Installing a wall light fixture--having trouble with the mounting hardware

kevind · Mar 6, 2019

I feel like an idiot--I've installed many ceiling fans, so I thought this would be a snap. However, I'm having trouble attaching the mounting hardware to the electrical box. This is a wall (as opposed to ceiling) light fixture. A pic of the electrical box is below.

As you can see from the pic, the mounting hardware has two screws that attach to the light fixture. These screws must be vertical. However, I don't see how to attach the mounting hardware to the box. The two holes at the top and bottom of the box are too small for the provided machine screws (see pic, what are these holes for?). Do I need to screw into those two at the very back of the box (blue arrows)?

Edit: also if I do screw into the two holes at the back, will I need a crossbar?

Jim Port · Mar 6, 2019

You use two 6-32 screws to hold the round plate to the box.

kevind · Mar 6, 2019

So they screw into the holes at the very back of the box?

brric · Mar 6, 2019

Remove the existing remodel switch box and install a round or octagonal j-box in its place or drill holes in the mounting plate to align with the holes in the existing box. The existing box may not support the fixture if it is too heavy as the only support for that box is the tabs behind the drywall.

brric · Mar 6, 2019

The plate gets mounted to the holes with the red arrows.

Let it Snow · Mar 6, 2019

I been there many times. Once, I offered a lighting supplier $100 cash if they could mount the light using the supplied mounting bracket. They tried but couldn't do it.

You need a swivel mount like THIS
Install the 8/32 screws in the bracket that hold the light fixture. Cut them to length if necessary. Mount the bar to the box using 6/32 flat head screws, same as on a switch or receptacle. Swivel the bracket to vertical and install the light.

If the 8/32 are too long, they hit the 6/32 and box so get the the length on the 8/32 first.

Let it Snow · Mar 6, 2019

Those are fine thread drywall screws. 6/32 is the proper screw but if someone used drywall screws they have destroyed the threads.

kevind · Mar 6, 2019

Hmm, so is it a bad idea to use those (the drywall screws)? Or should I replace the box?

Btw, thanks everyone for your help. Again, I feel like a dolt for not knowing some of this stuff, so I appreciate the feedback.

Let it Snow · Mar 6, 2019

More specific, #6 x1" fine thread drywall screws

Let it Snow · Mar 6, 2019

The other option, like others have said it to change the box to a 3 1/2" or 4" round old work box.

RRH · Mar 6, 2019

With that light fixture dont even mount it to the box. Dont hurt anything but not need.

Use a stud finder and drill a couple holes in the long back plate of the light fixture. And mount directly to studs.

You will end up with a much better and stronger installation

RRH · Mar 6, 2019

Ok skip that just noticed that pic was old light. What does the new one look like?

This will dictate how to install.

That is a remodel box you have in the wall and may not support much weight.

crtcrln · Mar 6, 2019

Can't believe these comments.. 6/32 is the standard size for switch mounting as per the box shown. If these are stripped out get some 8/32 self tapping screws to replace. Don't use drywall screws. They are not code or approved for this kind of use. 6/32 and 8/32 come in both round and flat head styles. One way would be to replace the box with a 4" pancake box the thickness of your wall material so you can mount it to the face of the stud with the drywall carved out to make the box flush with the wall surface and then mount your fixture over it. You can also use as explained a swivel crossbar to the box. Make sure it has threaded holes on swivel bar so screws can be threaded thru with threads facing outward if needed for mounting nuts or if it has slotted holes in fixture put screws in from front to match fixture openings..

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RRH · Mar 7, 2019

Chances are he does not want to cut a new hole for the pancake box and have the light off center from the sink. And patch the old hole if that will not be covered by the light.
And those old fiberglass boxes can crack at the screw hole sometimes if you force in to large a screw. Looks like he had thread problems in the rest of the house if you look at the drywall screws in that he also had in the double light switch box.

RRH · Mar 7, 2019

I would just get buy another old work box. Goggle a pic. They have ears or wings on them.

Remove the two long screws on the corners and that box will come right out.

I think I see stud in the pic about 1/2" away. If so use it for extra support.
Attach a wood spacer. After you install the box. Then use a 6" long Phillips bit on a cordless drill. You can reach in the box and put a 3" deck screw at an angle into the spacer and stud.
That will give the box a stronger attachment vs just the ears/wings against the drywall.

Or just order one of these.
https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Elec...UVM4/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V54DE101TZNZ0CAYE0YJ

TrojanHorse · Mar 7, 2019

RRH said:
I would just get buy another old work box. Goggle a pic. They have ears or wings on them.

Remove the two long screws on the corners and that box will come right out.

I think I see stud in the pic about 1/2" away. If so use it for extra support.

Attach a wood spacer. After you install the box. Then use a 6" long Phillips bit on a cordless drill. You can reach in the box and put a 3" deck screw at an angle into the spacer and stud.

That will give the box a stronger attachment vs just the ears/wings against the drywall.

Or just order one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Elec...UVM4/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=V54DE101TZNZ0CAYE0YJ

Yes, I didn’t read the whole thread but the Madison Electric boxes are awesome. I use them now whenever I’m doing work on my home. That company seems to make a lot of cool and smart products.

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kevind · Mar 9, 2019

Wow I'm glad I replaced that box! It came out with little more than a gentle tug; I doubt it would've supported the weight of the light.

The Madison box worked great; just moved it over half an inch and screwed it into the stud.

Installing a wall light fixture--having trouble with the mounting hardware

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