All My Favorite DIY Tools: geni.us/VYIp51 DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
Thank you for the very clear explanation. The part where you showed the internal mechanics was so helpful. I was able to disconnect the wires. Thank you!
Last week helping a friend with an outlet that had pulled out of its junction box, I was surprised to find the outlet had only back-stab capability- no screw terminals at all! Also the in-wall junction box was so cheap that the screws that secure the outlet to it had very easily stripped out the holes in the box. What a mess. This is a 1990 built house that likely sold for 300K+ when new, today is valued at over 900K+. I found it difficult to believe a licensed electrician had used such shoddy materials in the wiring of this upper end home.
Isn't that crazy, I find that most of the new builds around here take the short cuts whenever possible. It will be a $400K house with the cheapest light fixtures inside and outside you can pick up from Menards for $5 per fixture.
I replaced every toggle and receptacle in a $1.4m house (almost 300) because the new owner wanted them all to be a different color. There were almost all speed wired, and I found plenty of problems. Several of them had wires that just fell out of the clamp when pulled the toggle or receptacle away from the box. And maybe half of all toggles and receptacles that had shepherds hooks had them under the screw backwards. 🤪🤪🤪
Thank you kindly for creating this video. I have a failing outlet currently and did not want to cut my wires as well, and fortunately I found this video that knows how to remove them.
Exactly what I was looking for!! In the process of replacing my outlets and didn't just want to cut the outlets out. Good advice on the commercial grade outlets. Well worth the small investment.
Thank you! This has always been a PITA for me, so now I see that it is easy to do it right. Quicker than taking my channel locks and busting up the old outlet! 🤪
@@Kevin-mp5of The fun is when you watch someone dismantle the electric wires of an oil furnace and when he's finished, the wires touch the furnace and make a beautiful fireworks! He had turned off the circuit breaker but the circuit breakers were misidentified.
Decora receptacle or switch are different and not same regular receptalce or toggle switch. It is very small and hard push wire off. Need small flat screwdriver about 2.5mm or 1.2mm
I've replaced a number of these outlets (and switches) that use push-ins. But it's never because the push-in connection failed. I think that the connections are good. But, you can petition to have the National Electrical Code revised if you disagree.
I have literally never removed a backstabbed wire without the plastic housing shattering. Just my hulk-hands’ way of ensuring these are “one and done”.
Thanks! The problem, for me, was finding a tool that was skinny and sturdy enough to fit in there. My screwdrivers were all too big, even the small electronics ones!
Thx, this really helped me and saved a lot of time. Like "The Funny Carpenter" said, the macro detail shot of how the mechanism works is really helpful. I subscribed to your UA-cam channel.
Thank you for this. However, the residential outlet I have doest not have a spot to push a flat screw driver in. I'm having a hard time pulling out the wire inside that small hole. Please help!
Yup. After each insertion cycle, the grip decreases to the point where the wire simply slides out of the hole. Personally, I think Scott and other folks who agree with him exaggerated it a bit. Like if you properly remove a backstab, you should be able to stab another wire into the same hole at least two more times. So it's not completely over after the first insertion; rather, the grip decreases slightly after each removal.
Good video - clear and concise. Question - is there a duplex outlet with clamping plate terminals in a Decora style; similar to the regular style plug you describe as the Legrand - commercial? I've been looking but am having trouble finding one. Doesn't matter the brand. Seems that a lot of the descriptions are usually fuzzy about that detail and often don't show you a picture of the back to see for your self. Would appreciate any help you have on this. Peter Vagasi
It seems obvious but it helps to see it done. Second time I see a receptacle with 20v at it, second time I got a burnt wire at the back through this type of connection. I'd avoid it personally and go with the true and tested. The problem seems to be due to lack of surface area on the contact. When a high amperage is pulled from the plug, wire gets warm, weakening the spring strength, which looses pressure every time, which causes more and more resistance evey time, increasing the temp, to eventually cause either an open or low voltage condition. Very common in the automotive world
You may want to change your outlet recommendations to follow code. All 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in a home are now required to be tamper-resistant (at 2-3 times the cost). Yes, there are exceptions, but they are so few, and will probably be phased out in the next NEC release!
I have a question. I'm in Florida if that helps. My question is, if I have to make some pig tails for an outlet because it was used as a junction, can i use 12 gauge wires for those pig tails? The romex in the wall is 14 gauge, the outlet is 15 amp and so is the breaker. I don't have any 14 gauge romex but I have some 12 gauge since most of the breakers are 20 amp. I know you can use 12 gauge wire for a 15 amp circuit but I'm not so sure about mixing wire gauges like that.
Will you please provide a link to a screwdriver set that has a flat blade small enough to fit into those speedwire slots or a single screwdriver that can fit into those slots that costs less than a dollar?
@@Kevin-mp5of UA-cam is a joke, it deletes links to other UA-cam videos depending on who is leaving them. But spam and "It's finally here..." video links stick just fine
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I have to be honest....those are not the best at all. But they're okay for some things and okay for someone's first precision set of screwdrivers. I have a set of them right now.... and unfortunately I've always had a set of those exact ones since I was a teenager. I was just saying to myself that we all have (or have had) at least a basic set of those silver colored skinny screwdrivers before you even posted the link. LOL.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I have a set like that and it's shank is too circular and wide to fit into that small rectangle hole. That doesn't appear to be what you are using in the video.
I just can't get the wire to release. I push down like a maniac and it doesn't come out. I ended up side-cutting them since I did have enough length in the box.
I put the small screw driver into the slot to release the wire and pulled on it but it won't come out. Tried it on all 4 wires and they won't come out. Please help 😢
I tried to re wire a light switch. I think it worked as the light came on however as I tried to turn of and then on again it started to spark... I redid and same thing. What would cause the switch to spark ?
Can’t stand speed wiring. I think it’s the lazy man’s out. I’m about to replace an outdoor GFCI that is wired in that way, and I’m trying to find a small enough screwdriver or tool to get in the slot. If I had more slack, I’d just cut them and use the side terminals.
Yep...and with these backstabbed outlets, sometimes the wires are so damn short that you'll want to hold on to every centimeter you have. Especially if you want to change the outlet.
If the wires are so short that you need to literally remove the wire ends to reuse them (a bad idea because they’re usually damaged,) then you usually don’t have the free access to the back of the device to do so. And even then they can be cantankerous and a waste of valuable time. Better to just snip them anyway and lengthen them with a pigtail.
lol THIS VIDEO IS A LIE! It is not easy at all when some idiot contractor shoved them in there so deep you have to be the damn ROCK with itty bitty baby hands and long fingers to get enough leverage and power to yank these things out.
All My Favorite DIY Tools: geni.us/VYIp51
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
Those are the worst outlets to use! But none the less some people don't know how to remove the wires. Another great informative video!
Thanks Mark, also an opportunity to show them a better option with Commercial grade. I appreciate the support 👍
Thank you for the very clear explanation. The part where you showed the internal mechanics was so helpful. I was able to disconnect the wires. Thank you!
You’re the only one shows how to release without cutting wire thank you
Last week helping a friend with an outlet that had pulled out of its junction box, I was surprised to find the outlet had only back-stab capability- no screw terminals at all! Also the in-wall junction box was so cheap that the screws that secure the outlet to it had very easily stripped out the holes in the box. What a mess. This is a 1990 built house that likely sold for 300K+ when new, today is valued at over 900K+. I found it difficult to believe a licensed electrician had used such shoddy materials in the wiring of this upper end home.
I love fixing baboon work LOL
Isn't that crazy, I find that most of the new builds around here take the short cuts whenever possible. It will be a $400K house with the cheapest light fixtures inside and outside you can pick up from Menards for $5 per fixture.
I replaced every toggle and receptacle in a $1.4m house (almost 300) because the new owner wanted them all to be a different color. There were almost all speed wired, and I found plenty of problems. Several of them had wires that just fell out of the clamp when pulled the toggle or receptacle away from the box. And maybe half of all toggles and receptacles that had shepherds hooks had them under the screw backwards. 🤪🤪🤪
Excellent vid Scott- I loved the macro detail shot of how the mechanism works!
Thanks Ryan!
Thank you kindly for creating this video. I have a failing outlet currently and did not want to cut my wires as well, and fortunately I found this video that knows how to remove them.
Exactly what I was looking for!! In the process of replacing my outlets and didn't just want to cut the outlets out. Good advice on the commercial grade outlets. Well worth the small investment.
Thank you! This has always been a PITA for me, so now I see that it is easy to do it right. Quicker than taking my channel locks and busting up the old outlet! 🤪
Make sure the power is OFF at the box before you start!
💯 thanks for the call out.
And always check that there is no electrical voltage on the electrical wire. Circuit breakers are not always well identified.
@@Kevin-mp5of The fun is when you watch someone dismantle the electric wires of an oil furnace and when he's finished, the wires touch the furnace and make a beautiful fireworks!
He had turned off the circuit breaker but the circuit breakers were misidentified.
Shhhhh let natural selection work
Over rated
Thanks! I was trying to unscrew the wire on the side. But that's the terminal screw connection haha. Now I know.
Thanks ... the great lighting you use with your descriptions make this a very helpful video. I will check out some of your other ones. 🙂
Decora receptacle or switch are different and not same regular receptalce or toggle switch. It is very small and hard push wire off. Need small flat screwdriver about 2.5mm or 1.2mm
Very clear, concise and well explained. Thank you sir
I really appreciate you showing what it looks like as it functions on the inside!
Thanks!
Thanks, I switched all my outlets to commerical grade. I also only used commercial grade outlets going forward. Thanks again
Love the channel, but tried this so many times and SO HARD! I wish I could do it as easily as Scott did.😀
Having a little flathead screwdriver is key. Most won't fit the small slot 👍
Yeah, until I located the right screw driver, I couldn’t do it either.
I've replaced a number of these outlets (and switches) that use push-ins. But it's never because the push-in connection failed. I think that the connections are good. But, you can petition to have the National Electrical Code revised if you disagree.
Thank you for this video, exactly what I need!
I have literally never removed a backstabbed wire without the plastic housing shattering. Just my hulk-hands’ way of ensuring these are “one and done”.
😂 man paws 🐾
One and Done is a registered ™ trademark of Huggies ® Baby Wipes.
One and Done is Huggies Baby Wipes.
@@Kevin-mp5of Haaaa!!!
First thing you should mention is to ensure power to outlet is turned off!
Thanks! The problem, for me, was finding a tool that was skinny and sturdy enough to fit in there. My screwdrivers were all too big, even the small electronics ones!
Very good video!
Thx, this really helped me and saved a lot of time. Like "The Funny Carpenter" said, the macro detail shot of how the mechanism works is really helpful. I subscribed to your UA-cam channel.
Thank you for this. However, the residential outlet I have doest not have a spot to push a flat screw driver in. I'm having a hard time pulling out the wire inside that small hole. Please help!
same I was hoping to find a video that shows how to remove the wire from mine there is no slot.
thank you for this now I can replace the outlet in my room
I never use speed wiring. It only takes a minute to wrap hooks around the terminals on the receptacle.
Never knew about the one and done. Is it because you may have compromised the "grip" ?
Yup. After each insertion cycle, the grip decreases to the point where the wire simply slides out of the hole.
Personally, I think Scott and other folks who agree with him exaggerated it a bit. Like if you properly remove a backstab, you should be able to stab another wire into the same hole at least two more times. So it's not completely over after the first insertion; rather, the grip decreases slightly after each removal.
Good video - clear and concise. Question - is there a duplex outlet with clamping plate terminals in a Decora style; similar to the regular style plug you describe as the Legrand - commercial? I've been looking but am having trouble finding one. Doesn't matter the brand. Seems that a lot of the descriptions are usually fuzzy about that detail and often don't show you a picture of the back to see for your self. Would appreciate any help you have on this. Peter Vagasi
Very helpful! THANK YOU!!!
It seems obvious but it helps to see it done. Second time I see a receptacle with 20v at it, second time I got a burnt wire at the back through this type of connection. I'd avoid it personally and go with the true and tested. The problem seems to be due to lack of surface area on the contact. When a high amperage is pulled from the plug, wire gets warm, weakening the spring strength, which looses pressure every time, which causes more and more resistance evey time, increasing the temp, to eventually cause either an open or low voltage condition. Very common in the automotive world
Thanks! I almost ripped the damn thing apart trying to get those last 2 wires out.
Great video
Thanks!
You may want to change your outlet recommendations to follow code. All 15- and 20-ampere receptacles in a home are now required to be tamper-resistant (at 2-3 times the cost). Yes, there are exceptions, but they are so few, and will probably be phased out in the next NEC release!
Very nice. Thank you.
You bet!
Decora edge outlets have the clips to lock the backstab in place and they are tamper proof.
Cool beans! Thank you so much!
👍👍
👍👍
simple but really valuable video
Thanks Sean 👍
I have an outlet but there's no tabs to stick a screw driver in....help
Well done. Thank you for sharing
Thanks Hassan 👍
I have a question. I'm in Florida if that helps. My question is, if I have to make some pig tails for an outlet because it was used as a junction, can i use 12 gauge wires for those pig tails? The romex in the wall is 14 gauge, the outlet is 15 amp and so is the breaker. I don't have any 14 gauge romex but I have some 12 gauge since most of the breakers are 20 amp. I know you can use 12 gauge wire for a 15 amp circuit but I'm not so sure about mixing wire gauges like that.
You can, just make sure it’s spliced together well.
@@MT-nz3iz thanks. All of my splices are secure. I always triple check them.
Are the terms Construction Grade and Commercial Grade inter-changable in your videos about outlets by LeGrand?
I put my foot on the wall and yank as hard as I can. The outlet comes off most of the time. Sometimes the wall comes with it too 😂
Lol , you guys have the best sense of humor
@@Kevin-mp5of Lmao
Will you please provide a link to a screwdriver set that has a flat blade small enough to fit into those speedwire slots or a single screwdriver that can fit into those slots that costs less than a dollar?
@@Kevin-mp5of UA-cam is a joke, it deletes links to other UA-cam videos depending on who is leaving them. But spam and "It's finally here..." video links stick just fine
These will work and are just nice to have around the house for fixing glasses, watches, kids toys, etc. amzn.to/3qFsmlL
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I have to be honest....those are not the best at all. But they're okay for some things and okay for someone's first precision set of screwdrivers.
I have a set of them right now.... and unfortunately I've always had a set of those exact ones since I was a teenager.
I was just saying to myself that we all have (or have had) at least a basic set of those silver colored skinny screwdrivers before you even posted the link. LOL.
@@REXXSEVENyeah I don't use them often but they are sure handy when you need them 👍
@@EverydayHomeRepairs I have a set like that and it's shank is too circular and wide to fit into that small rectangle hole. That doesn't appear to be what you are using in the video.
Do you have to turn off the main circuit breaker to replace the outlet?
You need to turn the breaker off that is feeding the circuit but don't have to turn the main breaker off.
How do you feel about installing the receptical with the ground to the top of the box.
I put the ground down and from 1000's of people voting in the audience it is about 80% ground down 20% ground up.
Thank you!
What about screws on the side? Unscrew or not?
I just can't get the wire to release. I push down like a maniac and it doesn't come out. I ended up side-cutting them since I did have enough length in the box.
I put the small screw driver into the slot to release the wire and pulled on it but it won't come out. Tried it on all 4 wires and they won't come out. Please help 😢
I never use back stabs, also I never use the receptacle to continue a circuit always pigtail
Wondered why it was impossible to remove the wires. Had no intention to reuse the outlet. Appliance plugs fall out...
doesn't work for me
Do you ever use electrical tape to wrap around the screws?
I only use electrical tape on a GFCI in a small metal electrical box. So 99% of the time no.
That's what always do to prevent cutting wires
I've seen wires so short you could not turn them enough to insert the small screwdriver. I crush them with my Channellocks.
Exactly.
At least the residential grade aren't too hard to crush 😁
@@EverydayHomeRepairs Planned Obsolescence 🤣
I tried to re wire a light switch. I think it worked as the light came on however as I tried to turn of and then on again it started to spark... I redid and same thing. What would cause the switch to spark ?
Did he say turn off power first?
I've had some just pull right out, not even tight, they were from the early 80s
The screws do nothing to hold wires in?
The thing that sucks is my wires are short. I don’t want to yank on them too hard they can break.
Some of these won’t release like this
I'm pressing with a significant amount of healthy force and it's not coming out
Can’t stand speed wiring. I think it’s the lazy man’s out. I’m about to replace an outdoor GFCI that is wired in that way, and I’m trying to find a small enough screwdriver or tool to get in the slot. If I had more slack, I’d just cut them and use the side terminals.
Never disconnect the neutral before the hot wire. You can damage anything along the line.
Totally agree. IDK why Scott doesn't follow this proper order
Why would you be working on live wires? Your comment makes no sense.
LOL dam i wish i saw this first, i just yanked them out :p
Live and learn 😁
I just grip and rip. Then I create hooks because backstabbing is pointless
If you haven’t got the common sense to know that based on visual inspection alone you shouldn’t be dabbling in electrical period🤣
MAKE SURE ELECT OFF,LOL😂😂😂😂
🤗👍😎💚💚💚
Speed wiring is disgusting. It offends my very electrician soul.
😂, I should have put a warning on the video for the sensitive viewers.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs - Thanks. I'm slowly recovering from the emotional damage from the speed wiring shock of the video.
@@Tom-Travels There is indeed a place in hell for those that use backstabbing/speedwiring.
The bear wires are too long
Yes, a little more precision needed. So there’s not so much behr, bear, bare wire exposed.Lol.
^^ Do NOT click on that link above ^^
It's against code to use a receptacle as a junction for the wires. Removing the wires from the receptacle must not open the circuit.
@@Kevin-mp5of should read the NEC so the inspector will not bite you. I know it hurts when they shut the job down and you have to do it over.
NO. You definitely don't want to "snip" the wire & leave that loose inside the receptacle. Bad idea & practice 👎
Yep...and with these backstabbed outlets, sometimes the wires are so damn short that you'll want to hold on to every centimeter you have.
Especially if you want to change the outlet.
Those wires need to be pigtailed
If the wires are so short that you need to literally remove the wire ends to reuse them (a bad idea because they’re usually damaged,) then you usually don’t have the free access to the back of the device to do so. And even then they can be cantankerous and a waste of valuable time. Better to just snip them anyway and lengthen them with a pigtail.
lol THIS VIDEO IS A LIE! It is not easy at all when some idiot contractor shoved them in there so deep you have to be the damn ROCK with itty bitty baby hands and long fingers to get enough leverage and power to yank these things out.
These type of outlets suck
Thank you!