Has anyone invented a tool used to release the wire from the back-wired clamps on switches and outlets or found a good way to get this done? I know I’m not supposed to, but I’m usually trying to do this while the circuit is still hot and sticking a small screwdriver in the release hole seems to be a pretty hit-and-miss process. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
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Replies
Use a small pair of wire cutters, with the power turned off, then replace the outlet with a good one.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
This being your 5th post, don't want to be too hard, but;
A 4 pound and 20 Oz hammer work well for me. Simply hold the 4# hammer on one side, put on goggles, smack the backstabbed SOBO ($hiddy outdated backstabbed outlet) with the other hammer. Wires fall free. Get DW or one of the kids to sweep up the pieces.
While they sweep up, replace with a decent spec grade outlet or switch. .
and, turning the breaker off helps once in a while, although I too often wire 120 vac hot if it is more than 50 steps to the panel.
Similar to Junkhound's method:
1. Turn off breaker
2. Place empty 5 gallon bucket under device
3. Crush device with channel locks, drop fragments in bucket.
If you carefully hold your other hand over the device during the crushing step, the fragments tend not to fly as far as they do with the hammer method.
-- J.S.
I have a similar method as well:
1. insert too-big screwdriver in slot,
2. twist said screwdriver, thereby breaking phenolic body and ruining device;
3. replace with something decent.
Yes, I actually do this.
Using a small screwdriver in the slot is the official method. Doing so hot is not a good idea. Why do people have to be so "red neck". [Last words: "Hey, watch this..."]
Another way is to pull on the wire and simultaneously twist it back and forth. This works on "WAGO" connectors also. Cutting them off will shorten the wires you have to work with. The hammer method is worthy.
~Peter
Please help the victims of the Seatle-Tacoma earthquake.
.......how about a another piece of #14, hmmm?
I had a McMansion full of these to do, every 15A device except the GFCIs. Smashing and/or replacing all of the outlets and switches was not an option endorsed by the HO. The particular brand of outlets and switches in the house had a very slim and narrow slot which my small screwdriver did not fit very well.
Bought a $.88, #1 phillips screwdriver, shortened it to about 4" and ground the shaft into a flat narrow blade with a slightly rounded end - fits the slots, rounding of the end seemed to help the blade "start" and push past the release tab easily. Relatively large grip probably helps also.
Did I mention that doing this job "hot" is probably not a good idea? Gives you a good oportunity to do some circuit mapping in your house.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Take a 2 ft. long piece of 14 ga ground wire.
peen the end flat so it will fit in the slot
hold the outlet in both hands making sure to contact the neutral
hold flatten wire between your teeth
insert into slot (hot side first!!)
maximum effect can be had if your are soaking wet from a salt water shower.
Do NOT try this at home!!!
You are not a professional!!!
Craftsman eh??
you work at Sears do you??
:)
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Mr. T.
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