Rusty 632 snap off the bell box

[wyreman]

So what do you guys do? It’s stucco and there’s a bunch of wires in there

Funny thing is this is a plastic box!

the reason I’m asking is because I remember at one supply house they used to have a gimmicky solution to this

some material does anybody know any material to fix it
Besides taking it out or spraying some oil on it

 

[LarryFine]

My first thought is to replace the box like I would a box indoors, thusly:

1. Carefully cut around all four sides with a razor knife to break the bond.

(You may need to cut around the box with a saw for more wiggle room.)

2. Pry box away from stud and cut nails with bi-metal blade in recip saw.

3. Pull box out, watching wires, and replace with a deeper old-work box.


My second thought is to try to cut away a bit of the plastic, perhaps with a Dremel-type or oscillating-blade tool, and expose enough of the screw to grip it and twist it out after a blast and soak with the PB.

 

[Little Bill]

So what do you guys do? It’s stucco and there’s a bunch of wires in there

Funny thing is this is a plastic box!

the reason I’m asking is because I remember at one supply house they used to have a gimmicky solution to this

some material does anybody know any material to fix it
Besides taking it out or spraying some oil on it
View attachment 2553371

View attachment 2553372

I'm having trouble understanding what you are asking. I think you are saying the device screw (6-32) is broken off. I don't recall ever seeing a plastic box with metal threads. If you can get the screw out I would run a tap through the hole and clean the threads. Maybe even go up to a 8-32.
If you can't get the screws out, and the box is plastic, you might be able to run some small screws through the ears of the device into the plastic to hold it in.

 

[winnie]

Small left hand drill bits. Drill into the broken screws. Left hand drill bits drive backwards and very likely will grab the screw and unscrew it

 

[480sparky]

Looks like a basic nail-on Allied fiber box originally light tan in color. Take a drill to the broken screw. You may need to file them flat and punch starter holes first. And possibly step up to an 8-32 device screw.

 

[tom baker]

Note for future: Use SS screws and antiseeze. Exterior boxes drill drain hole

 

[marmathsen]

I will some times be able to get a little slot cut in the screw and use a small slotted (flat head) screwdriver.

You might also be able to get something in between the box and the stucco and put pressure on the back sure if the screw. Those threads are usually only about 1/4" deep.

If you're able to get enough of the screw exposed, I will often cinch the chuck of a drill down into the screw and reverse it out. Works amazing, way better than a pair of lineman plyers

Rob

 

[qcroanoke]

I would probably get a 2 gang weather resistant box and mount it over that, secure it to the wall, caulk around it and install receptacles and cover.
We won't speak of where I'd have the joints that extend to the 2 gang box......

 

[Frank DuVal]

Left Hand Drill Bit (Harbor Freight set). Then 6-32 Helicoil, if no useable threads are left. That's overkill, but works. 8-32 faster....

Dremel the plastic away from the screw until you can grip the broken off screw. Right, who carries a Dremel on the service truck?

Yes to neverseize whatever the solution.