Longer screws!

I was this many years old when I learned that if I replace the mounting screws of a switch with ones 1/2" longer, then it is MUCH easier to install especially when your box is packed full.

3 Likes

Ok, I'll bite. You don't mean that you are smashing the wires by torquing the screws from a further distance, right?

I can imagine it helping with alignment, but admit the first image that came to mind was cranking on a nest of wires.

box fill, shmox fill :sweat_smile:

If there is no bulge in the back or sides of the box when all done, there is not problem here :rofl:

1 Like

Just watch out where that bare copper ground wire gets pushed into. :flushed:

2 Likes

To many times.

In sort of related news, the ZEN73 800LR switches I installed recently came with short screws for the faceplate. It seems that a long screw there does in fact mess with the ground lug.

Ehh, I agree with the OP. In practice, sometimes the outlet box can be a little off kilter... and even if you aren't 'smashing' the wires into the box, the total forces playing against the screws (and a nice 'straight, level' presentation from the out side view) will benefit from longer screws. I've got an older house, and I have a bug box with electrical outlet compatible threaded screws in various lengths. I've had to play up both short and longer to even out the alignment while keeping the forces at bay.