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JerseyWiseguy t1_iscvpys wrote

Easy fix--I've done it many times. Just loosen or remove the outlet, and use a knife to carefully gouge some of the drywall behind the screw holes--just enough to get the face plate screws in.

16

AndMarmaladeSkies t1_iscvr8u wrote

Two options. Poke through the screw holes with an awl to make room. The faceplate screws may drill into the plaster/drywall without any help. Or put spacers between the outlet and the wall. Like these made for that purpose.

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pistcow t1_iscwxrr wrote

I haven't had great success with those spacer and using an awl has done the trick.

3

Centx77 t1_iscw2lz wrote

Depending on the plate you purchase the screws will be shallow enough that they won't even hit the wall. If they do contact the wall, but only a little bit, do nothing. If they hit the wall a lot it will push the plate off the wall, in this case use something to knock away a small amount of the sheetrock to create a small recess for the screw to sit in. This is the correct way for an outlet to be installed, against the sheetrock like that. It is all fire rated.

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theycallmeingot t1_isdrcg2 wrote

The screws will make their own holes in the drywall. No further action needed.

When it’s tile? A little different story.

2

Ottoclav t1_isfg4e3 wrote

Just put the faceplate on. Slotted screws, 1/4” flat bladed screw driver. The decora style cover plate pretty much lines the screws to the holes up for you.

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3dogsnights t1_isgv44s wrote

Just put the screws in, it will drill thru the gypsum.

1

pbza10 t1_iscwm87 wrote

That type of outlet uses a snap on switch plate cover.

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loganab13 t1_isd8dve wrote

No it doesn’t. OP just needs to trim the drywall behind the face plate screw holes.

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pbza10 t1_isf3d08 wrote

My bad, next time I will put my glasses on and look at the picture before I answer 🥸

1

Wild1inMKE t1_iscvjnl wrote

Use some command strips? /s

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