Converting Recessed Can to Fixture??

[expatriated]

I've got a 6" recessed lighting can above the sink that my wife bought a fixture for and wants the fixture in place of the can.

The fixture has the typical 3" or so spacing bar for the mounting screws. While the can has left a 6" in hole in the ceiling drywall. The hole is directly between the 2 joists (not alongside one where I could screw in a ceiling box) and I'd rather not turn this into a drywall job. So, currently, I have nothing to mount the fixture to, just a hole in the ceiling.

Lowe's was of no help. HD had a kit that does not work with my brand of can. I found this online:
CAN CONVERTER

What other options do I have, short of requiring drywall patching?

Thanks!

 

[46MGTC]

I'm not sure if you can remove all of the old can components but you could look at the devices meant to hang ceiling fans. It should be able to get it up through the hole and then expand the arms to grab the joists then use it to mount the new fixture. Does the new fixture come with some sort of bezel to cover the 6" hole?

Dave

 

[scott37300]

Your best option is to rip the can out and use a ceiling fan kit. It will fit threw the hole and then there is a screw you turn to set the teeth into the rafters.

 

[expatriated]

I can (and did) take the can completely out. I did not look at ceiling fan hangers but I'll check that out.

Once I remove the can, I have the junction box right there next to the hole, about a foot or so to the floor above and the joist on either side. I could get some stuff up in that hole but without damaging the drywall, I've only got a 6 in diameter hole to work with.

Those little blue electrical boxes for "old work" that have the little arms that open up and catch the back side of the drywall would be perfect. But I can't find them bigger than a 3" diameter--I guess they don't make them in a 6 in?

EDIT: Yes, the new fixture's baseplate is like 8" across so the cosmetic problem of hiding the hole is not an issue--just trying to figure out how to hang it.

 

[jrsulo]

You should have just gotten on of those pendant light retro kits from home depot or lowes.

 

[expatriated]

You should have just gotten on of those pendant light retro kits from home depot or lowes.

I looked at one of those but the wife wanted something else...

I found a converter kit at a local electrical supply store that is basically the same as what you are talking about but it allows the light to be affixed directly to the can, rather than just hang by the wire like the one you are talking about. Once I get this fixture up, it will help the kitchen, since it has 3 directional bulbs, and we need to direct light in a few places to go with the other stuff I just installed.

It definitely would have been easier the other way

 

[jrsulo]

sorry that could not work for you......just use the brace like the guys above said.ive got the retro kit(3 above sink) and love them...good luck !!

 

[expatriated]

I found a local vendor of the can converter. Worked perfectly. $28 was sort of pricey but it's well done and sturdy.