Fixing Back-boxes in plaster & lath

[adamr7747]

Hi All,

I'm changing an existing 1-way + 2-way switch into a 2-way + 3-way and have removed the switch and back-box from the wall in the process. The existing back-box was "held" in place on some filler of some sort squished in against a load of plastic bags which were filling the void in a plaster & lath stud wall.

What's the best way to satisfactorily re-fix the back box? I've not seen a dry-wall backbox which can cope with the thickness of the plaster and lath - and anyway I've made a mess of the wall in getting the original back-box out, so don't have a neat hole it could slot into. Ideally I'd like to fix the back box in place first and then deal with making good the surrounding plasterwork.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[yorkspark]

As you've gashed the wall already, can you not cut back to the uprights and fit a noggin between them to allow back box to be screwed into place?

 

[adamr7747]

Heh. Thanks, that's a fair point - though I'd rather not make even more mess if I can help it!

Adam

 

[martinxxxxxx]

Everyone has posted to help you here so please consider posting a follow up of what you did and if poss a a before, during and after photos (we love photos) this will help future people with the same problem

 

[JohnW2]

What's the best way to satisfactorily re-fix the back box? I've not seen a dry-wall backbox which can cope with the thickness of the plaster and lath - and anyway I've made a mess of the wall in getting the original back-box out, so don't have a neat hole it could slot into.

If you've already made a mess of the wall (we've all been there!), why not neaten up the hole in the lath/plaster and repair it with a bit of plasterboard - after which you could use a standard 'dry-wall backbox'. I've done that a few times in similar circumstances.

Kind Regards, John.

 

[adamr7747]

please consider posting a follow up of what you did

Not very exciting in the end... found I could cut back a few cm more plaster & lath to reveal a stud to fix to.

Adam