How to remove broken faceplate screw from outlet?
- Thread starter wahoowad
- Start date
driftpin
Well-known member
I sympathize with OP wahoowad. Joined in 2015 and has 223 posts, more of a lurker, perhaps not the typical GJ person who wants to buy-out the Snappy truck to remove/replace a screw.
Obviously the best way to proceed would be to replace the duplex outlet. About the only time I've seen a plastic screw/nut/bolt was to bolt-together a motorcycle fairing & windscreen. I doubt the duplex outlet faceplate has a plastic screw, but I'm no expert on the hardware.
I think I'd be more-concerned with the answer to the following:
Was that screw clocked?
Obviously the best way to proceed would be to replace the duplex outlet. About the only time I've seen a plastic screw/nut/bolt was to bolt-together a motorcycle fairing & windscreen. I doubt the duplex outlet faceplate has a plastic screw, but I'm no expert on the hardware.
I think I'd be more-concerned with the answer to the following:
Was that screw clocked?
Ultradog MN
Well-known member
Agree.
We're dealing with a 6-32 screw.
Don't laugh too hard.
I HAVE run across several situations where some #$%%^$ idjit installed the wall switch or receptacle into the box with full length drywall screws. Crooked, of course. Completely stripping out the mounting threads in the wall box and buggering the mounting holes in the device mounting ears in the process. And making the switch or receptacle floppy from then on.
And making it so that a replacement switch or receptacle would never be able to be installed with the included CORRECT mounting screws that are ATTACHED to the new switch or receptacle. ARRRGH!!!
Had to look up and cite chapter and verse from the NEC on "workmanship" and "rated hardware" to 'management' to get the repair routed to the electrician to fix it. Along with other obvious installation fails, such as missing cover plates and exposed bare wires in the box with no cover plate. WTF!
I HAVE run across several situations where some #$%%^$ idjit installed the wall switch or receptacle into the box with full length drywall screws. Crooked, of course. Completely stripping out the mounting threads in the wall box and buggering the mounting holes in the device mounting ears in the process. And making the switch or receptacle floppy from then on.
And making it so that a replacement switch or receptacle would never be able to be installed with the included CORRECT mounting screws that are ATTACHED to the new switch or receptacle. ARRRGH!!!
Had to look up and cite chapter and verse from the NEC on "workmanship" and "rated hardware" to 'management' to get the repair routed to the electrician to fix it. Along with other obvious installation fails, such as missing cover plates and exposed bare wires in the box with no cover plate. WTF!
zimman
Well-known member
Secure the power. Ball peen hammer, safety glasses
Replace the outlet.
Zim
Replace the outlet.
Zim
Lorydr
Well-known member
It's a one-time use, so buy 2 or 3.
BurtEggley
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2024
- Messages
- 865
Poor guy.
Speaking of outlets, my electrician friend replaced a couple last time I had him doing a job for us. They are so easy to plug and unplug, gonna have him to the whole house in them next time we paint and change carpet.
Speaking of outlets, my electrician friend replaced a couple last time I had him doing a job for us. They are so easy to plug and unplug, gonna have him to the whole house in them next time we paint and change carpet.