How do you fix a stripped screw hole in a plastic electrical box?

Get a plastic box and cut off the top. Use the part with screw hole as a nut behind the metal tab of your box.



Given that the box is plastic, you have at least 3 options:

  1. Try a slightly larger screw.
  2. Fill the mounting hole(s) in the box with epoxy, drill a new hole, and re-mount the outlet.
  3. Replace the box.


How do you fix a screw hole in plastic?

RE: How to fix stripped plastic screw holes? I usually shave a small length of plastic about the size of a tooth pick and superglue it into the hole. Others have filled the hole with stuff like JB Weld and redrilled the holes after it dries.

How do you fix a stripped screw hole in a junction box?

If the stripped problem is that the electrical box mounting hole for a receptacle, light fixture or other device has become stripped, you’ll need to enlarge and tap the hole for the next size larger screw and tap threads for the new screw.

How do you fix a broken plastic electrical box?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We can see that the screws aren't securing the outlet to the box. So what we're gonna do is install pull this away from the box and install a g clip over this point and a G clip over this point.

What size screw goes in plastic electrical box?

The most common electrical box screw size is 6-32. However, for many applications, 6-32 is too light duty, so we use an 8-32 or even a 10-32 instead. The thread pitch, however, is always 32.

What is a good epoxy for plastic?

Best Overall Plastic Epoxy: Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy



The Gorilla 2-Part Epoxy is considered the best overall product because it is versatile and provides a clear and tidy finish. This is a good epoxy for plastic but can also be used on metal, wood, ceramics, glass, tiles, and other surfaces.

How do you Rethread a plastic bolt hole?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But what i'm going to do is i'm going to use a couple three small zip ties and what i'm going to do i'm just going to kind of measure. It. I'm going to cut them. Off i'm going to shove these zip ties

How do you screw into plastic?

  1. Mark the exact position on a sheet of rigid plastic where you want to drive a screw by scoring the surface with the point of the screw or with an awl.
  2. Position the screw on the end of a magnetic bit and heat the tip of the screw with a lighter for about 5 seconds.
  3. Drive the screw into the plastic while it is still hot.
  4. What type of screw is best for plastic?

    Thread-forming screws, generally, function best in thermoplastic materials. Thread-forming screws produce no waste as the plastic that is displaced to create the thread flows back into the root of the thread resulting in a very secure fit. ecosyn®-plast is a great option for a thread-forming screw for plastic.

    Can you drill into plastic?

    While drilling through plastic can be done using any power drill, it’s important to have the correct drill bits so you don’t chip or crack the material. Irregular holes and rough edges could lead to cracking, even months after the drilling occurs.

    What type of drill bit is best for plastic?

    spur-point drill bits

    Drilling holes in plastic is best done with spur-point drill bits. Also known as dowel bits, they have a center point and two elevated spurs that help keep the bit straight. The point and angle in front of these bits guarantee smooth cutting and reduce the stress in front.

    How do you drill a hole in plastic without a drill?

    Quote from the video:
    Quote from Youtube video: I find a spot that I want to put the hole. And I just go back and forth with pressure digging the tip of the knife into the plastic. Now it's gone through.

    How do you drill through thin plastic?

    Quote from the video:
    Quote from Youtube video: And this helps even with ordinary drill bits is to use dish soap as a lubricant.

    How do you melt holes in plastic?

    The best way to make a hole in plastic without damaging it at home is to use a hot rod. Plastic melts easily, and this is what we take advantage of. You would need a rod the size of the hole you want, a fire and an insulator to hold the rod.

    Can I use a soldering iron to make holes in plastic?

    Even a cheap soldering iron will reach temperatures in excess of what is needed to heat plastic. In a well ventilated area, turn on the soldering iron and allow it to heat up. Then with only a light pressure, press the tip of the iron at the desired location, and it will melt a drain hole through the plastic.

    Can you melt holes in acrylic?

    Apply firm pressure as you push the bit through the acrylic. This will melt the plastic rather than chip it. It takes a little longer, but will give you perfect holes without cracking.