I'm working on installing new outlets in my house, but I've hit a snag: the screw holes in the electrical box seem to be stripped and I can't get any screws to stay in place. They look rusted, and even the old screws just get pushed back out when I try to secure them. I attempted to wrap the screws in Teflon tape, but unfortunately that didn't help. Does anyone have any suggestions for fixing this problem?
3 Answers
I’ve had some luck using 1.25 inch drywall screws to secure the outlet, though it can be a bit risky. Alternatively, you could try using 6/32 J nuts over the tabs on the box for better grip if you're really in a pinch!
You can actually use thicker screws than the ones that come with the outlet if you're struggling to get them to hold. Just make sure they're the right size to fit your outlet box!
One straightforward fix is to use an 8-32 tap bit to re-tap the holes. This will allow you to use screws that fit better since the original ones are 6-32. It's a pretty reliable solution!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll keep that in mind as a last resort.