Domestic Electrician Help

[Snapperpaul]

I have lost 2 of the thin bolts that hold the front of a twin domestic socket to the metal box in the wall, normaly not a problem, however the screws are about 4 inches long as the box is set so far back and the insulation on the back of the plaster board is so thick. I can't find anyware that sells them and the closest i have got so far is about 65mm and they just don't fit.

Can anyone help?

[Guest TerryBarry]

One idea would be to find a couple of stand-off spacers.

25mm long with a male thread one end and female the other.

The only problem is that the the fixing screws are M3.5

The longest that Screwfix list is 75mm

 

Maplin only list M3 spacers on their website

[Guest Ian & Carole]

Paul

 

I am sure that B&Q sell long screws, usually needed when people tile walls then re-fix sockets light switches etc.

 

I have used them in the past.

 

Idon't think I have any left but am off to the garage in a mo. and will have a look.

 

Ian J

[Longboarder]

You can get threaded rod in metric sizes by the meter. Also B & Q. Or buy plain rod , cut a thread on one end and weld a blob on the other and cut a screwdriver slot in the blob.

 

Nigel

[Guest robin]

there is a branch of QVS in bromley. not sure how far that is away but they have a website. search for qvsdirect.com apart from that any electrical wholesalers should sell 100mm socket screws. try a google search in your area.

[Guest steve o]

You can buy exstention back boxes that would use shorter screws

[Guest Bazwaz]

I'll have a look in our stores tomorrow if you're not in a rush.

Barry.

[Snapperpaul]

I'll have a look in our stores tomorrow if you're not in a rush.

 

No rush, still building the units for the room.

Will pm u the address incase.

Thanks.

And thanks for the other ideas.

[Guest salty_monk]

H Lilley & co in New Eltham or Eltham SE9.

 

They do them right up to about 150mm from memory....

 

Dan

[Guest Alan_builder]

Hi

You could go to Newey & Eyre, electrical wholesalers.

 

http://www.neweyandeyre.co.uk/

 

Thet should have a range of long screws or spacer nuts (long deep threaded nut with a screw on one end)

 

If they won't sell to you catch one of their customers.

 

I electricity and my RH

[Guest Eric]

One idea would be to find a couple of stand-off spacers.

25mm long with a male thread one end and female the other.

The only problem is that the the fixing screws are M3.5

The longest that Screwfix list is 75mm

 

Maplin only list M3 spacers on their website

 

 

hi what i normally do is just screw the extensions together to get you close enough for the standard short bolts

 

normal socket/switch fixing screws are 3.5mm anyway unless its a grid type accessory and then the cover plate screws are normally smaller

 

ek

[Guest pmeads]

Why not just stick another backing box in front? Wires must be long enough to reach so seems to be the logical way out

Paul

[Guest Eric]

Why not just stick another backing box in front? Wires must be long enough to reach so seems to be the logical way out

Paul

 

 

thats a very good idea , plastic plasterboard mounting box ,paramount type would be ideal

 

good thinking that man

 

i might use this one

 

ek

[Guest gavinc]

paul

 

i have 75mm screws and extensions on there way

 

from my good friend tim at Melissa Electrical

 

he has stores that cover essex,herts and london area (melissasales@btconnect.com)

 

should be with me tommorow..

[Snapperpaul]

Thanks all,

Thanks Gavinc, will get a scan of your magazine debut soon.