Can't make electric breaker snap into place in the breaker box

[Dennis S]

I'm replacing a Cutler Hammer old-style double 50-amp breaker that was the culprit of my Kenmore range problems earlier. The side that snaps in place and makes the electric connections won't snap. I looked at everything and it all lines up OK.

[iaJim]

Is anything plugged into the circuit? It might still be providing a short.

[Bernie]

Look carefully at both breakers. Maybe they are different.

[Dennis S]

They are the same. The repairman couldn't get the bad breaker to snap back in, either. I can't get it to snap in the slot below, either, but it will go in on the opposite side. I guess I'm not getting enough leverage in the original position.

[Harbourmaster]

Get a bigger hammer??

[Dennis S]

[quote iaJim]Is anything plugged into the circuit? It might still be providing a short.
No. That's what messed it up - one of my uncles or in-laws piggy-backed the well-pump into it and the wire loosened up. Pretty dangerous stuff.

[modelamac]

If it will snap into one side but not the other, put it in the side that works.

It is a double breaker, which means it is to be connected to both 120 volt "legs", so which side it snaps into does not matter. It gets the connections in both positions. Re-route the wires and you are done.