Will any spacer do?

[ebee]

I always either ease them clear of the wall, or take them off, to paper or paint.

Yes indeed Harry, but if remaining live during the time they should be properly fastened to the wall. I know a lot of people do not, plus they often leave them that way for long periods afterwards too!

 

[SUNRAY]

l aways take them off and paper right across then leave until the paper is dry before making the hole and refitting.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

l aways take them off and paper right across then leave until the paper is dry before making the hole and refitting.

Likewise - the dry paper is easier to accurately trim, than wet paper.

 

[ebee]

yep that is ideal if you can do it safely and without great inconvenience

 

[shedvice]

Hi all, quick update job done on one of them! It's not pretty but it's better than it was. Thanks for all the help.

(Don't worry I didn't use the all-metal screwdrivers by the way.)

 

[securespark]

l aways take them off and paper right across then leave until the paper is dry before making the hole and refitting.

Me too. I also take off sockets, Wago the tails then put a bit of 38mm capping over.

Here's one from the lounge that I was half way through doing when I smashed my ankle to bits....

 

[SUNRAY]

Me too. I also take off sockets, Wago the tails then put a bit of 38mm capping over.

Here's one from the lounge that I was half way through doing when I smashed my ankle to bits....

View attachment 376682

Yep but If I use anything it's more likely to be a bit of cardboard from the recycling bin.

 

[ebee]

If, and only if, it is particularly important to keep the socket in situ and live then I would consider the pros and cons of a yoozy box

 

[SUNRAY]

If, and only if, it is particularly important to keep the socket in situ and live then I would consider the pros and cons of a yoozy box

I often find a Yoozy doesn't work well as the backbox is fairly often 'tipped' sightly, making the fixing point for the accessory offset from the centre of the Yoozy.
Excuse the exaggeration

 

[ebee]

I often find a Yoozy doesn't work well as the backbox is fairly often 'tipped' sightly, making the fixing point for the accessory offset from the centre of the Yoozy.
Excuse the exaggerationView attachment 376814

Yes it does have such limitations as you rightfully point out so it is much a horses for courses limitation and “can” sometimes be useful