Hoiw to remove old defective nailed in electrical back box?

Fingers Mcginty

I want to replace it but cannot get the nail removed. Will not budge. Is there nsome kack in getting it off ? See attached image

20240917_205639.jpg

astrofool

I usually use a small claw bar:

Stanley CLAW BAR 10IN : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

I have, in the past, just destroyed all the plastic around the masonry nail and taken the box out in pieces.

Fingers Mcginty

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122627567#Comment_122627567

Thanks …i think thats the only option …cheers

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122627567#Comment_122627567

Yep, that's a washered concrete nail, they don't come out without a serious fight.

Corkey123

I'd use a small hole saw (without the bit) and cut around the nail and simply move the box out. Then use your crowbar, claw, etc to remove the nail. Removing the backbox will also give you a bit more room to get under the washer of the nail.

Fingers Mcginty

Managed to remove it by drilling small holes around the washer then clawed it out, The depth of the box is just shy of 22 mm….can't seem to find any that depth online….see attached.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122629886#Comment_122629886

25, 35 and 47mm here:

https://www.eurosales.ie/categories.html?filter_set%5B%5D=4776,4852,4880&page=2

astrofool

20mm flush box:
PD TWIN FLUSH BOX 20mm - Eurosales

For the dot and dab walls.

16mm metal do exist but harder to find:

2 Gang 16mm Deep Flush Metal Back Box, Twin Flush Backbox 70 x (sparksdirect.co.uk)

Fingers Mcginty

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122631364#Comment_122631364

i think that 20 mm one should do the job, thanks