scenario. Thanks
Easy fix . With a piece of copper wire. You wrap the wire around a small screwdriver to make a coil. Cut the coil to length to use a spacer between the receptacle and the box. Tighten up the screw for a nice flush finish.
This takes no time to do and no cost.
That is an awesome trick! Thank you for sharing! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
Why not just use washers?
@@chorton38305
You have to buy washers, when the box is deep in the wall. It is tricky to keep all the washers on that long 8- 32 screw. The scrap copper wire can be wrapped around the screw tightly so it stays in place.
In the end you can decided what you want to do.
Very detailed info. I used the Outlet spacer plate works well. Just bought some Gardner Bender spacers.
nice video i found that carlon makes box extenders they come in a 2 pack i have used them you can cut one side off the entender for a 2 gang box . i am enjoying all your videos
Thank you for the info! Thank you so much for watching! Have a great weekend! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
This and boxes that have been installed and are NOT straight, are a tad bit frustrating!
Thanks for showing how to solve this...
I agree with the crooked boxes, and it does get frustrating 😓. Thank you for watching! Have a great weekend my friend 🙏🏽😊
Thanks for taking the time to share this info. Good to know..
Your videos are very informative, it's greatly appreciated, do you happen to have any videos for running electrical wiring for an outdoor patio? Above ground if possible.
This is ALWAYS an issue after installing backsplash tile. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊
My whole house had this problem. I've tried both types of shims with satisfactory results more than not. When the box was too far back or not secured tightly to the stud I replaced with old work boxes. The outlets in the new boxes feel a little more solid than the shimmed ones, but right now I have no plans to replace the rest of them.
Yes sometimes replacing the whole box is the way to go, definitely solid. Also if your box goes deeper than 1/4” you can get using a box extender, used per code 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
copper will do as spacer
and also u can bend the top and bottom corner brackets, bend 90 back should extend the receptacle out easiest and fastest..
knew about two of those methods but not all of them...thanks for posting this info
Thank you 🙏🏽! I’m glad I could be of help!
Mucho interesante. I didn't know how to fix that problem I had when I installed new drywall in the basement walls. There were thin panels before and with the drywall the outlets were sunken. Thanks to your videos now I know how to Resolver el problema. Good job. Ty
You are brilliant! Thankyou!
Thank you!! I needed this!
I just get 1/4 rigid tubes and cut the length I want to build up even with drywall …it works for me
That’s genius! Thank you for sharing your technique! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
Great post! Thanks! Now I can repair several outlets that need some TLC!
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊
keep a small bag of 1/4 inch flat washers in your tool pouch. Use them the same as the small yellow things you were using. Stack 2-3 of them on the screw and all is good. Buy them in bulk next time you're out, super cheap.
Thank you for sharing your technique! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
I carried scrap plastic 3/8” supply lines in my tool bag, then I cut it to the proper link and put it on the screws to flush out the outlet or switch.
I do not like this idea at all! I have used it and during installation had the washers from the top fall inside the box creating a shorting hazard.
My solution is similar to that suggested by Phillip Price. I use poly tubing from the hardware store. I cut it a bit longer than I need then compress it to make it work. A foot of poly tubing sells for under a buck and will fix several dozen outlets.
Obviously, if it is more than 1/4 inch, you gotta use a box extender. Code says so!
Amazing video. Very helpful, thank you!
I just used some washers and small nuts to help prop the outlet to the proper depth. I already had them so it was a free fix.
that is awesome man!!!!! thank you for sharing.
Thank you 🙏🏽 for watching! 😊
Yes...just what I needed. Thanks!
I’m glad I could be of help!
Keep it up!....I see this channel growing...Good Luck!
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊 have a great weekend my friend!
This is GREAT information. Thank you, young man.
Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊
Awesome. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much for watching! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
Thank you!
Great ideas. Very easy to understand. Thank you…
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊
Great video! Thank you!
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊
Great 👍. Great you should many options for fixing these problems
Thank you 🙏🏽! 😊
Excellent! Thank you!
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊
I make up strips of thin luan to go behind the tabs horizontally top and bottom. The tabs rest on the strips and the strips rest on the Sheetrock. Been doing this for years.
Thank you for sharing your technique! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
I can sum this up in 2 words... Improper installation. People not taking the time to do their job correctly.
nice video 1 other thing i found that carlon makes box extenders they come in a 2 pack
Thank you for that info! 🙏🏽😊
I did electrical work for 30years we had a little hand saw would either cut the nails if box was to far in after we cut the nails put the box right and put 2 little sheat rock screws through the plastic box into the stud or if it wasn't to far in the sheat rock we would use a little piece of plastic pipe the plumber's always left pieces that they cut off and didn't need that's cheaper than that metal sheat rock clamp but cool tricks keep them videos coming
Great ideas, creative products!
Thank you 🙏🏽!
Easy solution bend the ears on the outlet back a little bit with needle nose pliers and the ears will hit the box instead of the over cut drywall quick and easy
I sometime in a pinch bend the ears on the receptacle. Works great u can get up to 3/8 of an inch but they will break off if not bent carefully
Thank you so much for sharing your technique! 🙏🏽👍🏽😊
Those green plastic pieces, we call "caterpillars " due to the color and design. They are the handiest things to toss in your tool kit. Cheap, easy, fast.
Very helpful!
Thank you! 😊🙏🏽
Man, I dig your style, and I appreciate you educating us about repairing an electrical outlet, but also about the safety of ourselves and property.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊
Thank you 😊
Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊
Great Video!!
Thank you! 🙏🏽😊 have a great weekend!
Dude you’re a really good teacher/explainer. 👍
Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊
This handyman put wood shims on the sides on my loose outdoor outlet to secure it. It worked but I don't know if putting g wood on side of outlet bracket was a smart ide
Thank you
You are most welcome! Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊
Very cool!
Thank You 🙏🏽!
Or instead of using jiffy clips,you can use spacers.wouldnt have to move box. With a extension ring.
Thank you for the advice! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
Always best to fix J-box and caulk to also stop airflow.
the easiest option ever, - to use spacers. those are like plastic things which you are adding around your screws. also you can round wire without insulation around screw. works always perfectly fine.
When I have need to shim the receptacle out, I cut thin pieces of 1/2” Pex pipe and fit them around the screw, in between receptacle and box.
TKS. MUCH. !!!
Thank you 🙏🏽!
If the box is loose, pull it to the surface where it belonds and put two screws into the stud to keep it from moving. Easy
Old school tip...place a washer or folded cardboard piece between the box and each screw...done in less than a minute cheers 😉
Thanks for sharing! 👍🏽😊
@@FixThisHouse Thank you for sharing such an informative video
Thank you for your excellent video. I have an outlet that broke the bottom screw hole out of the J box and now the bottom of the outlet sticks out about 1/16 of an inch compared to the top of the outlet.because the bottom on he outlet has no screw hole to attach to. I am not very handy and I can’t replace the J box. Any ideas?
Hi! Would you be able to send me a picture to to my email so I can take a closer look? Fixthishouse1@yahoo.com thank you 🙏🏽
Cat-a - pilar.. That's rhe name of special plastic that tou put on the back of the outlet then use the screws
Thank you for that info 👍🏽😊
Thanks for posting this video. I use. 14 guage wire and wrap it around neddle nose pliers to make a washer, spacer the thickness that's needed behind the plug plate or I used regular oversized nut on the screw as a spacer and that worked too. Thanks for posting this Pal, Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your technique! You are most welcome! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽 have a great weekend my friend!
Not a bad idea in a pinch I'll definitely put that in the mental tool box 👍
copper tubing ....I use bib washers usually
I can also see it appears to be out of plumb after the repair.
“Catapilers” or “legos” are the way to go, the small plastic shims that come in strips that are specifically made for this problem, and they’re very cheap and easy to use. Basically a nonconductive washer that goes on the screws.
Ok, just got to the part where you’re showing them, that’s the way to go! There’s other tricks that people with experience in the trades use, but for someone without experience or much knowledge of stuff like this, those are the way to go. Cheap and easy.
Agreed. :)
Where is the Love button Thank You I have this problem with the outlets in my mobile home remodel after I put the drywall up. I'm a new subscriber now😘
if the box was installed uneven and can't pull it out, What should I do to make the outlet looks even, because right now I have a outlet the right side was out of the drywall, the left side was below the drywall.
Hi! Send me a picture and I’ll take a look : fixthishouse1@yahoo.com 👍🏽😊
I couldn’t find the u-shaped thin bracket at Home Depot. Which store has it for sale? Thanks.
Hi! They don’t sell them I believe I left link on the description of the video but I’ll leave the link there too, here it is : amzn.to/3pavENO
I have used both a stack of a few washers as "spacers" between the box and the metal. I have also used nuts to accomplish the same thing. I use nuts that are large enough to slip over the two screws.
Thank you for sharing your technique! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽
Been doing it the same way for years. Also cheaper than buying those plastic spacers or that metal plate.
I have tried that once many years ago in my Victorian age house.
But years later I got a electrician doing some electrical work due to I don't have the time.
All the washers falls out as he took it out and scared him and question who putting the washer in and make cause unnecessary shorts or even a fire if it drops inside the outlet box.
I never do it again.
@@loktom4068 Hehehe. Power should be off when servicing a receptacle.
Can you show us how to fix a J box that is out further than the sheet rock??
Ofcourse! Please stay tuned! I’ll make a video for you. 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
Please can you give me the name of the Plastic Tool you use to push and twist the electrical wires into your wall boxes. Thank you.
Ofcourse! It’s called Voltclaw here is the link :
amzn.to/3rGVtW3
My lamp plugs fall out of the wall outlet. Do you have a how to video to fix this issue?
Hi! I can definitely make one. Can you send me a picture? Here is my email.. fixthishouse1@yahoo.com
try the Unishim
Wonderful. What’s the name of that plate available on Amazon?
Thank you! I have all the items I used listed with the links on the description portion of the video. Here is also the link of the product:
amzn.to/3G8RJ4L
I usually just loosen it up until it sits right with the cover
Which country is this bro?
What is the name of the first fix item and where do I get it
Hi! Please check out the link on the description of the video, or you can click this link, it’s call flush-fit Outlet steel plate spacer : amzn.to/3ItmKSF
How to get an electrical outlet flush from a brickwall to a new frontwall 2.8 cm thick ?? European style.....we have the outlets in a brickwall now i putting a Laminate floor to the wall with tempex plates to fill the gap and reduce noise......so my wall will be back 2.8 cm so will the outlet....how will i go about that the easiest way
Please send me a picture so I can have a better understanding 🙏🏽 here is my email : fixthishouse1@yahoo.com
Box extender
I use bib washers
Thank for sharing! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽
What’s the name of them and where can I purchase thefrom
Please check out the info on the description of my video or you can find the product on this link : amzn.to/3IuRW3V
I have an opposite situation j box is protruding so do I need to move j box in? Thanks.
Yes that is one solution. 👍🏽😊 stay tuned I’ll make a video on how to fix that next week 🙏🏽
They are usually nailed in place, I think you are better off removing it and installing an old work box in its place.
This saved me $150 for an electrician to do this!
you need longer screw for the shims
It all depends case to case basis. Thank you for the advice 👍🏽😊
The screw holes cracked out. How do I replace the box without removing drywall. In my case it’s tile surrounding the box
If you can please send me a picture on my email! Fixthishouse1@yahoo 👍🏽😊
Use sheet rocks screws instead.
Sent emai
If there is nothing else wrong it might be simpler to repair the screw holes, but that doesn't answer your question. If the electrical box has 2 nails on one side, securing it to the stud, either cut the nails with a thin blade or slowly tap the whole box sideways. Replace with an old work box. You may have to use a screwdriver to pry open the wire hole to get the box completely free.
Take a sawzall and cut the nails, replace with a new box. They also make an extension for tile, like on a backsplash.
Don't use those metal plates
As outlets get loose again then the metal touches the hot and explodes
The yellow catapillers work well but use them in twos.if you fold 4 you will struggle
Cut off 2 then add single ones up to 4
If you don't have them as they are expensive you could use wire like number 12 in a circle or metal nuts work well
Try not to use.the 50-90 15 amp outlets
They burn out buy 20 amp oned
Why not just use a simple rubber washer (or a couple) as a spacer? I guess the washer doesn't have to be rubber. Seems faster, easier.
Where can I buy that part?
Hi! Please check the description of the video with all the links of the products I use, or you can visit this for the spacer plate : amzn.to/3IRPcxX
Gardner Bender outlet and receptacle spacers from Home Depot. Making to much of an issue over a simple fix! You can purchase a whole bag of these for five bucks.
Thank you for the advice!
Not every1 is a genius like Mr Wilson he is sharing information to ppl that don't know how tea hing different ways smart azz
@@peoplesguardiantoscams7745 @ Glad that you realize that. 🤣
Omg tell me how to fix it
BUT docent code require the box to be firmly anchored to a stud?
!
Hi! The box is anchored, it’s the outlet that is loose. 👍🏽😊
Well you never fix the original problem of the box being loose it needs to be nailed or screwed into a stud so it's properly secured
You ignored the easiest option: New work boxes with flip-out plastic wings. Those have molded large tabs at the top and bottom of the face of the junction box that effectively pinch flush to the drywall as the wing nuts are tightened into place behind the drywall.
That is actually an old work box meaning the drywall is installed. A new work box mounts to stud before drywall .
Why not put a couple washers behind the receptacle.
That will work as well 👍🏽😊
My light switch does the opposite it sticks out...
I’ll try to do a video on that stay tuned 👍🏽😊
You can also loosen your outlet and use the cover plate to pull the outlet out some more
2 drywall screwed into the box against the stud,and your problem is solved.
What I do I come across this a lot I don’t use the plastic plate I use the metal plate problem solved
Thank you for sharing your advice 🙏🏽😊👍🏽