How to Fix Bad Recessed Outlets

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  • Опубліковано 19 жов 2013
  • Austin shows two ways to fix Bad recessed outlet problems in this simple to follow handyman style tips.
    The links below are affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The shim plate was purchased at Home Depot.
    Klein Tools 85073INS Insulated Screwdriver Set - amzn.to/46FAXZ6
    Klein Tools NCVT1P Voltage Tester - amzn.to/46XnGLa
    Electrical Outlet Spacers, 36pcs - amzn.to/3Qs8H6L
    Milwaukee 2101-22 M4 1/4 Hex Screwdriver Kit W/2 Bat - amzn.to/3tKtvxr
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 551

  • @EqualsThreeable
    @EqualsThreeable 3 роки тому +15

    This is the voice of the narrator in your head giving you instructions for a mission.

  • @farmhand3724
    @farmhand3724 3 роки тому +3

    7 yrs & the video remains relevant. One of the best recessed outlet fixes available.

  • @Remrie
    @Remrie 5 років тому +6

    I love the grandure of the over the top echo. Thank you for making this video. Effective, thorough, simple, and funny at the same time

  • @bobmalmquist5580
    @bobmalmquist5580 8 років тому +10

    I had this problem with 2 recepticals in my house. I knew there had to be a quick fix. thanks. I enjoy the videos

  • @brownhammer3544
    @brownhammer3544 6 років тому +27

    Thank you sir! Straight to the point, no b.s talking, effective and well done.

  • @jimnypivo
    @jimnypivo 5 років тому

    Thanks, Austin. Your clear and simple video has demystified my longstanding problem with recessed outlets.

  • @philbled
    @philbled 2 роки тому +1

    Here I am learning this really useful skull 7 years later. Thank you!

  • @mountainhike100
    @mountainhike100 3 роки тому

    Last year when we moved into this new house, I had to do both of your tips for at less 8 of the boxes. They for some reason put a second sheet of sheetrock on the three walls and all the boxes were deep inside. The plates looked so bad, I just had to fix them. So as I was painting I fixed the boxes. Looks good now. You also did a great video, people can follow it and really understand what you are doing. Thank you.

  • @XloMotion
    @XloMotion 4 роки тому +2

    Posted over 6 years ago and still helping people out!
    Went to replace a bunch of outlets and switches and most of them are not sitting flush with the wall. Now thanks to you I'll be able to fix them quickly!
    Thank you!

  • @LivonieJoanie
    @LivonieJoanie 10 років тому +2

    This is exactly what I needed to know. Our electrician didn't anticipate quarter-inch tile on our kitchen backsplash. Your instructions are so clear. Thanks!

  • @farmhand3724
    @farmhand3724 5 років тому +9

    Concise and to the point without alot of drug out explanation. I'm stopping by Home Depot on my way home from work today to get supplies to fix my outlets. Thanks for the video!

  • @apebs5423
    @apebs5423 7 років тому +5

    Thank you!! We bought a house and some of the outlets are awful! It drives me nuts to look at these outlets popping out and the plates just shatter because they are not on right.. this video made my day! Going to start fixing them one by one with your instructions! thanks!

  • @buildingsupplyco
    @buildingsupplyco 6 років тому +1

    Straight to the point with clear instructions. You're a true pro.

  • @bigtaxrefund
    @bigtaxrefund 7 років тому +3

    im an avionic technician (electrician for aircraft), and i to wire my church. after the dry wall install, a few outlets were recessed. i was handcrafting shims to use. i didnt know that u can actually buy shims for this purpose. thnx a million. this video was a learning process for me

  • @davidemoore1620
    @davidemoore1620 5 років тому +11

    Thank you, sir. I really appreciate this instruction. I'm still rebuilding from Hurricane Harvey, and I didn't know what depth to set them before putting up the damn drywall. I hate trying to build my house back by myself, but people like you, will to share their time and expertise, has been such a blessing to me. Thank you.

  • @Diva9000x
    @Diva9000x 8 років тому

    Austin, you are the TRUTH, brother! I was racking my brain trying to figure out why I was having such a hard time replacing sconces in my dining room. After much tribulation (several hours), it dawns on me that the round electrical boxes were too far in the wall and that's why the mounting brackets and fixture plates didn't fit. I went to Home Depot and picked up the longer screws, the shimming plates (2 sets: One metal and one plastic, just in case) and the outlet spacers (also, just in case). I spoke to the electrical guy in HD. He was skeptical of your method, but it worked like a charm! Though you fixed sockets and I lighting fixtures, I still leaned how to correct my problem. After I added the shim plate on the box along with the mounting bracket. I had the new sconce up in 5 minutes! Thanks for your help!

  • @alexandernate
    @alexandernate 5 років тому

    I have this exact issue and i was on my way to Lowes to buy longer screws and i figured i would check out youtube first. Life Saver! thank you!!! *****

  • @VFA41Hedgehog
    @VFA41Hedgehog 7 років тому +110

    Thank you, Sir! I said to myself, "I bet somebody on UA-cam can show me the smart way to get these things flush." You did not disappoint!

    • @markostertag1101
      @markostertag1101 6 років тому

      Bob same here!! Haha

    • @Extrabitz
      @Extrabitz 5 років тому

      Same. I didn't put the thickness of drywall into the installation of my boxes.

    • @misteranderson777
      @misteranderson777 5 років тому

      Fantastic! Who knew they even made shim plates for boxes? Love YouYube and love do it yourself guys like this!

    • @Monuments_to_Good_Intentions
      @Monuments_to_Good_Intentions 4 роки тому

      I was about to use washers, but looked up to see if there was a product available. And sure enough.

    • @XloMotion
      @XloMotion 4 роки тому

      @@Monuments_to_Good_Intentions same as me 😁

  • @TheMargo420
    @TheMargo420 3 роки тому

    Very clear. Thank you. No jabber, no wild music! Very helpful.

  • @oknokmaybe5
    @oknokmaybe5 8 років тому +9

    Great! Provided the fix for the exact problem I was having. Appreciate you sharing the knowledge.

    • @rhoodj
      @rhoodj 8 років тому

      how to know if the oulets are bad or the on off switch button? I have 4 outlets don't work in my house. sshould I just replace the outlets?

  • @lindalowery5353
    @lindalowery5353 7 років тому +1

    Thanks so much for this video. I was about to hire someone to fix my outlets. I can now do it myself. Thank you so much.

  • @manchvegasuruguayguy
    @manchvegasuruguayguy 7 років тому +2

    Thank You for this!! Never knew they made any type of shims for this problem . Now I can fix some problem outlets I've had for years

  • @theodoreblumberg9022
    @theodoreblumberg9022 7 років тому +1

    Well done, good time length. Good description of what was happening!

  • @heathersinclair1882
    @heathersinclair1882 8 років тому +1

    Thanks so much for this handy tutorial! I appreciate your knowledge.

  • @HWP24-7HUTD
    @HWP24-7HUTD 5 років тому +2

    Thank you! This is exactly the issues I have. Keep them coming.

  • @jackdolphy8965
    @jackdolphy8965 2 роки тому

    Super demonstration of this commonly needed fix!! Thank You 🙏🏾

  • @samiakuma
    @samiakuma 3 роки тому

    Thanks so much for making helpful videos like this. I installed decorative beadboard and didn't take into account for the gap it would create. Still trying to decide between these shims or the box extender I saw in some other video. Now I know I have a solution for the other outlets in this house that are flexing too much and just slightly recessed for sure.

  • @marlawhite3682
    @marlawhite3682 9 років тому +2

    Cool Idea on the metal box ring!!!! Ive used the plastic ones for years

  • @Doowopsid
    @Doowopsid 4 роки тому

    Great job,! Nice job explaining the materials needed, and the video of you actually doing the work

  • @sobedas9167
    @sobedas9167 7 років тому

    This video was very informative and easy to follow. I'm happy that I'm able to now know how to fix my outlets. Thank you! :D

  • @EmanAish
    @EmanAish 5 років тому

    Great job. I am a realtor and this issue always shows in the home inspections. Now I know who to get it fixed.

  • @jeanlindberg4946
    @jeanlindberg4946 7 років тому

    wow, you just solved my problem of over aggressive sheet rockers who pushed a few outlet boxes back so they were too recessed for the wall plate. thank you very much!

  • @nldcam
    @nldcam 4 роки тому

    Thank you kindly, means another trip to the store but with quick solution thanks to you.

  • @isaiasguzman942
    @isaiasguzman942 2 роки тому

    You really explain it professionally. Thank you.

  • @edgarherrera1288
    @edgarherrera1288 2 роки тому

    Great job 👏🏼 👍🏼!
    You’re the man!
    Greetings to you from Memphis, Tennessee!

  • @petemiller519
    @petemiller519 3 роки тому +1

    Good video. You can break off the ears from the plugs for a tighter cover plate install when you install them over the metal backing plate. Thumbs up. Cheers from Canada.

  • @kathaleenwright7206
    @kathaleenwright7206 4 роки тому +1

    Wow, great video! You just made my life a lot easier. Thanks!!

  • @mariclar53
    @mariclar53 10 років тому +5

    You are a life saver! Thank you so much for a great video.

  • @barbarabray6583
    @barbarabray6583 3 роки тому

    Thanks so much! Have several in our house, didn't know until we had a house inspection, now I can change the problem..

  • @OmarAmaya138BPM
    @OmarAmaya138BPM 9 років тому +1

    Thanks a bunch. This was an extremely helpful video.

  • @delberth.atcitty9141
    @delberth.atcitty9141 5 років тому

    Thank you so much for the video. You made what I thought was impossible, possible.

  • @evelyngonzalez8028
    @evelyngonzalez8028 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome.... I redid our kitchen back splash and had this problem. Now I can fix it and it will look awesome🙏🏻👍 thank you for sharing

  • @marvinostman522
    @marvinostman522 3 роки тому +14

    I have always made my own spacers. An electrician showed my dad and he showed me. Find a piece of 14 gauge Romex and strip off all the insulation so all you have are bare conductors. Take a 16d nail and wrap the wire around it so it looks like a spring. The screw holding the outlet in place slides right in side the coil. Cut off what you need put the screw through it an tighten it to the box. It is copper so if you are using a metallic box the ground path is maintained. Through the rest of the coil in your bag for the next job. Works great and generally there will be wire scraps laying around.

    • @ThePainkiller3666
      @ThePainkiller3666 3 роки тому +1

      I use the refrigerator's 1/4" water line (plastic) as spacers, works better than romex, cut them into 5in strips and put them in my misc. case.

    • @marvinostman522
      @marvinostman522 3 роки тому +1

      @@ThePainkiller3666 yes they are easier to use but they are nonconductive

    • @bobsue3639
      @bobsue3639 3 роки тому +2

      I break off the outlets "ear" tabs and use them as spacer washers.

    • @marvinostman522
      @marvinostman522 3 роки тому +1

      @@bobsue3639 I can't swear to it but I think one of the purposes for those ears was to catch the drywall and hold the outlet flush. It works if the cut out is the right size. Most of the time you need more than 4 washers. I've done that and it works good.

    • @ozzie1684
      @ozzie1684 3 роки тому +1

      I just cut red wall anchors to length I need .. always works great .but I've done it your way as well

  • @rogerstockton8459
    @rogerstockton8459 5 років тому +1

    gave me exactly the answer I was looking for. Thanks for your post!!

  • @ivorygilyard2243
    @ivorygilyard2243 3 роки тому

    Hi, you did a great job. This information was very helpful and just what I needed. Thank you for posting.

  • @GGEvoIX06
    @GGEvoIX06 7 років тому +1

    Awesome tutorial! Finishing basement and had a sheetrocker do a shoddy job on a few outlets.

  • @jasonopland1007
    @jasonopland1007 4 роки тому

    Very helpful! Thanks for taking the time to prepare this!

  • @Hasan-bc6rr
    @Hasan-bc6rr 4 роки тому

    Yes sir I enjoyed it and learned from it. Thanks for the clear illustration.

  • @generalmaximus53
    @generalmaximus53 5 років тому +1

    Trying to do some DIY project. I put 1/2 in sheet rock over some existing brown wood paneling. Had a huge gap issue with all the outlets in the room. Thanks for showing how it gets done. !

  • @rsxen8990
    @rsxen8990 5 років тому

    helping people years later. thanks for sharing!

  • @petergalvin677
    @petergalvin677 8 років тому +4

    Awesome! I knew there had to be a fix for recessed recepticles.

  • @mttexg2120
    @mttexg2120 6 років тому

    You saved me a lot of work. I built an attic room and nailed the boxes into the studs, but forgot to leave them out a bit to pull through the drywall. I thought I'd have to tear them out and redo them. Phew!

  • @charleswilson4598
    @charleswilson4598 3 роки тому +1

    I've got one of those recessed plugs and had planned to replace it which I am not looking forward to. The wire is old and very stiff. But now I see there is another way to do this. Thank you

  • @machinmchargue4006
    @machinmchargue4006 4 роки тому

    Thanks! You just saved me a ton of troubleshooting and work.

  • @nonelost1
    @nonelost1 7 років тому +1

    I like how you keep the camera nice and close to the outlet so that I can see better. The last video I viewed regarding crooked outlets the camera was too far away. Therefore I "liked", subscribed, and tapped on the notifications"bell"as well.

  • @gregsievers1743
    @gregsievers1743 7 років тому

    This was exactly what I needed to know! Built a new shop and had placed all the boxes based on the stop (for sheet rock) & we placed OSB sheathing which was thicker. So, I now know about "outlet shims".....yeahhhhhh!! Off to fix them.....

  • @james8156
    @james8156 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome!!! I used the plastic extenders for my outside light fuxture to ensure it was flush mounted.

  • @allpro99
    @allpro99 7 років тому +1

    This just made my Lise a whole lot easier and saved me some money!

  • @harrythompson6854
    @harrythompson6854 2 роки тому

    Great way to show how to do things correctly! Thanks !

  • @Ticky66MN
    @Ticky66MN 10 років тому +2

    I really liked the 1st solution you used. Thank you!

  • @josephpeebles5358
    @josephpeebles5358 7 місяців тому +1

    Excellent..Just what I needed For my shed..Keep up the good work

  • @berthatally3821
    @berthatally3821 6 років тому +1

    Thank you so much, just what I needed and so easy.

  • @katiefanua7613
    @katiefanua7613 5 років тому +1

    Thank you...made it look simple and quick.

  • @awgall
    @awgall 6 років тому

    TREMENDOUS! Thank you very much for your help!

  • @daoudisofiene4588
    @daoudisofiene4588 2 роки тому

    Thank you sir for this, I appreciate your work on this channel and I hope you good chance

  • @vincemussurici6878
    @vincemussurici6878 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the tips! Great video! You are a life saver!

  • @kalijasin
    @kalijasin 3 роки тому

    So simple but yet so effective. Wow!!

  • @ElementofWorship
    @ElementofWorship 7 років тому

    Great video! Thanks for posting!

  • @michaelwampler5731
    @michaelwampler5731 7 років тому +1

    Thank you! Now, I know how to fix my recessed plugins and light switches.

  • @martin5190
    @martin5190 7 років тому +1

    Sweet, pretty helpful for the problem I have. Thanks!

  • @f.l.y.l.a.6025
    @f.l.y.l.a.6025 3 роки тому

    Exactly what I needed to see. Thx

  • @sergio714100
    @sergio714100 10 років тому +1

    His video was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much.

  • @tesla4002
    @tesla4002 3 роки тому

    Amazing simple solution. Thank you

  • @dalebarton7730
    @dalebarton7730 3 роки тому +1

    Outstanding video... Thank you

  • @Robert8455
    @Robert8455 3 роки тому +10

    I always align my trim scews with the slot straight up and down because I could not sleep at night knowing they were just twisted to some random angle.

  • @javiergiraldez1647
    @javiergiraldez1647 3 роки тому

    Excellent! And thanks to show others how to do it. From an Electrician

  • @JSTRODE07
    @JSTRODE07 3 роки тому +1

    Great video good advice. The shaky hands freak the shit out of me as an electrician though. Stay safe.

  • @raulcasanova1190
    @raulcasanova1190 3 роки тому

    Loved it . Thanks for the advice.

  • @president89
    @president89 5 років тому

    Great video. Now I can go fix my plugs/switches!

  • @nyctoya
    @nyctoya 3 роки тому +28

    It's really disappointing when you have to fix other people's mess. That's a great idea with the shim. That never crossed my mind.

    • @ce2flaco
      @ce2flaco 3 роки тому +1

      Coming behind a low bidder. It's all too common. So many customers only look at the number and never consider the quality or lack of it attached.

  • @60RBowers
    @60RBowers 2 роки тому

    Thank you! One of my biggest pet peeves when you pay a LOT of money for a new house!

  • @heroknaderi
    @heroknaderi 3 роки тому +1

    Very appreciative. I enjoyed it

  • @mikelittle1715
    @mikelittle1715 3 роки тому +1

    Wow, I should have looked this up years ago. Thanks.

  • @007MacGregor
    @007MacGregor 10 років тому

    Slick job sparky I like the shims better their quicker , on the other hand the plate extension is nuts accurate

  • @tomc7306
    @tomc7306 5 років тому

    Great video. I've always wondered how to do this correctly...

  • @peacefrog0521
    @peacefrog0521 3 роки тому +1

    I’ve used those little yellow plastic spacers even before I found this video. They kind of work to add some “stiffness” but are fiddly. They tend to spin around or fall off when driving the screw. But they work.
    One other thing, I just noticed you slightly loosened the screws holding the receptacles to the box, then put the cover plate on. What I like to do (I’m not an electrician or expert) is loosen those screws just a tad so they hold but so the receptacles can still be shifted around. Then “dry-fit” the cover plate to align the receptacles and shimmy it around so they are centered and square. Then remove the cover plate, tighten the holding screws, then install the cover plate. Just a method I taught myself.
    I might go back and try the “shim plate” on an outlet where the 60-year-old box had broken and wouldn’t accept the screw. I replaced the box but whoever cut the drywall cut it too long so the “wings” don’t stand off firmly to the back of the drywall. A 4-inch plate is still too small to correct this. I think if I can find the plate in a single-gang 4-11/16 that might do the trick. (I saw 2-gang plates in this size at Menard’s but I can’t remember if they have single gang in this size). Plastic would be even better if I can find that to avoid the risk of contact with the wire terminal screws.

  • @rohrer23
    @rohrer23 8 років тому

    thanks for posting, helped a lot

  • @Fireship1
    @Fireship1 3 роки тому +72

    Sounds like the voice of God. God is a hell of electrician!

    • @Barnekkid
      @Barnekkid 3 роки тому +1

      Electricians are the oldest trade.

    • @Barnekkid
      @Barnekkid 3 роки тому +1

      @Scott Luther What was the first thing God said when He created the universe?

    • @vb6136
      @vb6136 3 роки тому +2

      I think it’s more of a priest.

    • @alhakisan
      @alhakisan 3 роки тому +1

      🤣🤣🤣👍🏼

    • @Honestandtruth
      @Honestandtruth 2 роки тому

      Where GOD come into pictures 😂🤣 here...??

  • @caryatid2141
    @caryatid2141 7 років тому

    Thanks for the video, that really helped!

  • @alexhochberger
    @alexhochberger 6 років тому

    That was super helpful, thanks!!!

  • @dharr6628
    @dharr6628 3 роки тому +1

    It took me 7+ years to find this video..thanks

  • @hassanbazzi3545
    @hassanbazzi3545 3 роки тому

    Fantastic. Thank you for sharing

  • @seandunlap1743
    @seandunlap1743 3 роки тому

    God giving recessed outlet solution instructions.

  • @Victron007
    @Victron007 4 роки тому +1

    So simple. So effective.

  • @sarab949
    @sarab949 4 роки тому

    Thanks for the video. It seems simple enough to be a DIY job. My house is 169yrs old and the outlets are almost all significantly recessed. Looks like I'm buying a bunch of metal plates lol

  • @chaser9363
    @chaser9363 6 років тому +46

    while it's a good thought and a quick fix, it would never pass an electrical inspection because the box is recessed too deeply behind the drywall to meet the code, you would actually need what they call an extension ring or what most electricians call a goof ring, where the ring has side and top walls that penetrate into the box surrounding the device preventing electrical contact with the drywall, plaster or tile and not just a flat plaster ring and a none grounded one at that. yes i know that the device that is attached to the p-ring is grounded but in the code, the p-ring itself would have to be intentionally grounded by an approved means and the goof rings are plastic so no grounding is needed. and as for the plastic spacers those thing they are proud of them they are expensive when you can just take a good length piece of insulated 14 AWG wire and coil it up tightly and cut to length and use that as a spacer behind the goof ring.

    • @glasshalfempty1984
      @glasshalfempty1984 3 роки тому +3

      Those plastic spacers are super easy to use. In contrast (and I just did this recently), coiling up 14 awg wire to the correct length is a bigger pita. Just wanted to comment on that one very specific thing you said. Nothing else, just that one thing.

    • @chaser9363
      @chaser9363 3 роки тому

      @@glasshalfempty1984 don't coil to length. coil more than you need and cut to length. i usually coil enough to get several uses from it. and i've found that if you cut just a little long its seems to work better, yet if it's still too long you can still cut some off. do it a couple of times you'll get the hang of it. plus its always on hand and it's free, you don't have to go to the store to buy it.😎

    • @stevenrheeter6005
      @stevenrheeter6005 3 роки тому +2

      @@chaser9363 When I use the spacers they're all the time falling off while I'm trying to get the screw going...ugh...PIA. So I'm gonna try that coiled wire idea. Thanks for the tip. I think those round nose pliers are finally going to come in handy.

    • @chaser9363
      @chaser9363 3 роки тому

      @@stevenrheeter6005 i have a klein round shank phillips head screwdriver that has like a 1/4" stud sticking out at the hilt of the handle that you stick the end of the wire in to start wrapping it around the shank to make the coil. but you should be able to do it with just a regular round shank phillips head screwdriver w/o the stud.

    • @jonanderson9636
      @jonanderson9636 3 роки тому +3

      Reference code section 314.20

  • @tree18is
    @tree18is 8 років тому +9

    awesome No BS video

  • @danielgerrard3369
    @danielgerrard3369 7 років тому

    thanks for your video it was really useful!!

  • @ru001al
    @ru001al 3 роки тому

    Thanks a bunch, very helpful.

  • @joey15577
    @joey15577 4 роки тому

    Thank you for the help brother!