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+--- Thread: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? (/showthread.php?tid=177841)
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how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - clay - 03-29-2015
Let's say I need to move a light switch to a different location in a room, and what's available are 2 studs that are spaced so that there's about 8 inches of space between them (like close to the corner of a room). There's space for a junction box/switch box, but not a ton of space to swing a hammer and drive a couple of nails to secure the box onto the studs. Assume I have the drywall completely removed, so I have access to both sides of the wall and can easily access all the space between the two closely spaced studs. If I want to avoid trying to anchor the box to the drywall, do I have any other options for securing the box?
I used one of those ceiling fan boxes a few years back to put a ceiling fan in my ceiling without opening up too much drywall...that box had some sort of mechanism that was essentially a bar connected to the back of the box. You twisted the bar to extend or contract its length, and then some "teeth" on the ends of the bar sunk into the ceiling joists to secure it. That seemed pretty secure and the fan is still hanging where it should be. Don't know if there's something similar for this sort of application.
any ideas?
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - John B. - 03-29-2015
Drive some screws with a right-angle drill?
I'd use an old-work box and anchor it to the drywall. Just did one of those last night, expanding a one-gang box location to a two-gang box. Cut hole, install box, tighten two screws to set the mounting ears. Easy peasy.
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - mstudio - 03-29-2015
Depending on what sort of box you are using, you can use screws instead of nails. Very easy to run a few screws on an angle. You can also cut a short piece of 2x4 to fit flat between the two studs and screw a box through the back into the short piece of wood.
There are plastic boxes available that are legal in most places now, they have a nail already in it on an angle to easily hammer into the stud.
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - onthedownlow - 03-29-2015
There are boxes where the nails are at an angle (and already pre-installed) and you can hammer it into the studs easily with normal 'swings' from straight on - or use screws and drill.
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - davester - 03-29-2015
Just use screws through the side of the box. A small electric impact driver is the best thing for driving the screws. You can also buy boxes with nailing flanges on the side that drive into the face rather than the side of the stud.
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - Onamuji - 03-29-2015
clay wrote:
any ideas?
Adjustable box mounting brackets are available, but they start at 16-inches. Wrong size for that gap.
So... I'm thinking like John B.
Just get a right-angle driver attachment and screws, pre-drill your holes and deal with the inevitable sweat and curses.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWARA100-Right-Adapter-Attachment/dp/B00C0VSNKQ/
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - Carm - 03-29-2015
Use a remodel box. http://www.homedepot.com/c/installing_remodeling_boxes_HT_PG_EL
or another type that has a flang on the side. http://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/19917/how-do-i-mount-the-new-work-electrical-boxes-with-the-nail-in-flange
I have installed both types and I reinforced the one with a nail in flange with a screw into the case on the inside into the electrical box. Predrill the hole to prevent cracking the box.
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - CW2V - 03-29-2015
Front nailer:
CW2V
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - thermarest - 03-29-2015
I found the craftsman nextec 12v right angle driver to be the most compact to fit in a small space such as this, and use it often for this exact purpose. This tool has its flaws, but is extremely useful overall. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-nextec-12.0-volt-right-angle-impact-driver/p-00917562000P
Re: how to install outlet or switch box between 2 closely spaced wood studs? - artie67 - 03-29-2015
Go to your local supplier and tell them what you are trying to do. Carm has linked the normal box for retro fitting a box between two studs. I like the metal ones, but plastic is code also. You might get a drywall saw also and do the wiring in the box before inserting into the wall.
Always make sure the breaker is OFF.