[farmerjohn1324]

I put this on yesterday. I have to take it off because the mounting bracket became loose during installation. I would think it would be as easy as just pulling it off after I took the rubber nuts off the front screws. But it isn't, it's impossible just to pull off and I think I'm supposed to loosen the screws from the back but it is an angle that is difficult/impossible to get to.

Commercial Electric Model# FT28VCIBCE

 

[taylorjm]

You need one of these to go from your 5" light to a 4" box.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/All-Pro...hxNz89gEhI-i-QVcrowaAuHcEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[RAL238]

The front view photo looks like there are no nuts on the screws. If so, just give a good pull. Sometimes the screws are a little off and bind on the sides of the holes in the fixture.

 

[farmerjohn1324]

The front view photo looks like there are no nuts on the screws. If so, just give a good pull. Sometimes the screws are a little off and bind on the sides of the holes in the fixture.

I wish it were that simple. I have pulled very hard, if I pull any harder I will break something.

 

[farmerjohn1324]

You need one of these to go from your 5" light to a 4" box.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/All-Pro...hxNz89gEhI-i-QVcrowaAuHcEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I suppose I could worry about that after it's off. Any idea how I can get it off?

 

[surferdude2]

Looks like to me the acorn nuts are still on the machine screw shanks that extend through the light housing and are holding it fast. Remove the nuts and life will become easier. :wink2:

 

[surferdude2]

Making light of the problem (pun intended). There are other nuts present. (friendly joke intended)

 

[farmerjohn1324]

Looks like to me the acorn nuts are still on the machine screw shanks that extend through the light housing and are holding it fast. Remove the nuts and life will become easier.

Do you see them in this picture from the back?

Or from the front? Cause the front is just screws.

 

[surferdude2]

I just blew up the shot of the front.

 

[farmerjohn1324]

I just blew up the shot of the front.

Those are just the ends of the screws. The acorn nuts are a separate piece.

I have no idea why this fixture is so hard to remove.

The only thing that makes sense is that the screws are threaded so tightly that I'm pulling the screws with it. In that case, I have to unscrew them from the back, which is extremely difficult/impossible due to the angle.

 

[surferdude2]

Your first picture had the nuts on it. That was misleading.

You probably have created a version of the famous Chinese Finger Trap. The harder you pull it, the tighter it grips. You can probably escape the Chinaman's grip by prying on the end of the screw shank using a small sharp bladed screwdriver or a scratch awl that can gains sufficient purchase on the housing wall surface nearby. Pull the side of the housing being pried upon outward but only very slightly and it may come free.

It might be easier to pry at the rear between the mounting plate adapter and the light housing, that look possible from the picture. That'd be my first choice.

 

[joed]

Do the opposite of what you did to put it on.

 

[lenaitch]

I don't know why they installed it that way. It must have as been as difficult to install as it is to try and take apart. The bolts look a little over-sized. The only thing that comes to mind is they either tapped the fixture or the bolts self-tapped themselves (the fixture is usually pretty soft metal). Either that or it's corroded or even glued on or something. I'd get on the heads with a pair of vicegrips, maybe try some penetrating oil on on the screws. Make sure you are loosening. :devil3:

The only acorn nut I can see is in the last pic if that's what it's supposed to be.

 

[surferdude2]

If you had to twang the machine screw shanks to get them started into the fixture and then pulled it down tightly with the acorn nuts, it'll be tough getting it off, as you have found. Now that it's tight as dick's hatband, you'll have to apply some pressure by some method and hopefully not destroy it.

Perhaps pull out on the housing while tapping on one of the screw ends. Then do the other side. Protect the threads if hitting hard. You may need an extension barrel screwed on to get the screw out far enough to smack.

 

[hkstroud]

What is the model number of the fixture?

 

[RAL238]

What is the model number of the fixture?

This is the fixture


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerc...-Integrated-Photocontrol-FT28VCIBCE/307958262


From one of the reviews, looks like the OP isn't the only one with this problem:



Light was not design for ease of installation. On a ladder 25’ in the air the mounting procedure and small nuts are ridiculous. To properly adjust you have to remove and reinstall the light a couple times, which is not easy since the mounting bolts get hung up on the plastic housing. Mine is now on the house but won’t come off and the design will be allow me to properly tighten the light. I can’t even get it off the house to return it now!

 

[de-nagorg]

Get a Dremel with a cutoff wheel blade, cut a slot in the bolts to make a screwdriver slot.

Then unscrew them BACKWARD, they will loosen up, to where you can then yank it off there, more than likely they are just oversized enough, and cocked sideways just enough to be holding tight.


ED

 

[de-nagorg]

What is the model number of the fixture?

Gee Harold, in post #1, he has a picture of the manual, with the # on it :vs_OMG::biggrin2:


ED

 

[hkstroud]

Gee ED, I can't read it.
If you can read it tell me what it is so I'll know to..

 

[farmerjohn1324]

I managed to get it off by some combination of luck and persistence by pulling/twisting at different angles. Here's where I'm at now...

I have this 4" box already glued on. I would rather not replace the box if possible. I'd rather get a new fixture instead of ordering the adapter plate online so I can get it done Asap.

This is to illuminate a pool area. Am I correct in thinking that I need either a "flood light" or "area light"? One that is switch activated, not motion or dusk-to-dawn.

Of my two options off the shelf at Home Depot (circled in green), one looks like it has a rectangle box, that other doesn't say what type of box it will fit. It mentions it needs a box with 1/2" hole. Is that for it to screw into? Do they make covers for 4" box that have a 1/2" screw hole in them?