Fixing a wonky light switch

[gnigdave]

sorry for the multiple posts but it's a bit of a decorating and electrical question.

Untitled

• gnigdave
• 24 Jan 2015
• 2

Untitled

• gnigdave
• 24 Jan 2015
• 2

this light switch couldn't be any worse. it works at least but it's wonky in every direction. i'm prepping the wall and wondered if anyone has any experience of fixing a switch like this?

cheers

 

[OwainDIYer]

turn of lecky at main switch

carefully dig out and remove existing box

cut out new hole in wall and refit box

plaster up with quick set filler

have cup of tea while filler sets

rewire and turn on lecky

have another cup of tea

 

[gnigdave]

thanks for the info. really helpful. i'm not sure what to expect when i come to moving the box. how easy will it move? and wondering why it's been placed so badly in the first place.... maybe they couldn't get deep enough for some reason? still no excuse for not using a spirit level but it's the case for most of the house really.


cheers.

 

[Jackrae]

Maybe his horse had a limp

 

[Chri5]

When you take it all out and need to reset the metal back box you can use a drill and honeycomb the back with multiple drill holes.

If you need to drill (say) 20mm, wrap some insulation tape or gaffs tape 20mm up from the drill tip as a marker.

Most will do a row of holes 5-10mm apart around the whole perimeter of the box footprint and then holes everywhere within the perimeter.

I idea being that with a bolster or old chisel you chip away the brick or plaster around the holes for a clean area for the box to mount on. The holes lessen the amount of harsh hammering required and avoid blown areas occurring.