Device plaster ears

[Jayd3]

Should you bend the plaster ears to shim out a switch or receptical?
Is the hole in the ears really for bending a hook in wire for under screw head install?
Ive seen all sorts of stuff over the years but have never found a definate answer to these questions or guide to proper use of the plaster ears.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The plaster ears are there for plaster or sheetrock. It keeps the device up against the wall rather than having no support when the box is set back a 1/4" or so. The tabs get broken off when you install the receptacle in a 4" sq. cover.

 

[infinity]

As Dennis stated they are there to press against the finished wall and they are removable for certain applications like when used in a metal device box. Interesting question though is why do they have holes, solid ears would work just as well.

 

[Buck Parrish]

No, dont bend the ears. Use plastic shims made for that purpose..

 

[dkidd]

I found this a while back

 

[Jayd3]

Have used those Ideal plastic shims very handy, washers, nuts anything non flamable and strong enough, but not cardboard as I once ran in to.

 

[480sparky]

I just twist some scrap 14 around my Philips screwdriver to make spirals. Then just cut to length with diagonals.

 

[dkidd]

I just twist some scrap 14 around my Philips screwdriver to make spirals. Then just cut to length with diagonals.

I think I have a picture of that.

 

[Jayd3]

I found this a while back
View attachment 2552122
Thank You this answers the bending mouse ears/plaster ears, and you will break a phenolic cover plate pulling the plate back or highly distort metal or nylon plates.

 

[Jayd3]

someone even sells a steel "spring type" shim now.. my fave is square #8, 10 or 1/ 4"square nuts as shims but that adds cost so scrap wire is a good ideal.

 

[480sparky]

Here's on in it's original form:

 

[Jayd3]

Have a link to that article? I'd like to get it for apprientices.

 

[480sparky]

Have a link to that article? I'd like to get it for apprientices.

The website is at the bottom of the image.

 

[dkidd]

The website is at the bottom of the image.

Here:

StackPath

I don't know why the path isn't showing, but the link works.

 

[Jayd3]

Here:

StackPath

I don't know why the path isn't showing, but the link works.

thanks

 

[pitkas]

I have a foot of pneumatic tubing in my bag. Cut it to length, slide it over the screw and, it will scrunch down for fine adjustment.

 

[hbiss]

I have heard from old timers many years ago about using the broken off ears as washers. That's why they have holes in them.

-Hal

 

[480sparky]

I have heard from old timers many years ago about using the broken off ears as washers. That's why they have holes in them.

-Hal

I still do.

 

[infinity]

Speaking of plaster ears anyone ever see these with built in #12 and #14 wire strippers? I took a plate off in my dining room and found this:

 

[LarryFine]

Seen 'em, tried 'em, use Kleins.