Nail up box...

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1793

1793

Senior Member
Location
Louisville, Kentucky
Occupation
Inspector
I would like to get some input for a good way to convert a plastic nail up switch box to a two gang in an existing drywall application. There is wallpaper on the wall so the conversion must be done with no extra damage.

I look forward to your replies.

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Re: Nail up box...

Remove the existing box and install a two gang old work or a "smart box" that screws to the stud through the inside of the box.
 
Re: Nail up box...

If you're asking how to cut the existing box out of the wall you'll have to use a "sawzall" and carefully cut the nails off at the stud. If your existing wires enter only through the top of the box you're in luck. You can unsplice the wires and drop the box down inside the wall without doing any damage. If you have wires entering both top and bottom it becomes a bit tricky to do without doing some damage. In any case, if you do happen to damage the existing sheetrock you can always use an over-sized wall plate to cover it up.

[ May 21, 2005, 07:27 AM: Message edited by: goldstar ]
 
Re: Nail up box...

Wow Bill good pick-up, I wasn't aware of that. What are you supposed to do in 1793's case? I was under the impression that if you could replace the nail-on box with an old work box you were OK. There are new construction cases where there is more than 1/8" spacing around the box. Are we supposed to spackle up the void before we put on the face plate ? Just curious.
 
Re: Nail up box...

goldstar,

In cases where a one gang is being replaced by a two gang box there shouldn't (usually) be a problem, because you can expand the hole for the larger box first. That (usually) gives enough room to get the one gang box out without damaging anything (if you're careful).

If the cutout is too big it must be repaired before the plate goes on. These plates can be used for covering up cosmetic imperfections (like old paint lines) but not cutout mistakes.

Bill
 
Re: Nail up box...

additionally, if the larger hole is available you can usually pry the nails out of the box with your dikes, or pry the box off the stud eliminating need for sawzall.

Bill
 
Re: Nail up box...

Why not use a stacker switch? Then there is no cutting of the "wallpaper."
Leviton Two Single-Pole Switches 15A-120/277V AC 5634
Leviton 503 catalog
page A30

[ May 21, 2005, 10:12 AM: Message edited by: tshea ]
 
Re: Nail up box...

Originally posted by tshea:
Why not use a stacker switch? Then there is no cutting of the "wallpaper."
Click to expand...
Sure, you could do that, but sometimes that puts you into box fill issues in a hurry if you are necessarily adding cable(s). If this is just a regular blue plastic nail on box, it only takes 5 minutes to saw it off and change it to a 2-gang smart box. Plus, you have the added benefit of having an open 2 gang hole in the wall to make fishing the new cables easier if need be before you install the new 2 gang box. Five minutes labor and the cost of a smart box and another single pole switch is often cheaper than a combination device, or what you call "stacker" (trade slang I've never heard before).

[ May 21, 2005, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: mdshunk ]
 
Re: Nail up box...

Thanks to all.

I was specifically looking for a variety of products to use for this application, ie..Smart Box. I do need to add cable and dimmers for additions so at this time a stacked switch combo would not work for me.

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