Metal Old Work Boxes

[Jimmy7]

We were planning to utilize existing metal old work boxes that are already cut into wood. I noticed that all of the boxes are secured by nails through the ears rather than screws. Will we have to remove the nails and use screws, or are nails compliant?

 

[LarryFine]

Nails are fine. Today's plastic boxes use them.

 

[infinity]

I agree nothing wrong with nails. In fact something like a roofing nail has an extremely thin head so it typically won't interfere with the box.

 

[LarryFine]

As a matter of fact, they're still around.

 

[kwired]

Mounting through the ears however will have more of a chance of loosening from pulling plugs from receptacles. How much more of a chance is dependent on conditions.

 

[electrofelon]

#4 flat head screws are the best for those

 

[jmellc]

Mounting through the ears however will have more of a chance of loosening from pulling plugs from receptacles. How much more of a chance is dependent on conditions.

I remember this method where we used sheetrock nails. If the boxes are still secure and you can fish the walls to the box, it should work ok. If you have to pull the nails and remove the box, you probably can't secure it back with nails. The screws Electrofelon mentioned would be better. Put a thin bead of glue on them for good measure.

As a matter of fact, they're still around.

View attachment 2574546

They are still around, but this is not one of them. Old work box has ears to grip the outer wall surface. This is a new work box for nailing to stud. Also doesn't have cable clamps that would be needed for NM.

 

[LarryFine]

My apologies. I totally missed them being old-work boxes.

I was picturing the ears that new-work boxes had to keep the nails outside the box.

Now I understand the #4 wood-screw suggestion.