I'd like to add an outlet behind an existing outlet in the same wall (back-to-back). Actually, the new outlet box can't be directly behind the existing outlet box since there is not enough depth in the wall, but on the opposite side of the stud might work.
I can do the electrical work no problem, but I don't want to knock a bigger hole than necessary in the drywall. Has anyone done something like this, have any advice or cautions against possible problems I may encounter?
Thansk in advance.
Use an old work box and don't put it on the stud. You should be able to work through the 2x3" hole you cut for the new box.
Bob
Keep the new outlet between the same two studs as the old, or else you'll probably be making a bigger hole to get a drill in to drill thru the stud. The old-work box Bob mentions has 'wings' that fan out behind the drywall and a screw draws them tight against the back to hold the box in place.
In the good old days of metal boxes we used plaster ears, small pieces of sheet-metal shaped like an upside down "F" that slipped between the box and the paster. The 'arms' of the "F" were bent over inside the box to hold it in place.
Mark
Easiest electrical trick in the world. Put it on the same side of the stud as the existing outlet and buy a old work (existing sheetrock) box at home depot or lowes. Make sure you measure the size and color of the finish plate on other outlets in the room so they match.
Normal and common. An old work box just to the side of the existing box, not on the stud side, works fine. I usually break out a tab in the existing box on the side away from the sud, angle a long screwdriver through it and pop a hole in the opposite wallboard with a hammer to locate the new box.
Jeff
Well thanks to the advice here I was able to install the extra outlet in about one hour (slow I know, but my first time). I used Jeff's screwdriver trick mentioned elsewhere in this thread.
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