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Wall socket screw threads? (O/T)
David Jenkins - 9/11/05 at 10:48 AM

I've just finished decorating a bedroom, and found that one of the wall mains sockets has a knackered thread; either cross-threaded or mucked up with plaster/corrosion/gunge.

Does anyone know off-hand what thread it is? I'd rather run a tap through and clean up the thread, than muck up my newly-painted wall to replace the mounting box!

I suspect it's an obscure BA thread (maybe 5BA) but I'm not sure.

cheers,
David

flak monkey - 9/11/05 at 10:51 AM

I *think* they are 4BA. It shouldnt be anything too weird. I have used electrical bolts in many of my models as they have a nice fine thread for adjustments. Like I say IIRC they are 4BA.

The major diameter for 4BA is 3.6mm.

David

[Edited on 9/11/05 by flak monkey]

colibriman - 9/11/05 at 10:59 AM

It's m3.5 (as long as its not a 40 year old back box - that will be a BA thread),

you can get a rethreader from any electrical wholesalers for about 4 quid if you don't have a tap.

HTH
Colin

Peteff - 9/11/05 at 11:07 AM

Stick a self tapper in it

mangogrooveworkshop - 9/11/05 at 11:12 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Peteff
Stick a self tapper in it



You will split it and feck the box

David Jenkins - 9/11/05 at 11:28 AM

Thanks Colin,

That seems to match what I've got. The boxes will have been fitted in the mid-70s, so they probably are 3.5mm. The screw thread certainly doesn't mesh with my 4BA taps, so it's not that one!

Guess what size tap I haven't got! I've got all the standard metric sizes, nearly all the BA range, a lot of ME sizes, and even a few left-handers - but not that one. So I'm off to find a rethreader this arvo... useful thing to have in the toolbox anyway.

thanks to all for the help,
David

quote:
Originally posted by colibriman
It's m3.5 (as long as its not a 40 year old back box - that will be a BA thread),

you can get a rethreader from any electrical wholesalers for about 4 quid if you don't have a tap.

HTH
Colin


[Edited on 9/11/05 by David Jenkins]

colibriman - 9/11/05 at 11:37 AM

David,
If you struggle to find one (should be easy) U2U me your address and I'll send you one

cheers
Colin

DarrenW - 9/11/05 at 12:26 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Peteff
Stick a self tapper in it



Dont be daft - a woodscrew is best!

Or sikeflex??

iank - 9/11/05 at 01:19 PM

or drill out and tap M10

andyace - 9/11/05 at 01:27 PM

PU Sealant, just hope you dont want to open it again.

David Jenkins - 9/11/05 at 05:00 PM

All sorted!

Went to a local decent wholesaler, rethreader cost me £3.95 + VAT.

Job done in no time after that - can't beat having the proper tools.

thanx to all (even the pillocks! )

David