How do I repair a plastic electrical box that sticks out past the drywall?

Question

Many of the switch/outlet boxes in my house protrude beyond the drywall surface, hence the faceplates are not flush with the drywall. It's driving my wife nuts! Any suggestions to prevent this?

Answer 1

You'll have to reset the boxes.
Stupid elec^&$$#@

Answer 2

Not much to do that's easy. It depends a bit on how the boxes were installed. Most are nailed to the studs. Removing those nails and reinstalling them is a major job that will require a lot of re-do of the drywall. If the protrusion is an eighth of inch or less, You can add drywall mud and feather it out round the box and repaint. If the boxes are plastic, you might be able to saw off the part that extends from the wall. Tediousity personified however.

Answer 3

What you want to use is a cut-in box. All types of sizes. They look like regular boxes that are nailed to studs but cut-it have a small lip on that sits tight to the outside of the wall. It will have two wings on it that when screwed down pop out and tighten to the back side of the drywall. Just be sure not to cut the hole out to big. If it is just a normal singe box you are installing, they sell a template that has a level on it that way the hole is cut perfect and straight. Cost any where for 1 to 5 dollars depending on the size of the box.

Answer 4

The way I fix it is to use a sawzaw with a bi-metal blade. I slide the blade between the box and the sheet rock starting at the top and cut the top nail. Working my way down I cut the bottom nail. ( take note not to cut the wires by cutting too high or too low). Once loose, I unscrew the outlet from the box and reattach the box using 1 1/2'' dry wall screws. It takes some time getting use to but if you don't already own a sawzaw beleive me you will have many other uses for it then just fixing outlets.
Don't forget to turn the power off.

Answer 5

They now make an electrical cover plate that is designed to make a flush fit for applications like this. Go to your local home improvement store and explain the problem to the attendant...they can help you.

Answer 6

If the box is plastic or fiber, you can use tile nippers (I don't know the real name of this tool), and clip off the excess. Don't clip off the part where the screw holding the device goes in too much.

Answer 7

change your switches to the flat one's