Piercing electrical box on side in order to screw on Stud

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Debatable, but you can buy old work boxes with that designed into them.

Here is the code section that could make doing it yourself a violation.

314.23 Supports. Enclosures within the scope of this article
shall be supported in accordance with one or more of
the provisions in 314.23(A) through (H).

(B) Structural Mounting.


(1) Nails and Screws. Nails and screws, where used as a
fastening means, shall be attached by using brackets on the
outside of the enclosure, or they shall pass through the
interior within 6 mm (1?4 in.) of the back or ends of the
enclosure. Screws shall not be permitted to pass through the
box unless exposed threads in the box are protected using
approved means to avoid abrasion of conductor insulation.
Click to expand...
 
Most metal switchboxes have holes at the rear corners where you could drive nails through to the stud. Was a common method in the past and still used today. I have used wafer head screws to secure a cut in box through weep holes and to a stud, though I see it is a violation as just now posted. But they have always passed inspection. I don't see the importance of the distance from back of the box.

If you must use long screws, you could cut lengths of poly tubing to cover the threads inside the box. Tubing is cheap and comes in many sizes. I always keep some 1/4" and use it to space devices out to wall if box is too deep. Use it to secure fire rings if wobbly.
 
why screw into the box, why not screw from inside the box out into the stud using zip screw? having anything pointy/sharp inside the box, even with a thread cover, seems like trouble waiting to happen. this sounds like new construction so why not use a metal box that has the spot welded ears on it??
 
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