Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

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bensonelectric

bensonelectric

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Came across today a recepticle screwed into a plastic box with sheetrock (general purpose coarse threaded construction screws ;) ) screws, is this legal? I always use 8-32 screws but could this be an alternative?
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

No, it is not legal because it has not been listed for use in that manner. I suspect the plastic threads have been stripped out and this screw was used to bite into the plastic and make it work. Is it really bad, not in my opinion. Is it wrong, yes. :D
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

I found this really neat trick some years back, if you simply "push" the screw in, with some plastic boxes, you only need a couple more turns to tighten it up. Trouble is they wont get very tight after doing that.

I've always wondered if some guys are doing this regularly.
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

No kiddin'. It is the blue guys that wont thread anymore from doing that. I don't use Carlon. Im a haf t give 'em a try. :cool:
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

If the threads are stripped just use a Heli- Coil insert, beats removing a box from a finished wall and you can use the proper 6/32 screw.


P.S. Even works on those stinkn' "quick-clik" boxes.
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

Howzit goin' Physis, If you have a toothpick, just stick it in and even a 4-40 will work. :D

rbj, Seattle
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

314.27 Exception: A wall-mounted luminaire (fixture) weighing not more than 3 kg (6 lb) shall be permitted to be supported on other boxes or plaster rings that are secured to other boxes, provided the luminaire (fixture) or its supporting yoke is secured to the box with no fewer than two No. 6 or larger screws.
I can't find the 6-32 or 8-32 rule, where can I find that?
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

I learned many years ago not to use the cheap blue boxes sold at big orange.The problems they cause just are not worth the savings.Perhaps some J B weld then drill and tap it.Or if nobody is looking a 2 inch drywall screw.Really i don't see this causing a problem.
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

It's a is a mechanical fastener that securely holds the yoke to the box. Absolutely not comming out without the use of a screwdriver. Sits flush to the wall so the plate does not stick out. Poses absolutely no unsafe condition. Corrects a potential hazardous condition.
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

Hi Gndrod, tooth pick huh. I'm wondering if someone made a 7-32 if that would work on a stripped box. Or 6.5-32

I've never had any problems with the blue boxes. Try to destroy one. I've used that meathod to extract them from walls, not easy. And exept for the 2x3's there not all that cheap. Some of the old work round ones are five bucks.
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

I like the single gang blue boxes! I've used thousands...no problems. I don't like the 2&3&4gangs though, too flimsy. I use the P&S Slater for those.

Oh, and drywall screws work Great!

:D

Go EAGLES!

Dave
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

"I like the single gang blue boxes! I've used thousands...no problems. I don't like the 2&3&4gangs though, too flimsy. I use the P&S Slater for those.

Oh, and drywall screws work Great! "

Hang on here a minute,if there working so great why the need for drywall screws :confused:
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

Allow me to clarify my comment! There is no need to use drywall screws on the new blue boxes.
But when on a service call and I find an old device that one of the 6-32 threads are so stripped that they are no longer fastening Anything, that's when the drywall screws work great. Sorry for the confusion, two very different situations.
It's a simple way to improve a potentially dangerous situation. If using a different type of screw poses a risk of comprimising the integrity of the existing box it should NOT be done. For instance some of those old bake-lite boxes, they will crumble. In that case it wouldn't be an improvement at all.

Once again...GO EAGLES! :D

Dave
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

I don't mind the 2 gangs but I'll usaually only use plastic 3's and bigger for old work.

The screw threads get damaged in metal boxes too, Jim. :)

Go 49ers next year! :D
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

I use Allied fiberglass boxes, so drywalls are the last option in a situation. An option I'll use, but if you try to use an "8" sized drywall screw in a fiberglass box, it'll blow apart, often times.

Go Broncos! They'll figure it out next year!
(Please...?)
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

Hey George, I think your fiberglass boxes and the bake-lite boxes I mentioned are very similar composits if not identical. I'm curious as to why you choose to use them. To each their own of course but I'm just curious!

Dave
 
Re: Sheetrock screws in plastic boxes

Cut and dried answer is: That's what the shop buys.

We prefer them because if there's a change, they are way easier to eliminate than blue Carlon boxes. They are easier to push wire into than than blue Carlon boxes.

Others would disagree with me, it just preference. :)
 
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