Replacing an Electrical Receptacle

[lambchop]

Is there a safe way to attach a duplex outlet to a box whose tab (where the screw attaches to the box) has been broken, without replacing the box?

[markmark]

Yes, if you mean the screw hole is stripped out. All receptacles come with a size 6/32 screw. The 6 refers to the diameter of the screw, and the 32 refers to 32 threads per inch. There is a tool, that can be purchaced at your Do It Yourself store, called a "tri-tap". This tool is used to re-thread the screw hole to the next size. In this case, the next size would be 8/32. The person at the store can show you the tool, and explain how to use it. Purchase two size 8/32, one inch long, screws. Re-tap the hole to size 8/32, and use the new screws to attach the receptacle back into the box. Be sure to turn the power off before doing this.

[lambchop]

Originally Posted by markmark

Yes, if you mean the screw hole is stripped out. All receptacles come with a size 6/32 screw. The 6 refers to the diameter of the screw, and the 32 refers to 32 threads per inch. There is a tool, that can be purchaced at your Do It Yourself store, called a "tri-tap". This tool is used to re-thread the screw hole to the next size. In this case, the next size would be 8/32. The person at the store can show you the tool, and explain how to use it. Purchase two size 8/32, one inch long, screws. Re-tap the hole to size 8/32, and use the new screws to attach the receptacle back into the box. Be sure to turn the power off before doing this.

The screw hole is not stripped out, but is broken off. Is there some kind of strip which can stand in the place of the original screw hole tab? The receptacle shakes around when a plug is inserted.