Best way to repair gap between sockets

[bettz1]

Right got the back box, power all turned off but noticed the back boxes are nailed into the wall? How's the best way to remove them? Then reattach the new backbox?

 

[Wayners]

Hammer the nail in further. Smack it.

Other way is just mangle the box up leaver it off. Will damage wall


New box set in filler
When dry you can add screw

 

[bettz1]

Hammer the nail in further. Smack it.

Other way is just mangle the box up leaver it off. Will damage wall


New box set in filler
When dry you can add screw

Managed to pry them out.

Can I reuse the nails for the new box? I thought I'd have to drill holes and put plugs in to fix to wall

Also the old backboxes have electrical tape around them should I do that with the new boxes?

 

[Wayners]

I tape new box to batten of wood.
Tape the wood batten to the wall either side.
The box is now floating in the hole but dead level with wall surface.
Bang some filler behind and wait for it to set.

Then a bit of filler around edges. Wait for it to set

Remove batten.
Now fill and tidy around.
I often don't bother with screw through back box. Filler will hold.

Start trying to nail it will get box bent up.

Why do you need tape?