Not even if you nip them up a bit with a pair of pliers? 
Wall socket moved, is it ok to plaster?
- Thread starter Laz1
- Start date
Sponsored Links
No that'll make it worse. They normally go into the lug about half a turn before binding up solid.
Running an M3.5 tap through the lug is all you need to do.
Running an M3.5 tap through the lug is all you need to do.
M3.5 screws will not go into 4BA threaded lugs
Strange, I've done it before. Better to get 4BA screws however.
I suppose I would as well, given my feelings about MF joints - but I suppose that has to be traded off against one's feelings abut the aesthetics of the additional blank plate. However, if the OP were fairly lucky, there would be enough slack in the cables not to require any joints - I did say "(extending the cables with MF JBs if really necessary).
I'm actually a little confused about what has been done, and why. If it is possible and acceptable to have a (visible) blank plate next to the socket, why couldn't the socket have been left there in the first place? If the situation is that a single blank plate is acceptable, but a double-sized plate/socket wouldn't be (in relation to what is to be done to the wall/room), then the old double box could have been replaced with a single one, with a single socket (more useful than a blank plate!) and then the new double socket spurred off that.
Kind Regards, John
Sponsored Links
M3.5 screws will not go into 4BA threaded lugs
Strange, I've done it before. Better to get 4BA screws however.
Remind what 4BA is.
I can re-tap an imperial back box (pre-1970ish) and fit 3.5 mm screws.
I think.
If that's what you mean.
The old double socket was half behind a brick fireplace so only one socket was accessible. So I wanted the double socket moved out from behind the fireplace. I am planning to replace the brick in the fireplace. The blank plate was just a way for me to fix the problem myself. But as there are other issues here I will get the new electrician to run cables under the floorboards. Then I can plaster over the old box and replace the brick.
Thanks for all of the advice, btw.
Thanks for all of the advice, btw.
M3.5 screws will not go into 4BA threaded lugs
Strange, I've done it before. Better to get 4BA screws however.
Remind what 4BA is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Association_screw_threads
4 B.A. has an outer diameter of 3.6 mm, and uses a tapping drill of 3.0 mm. Threads per mm is 1.514.
3.5 mm has a tapping drill size of 2.9 mm, 0.6 threads per mm.
So the diameter is similar but the thread pitch will screw you up (sorry).
So slightly smaller, hence my idea about nipping it.
A rethreader would be best, but I bet a stainless steel screw would self-tap its way through a mm or so of mild steel...
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
Sponsored Links
