Help refitting spotlights after decorating?

[earleeriser]

Hi All,

First post on this forum so hello to all!

We recently popped the spotlights out to repaint the ceiling and required a flat head screw driver. They were a bit tricky to get out but managed to lever them all down.

Painting is now done however I cannot push the springs back in either direction to get them in, they are extremely tight and barely budge.

Below is what they look like:

//media.diynot.com/219000_218310_77328_64461757_thumb.jpg

//media.diynot.com/219000_218310_77329_57787488_thumb.jpg

The problem is with the metal clip poking out as I cannot move them enough either way to refit the spot.

Am I missing anything easy here or any tools required to get the spots back in?

Thanks,
ER!

 

[333rocky333]

Spotlight Close

• earleeriser
• 12 May 2014
• 1

Spotlight Far

• earleeriser
• 12 May 2014
• 1

as they go up the ear bit will sort of fold down in between the ceiling and the light, squeeze the ears in to quide it as you push the fitting up.
or you will break out the ceiling

Ps, Welcome, if you can try and put your pics in the post as you will more likely get more replies

 

[securespark]

Make sure there is not an obstruction.

The holes are not close to joists, are they?

 

[earleeriser]

Hi guys thanks for coming back and apologies on the pictures, thought I had uploaded correctly!

The problem I'm finding is the "ears" are rediculously tight to pull down toward the light. Is it normal to need to use pliers for this sort of job?

We have an electrictian coming round for something else later this week who may also be able to assist.

 

[securespark]

It's not easy to see from the pics, but is that plasterboard double thickness?

That will make it awkward, unless the springs are extra long.

 

[earleeriser]

Not too sure on the thickness, will be able to check that tonight, how many mm would you be expecting for that?

 

[Taylortwocities]

You should be able to see if there are one or two sheets. Each sheet will probably be 12.5mm thick.

 

[earleeriser]

Hi All,

Just to update and in the interest of anyone else with this problem found the fix! INFURIATINGLY SIMPLE!

They just need to be pushed up forecefully into the holes, as they rise up the longer clips push outwards into the hole which in turn pushed the ears down. Does require a fair bit of force (which originally I was worried about so to avoid damaging the ceiling!).

Resolved!
Thanks,
ER