How to resolve this socket (back box) conundrum?

[Howlin Mad Murdoch]

I wanted to replace a twin socket in my kitchen, so have gone to take it off and it was immediately apparent that the previous 'installer' cross thread one of the (rather long) screws. Unfortunately, it gave up and snapped off in the back box, se below on the left....



How am I going to get out of this pickle?

[untakenname]

Decent pair of pliers (or mole grips if there's space) will loosen that.

[xstian]

As above.

Then a 3.5mm tap.

[98elise]

untakenname said:

Decent pair of pliers (or mole grips if there's space) will loosen that.

Agreed. Mole grips if possible. It was cross threaded with a screwdriver so molegrips will make light work of it with the extra leverage.

[cRaigAl205]

If the tab/thread is beyond repair, I've had success in the past using these! https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BBRC.html

[RGG]

Mole grips

But ..... Don't try to just unscrew, turn forwards 1/4 turn - then unscrew 1/4 turn - a few times - then begin to unscrew - if it tightens again - repeat the tighten / untighten routine - and you should have it off cleanly

[Doofus]

Or replace the back box entirely for about £4

[Howlin Mad Murdoch]

Doofus said:

Or replace the back box entirely for about £4

I would need to remove several tiles to that, so thats a lot of work I'm trying to avoid.

[Doofus]

Howlin Mad Murdoch said:

Doofus said:

Or replace the back box entirely for about £4

I would need to remove several tiles to that, so thats a lot of work I'm trying to avoid.

Fair enough. That's not clear from your picture.

[POIDH]

I have had that before. Ended up having to trim the tile edge out the way and then remove and re-fit a new back box. :-(

[xstian]

Doofus said:

Howlin Mad Murdoch said:

Doofus said:

Or replace the back box entirely for about £4

I would need to remove several tiles to that, so thats a lot of work I'm trying to avoid.

Fair enough. That's not clear from your picture.

Removing the back box is the last thing you should try.

There are a few options you can try first. As mentioned above, remove screw with pliers and re-tap. If the hole is too large, you can try squeezing the lug to close the hole slightly and then try the tap again.

That lug is the movable one. You can buy another back box with the same lug and swap them over, there are a couple of different designs so make sure you get the same one.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/appleby-2-gang-galvanis...

Last option, remove the lug completely, drill a 3mm hole directly into the back of the box and tap that and use a longer socket screw.

[Mr Pointy]

cRaigAl205 said:

If the tab/thread is beyond repair, I've had success in the past using these! https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BBRC.html

Working link:
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BBRC.html