Electrician Tools Extending Work Box?

[jules77]

Greetings,

Here's a real newbie question and I'm afraid it comes from my ignorance of not knowing anything about tools.

I purchased a home were they've installed chair rail (Wains Coating) in the kitchen prior to us moving in. They left the electrical outlets, loose as we need to paint, etc....

OK, no problem.. I go to screw them in and I realize that they be right up against the wood and a little checking and I realize the electrical work boxes need to be extended. No problem, I buy a box extender and I realize they've not cut the chair rail enough for these to fit in...

So... I need to cut a bigger hole in this wood.

Which tool? Someone suggested a small circular saw and since I have zero tools suggested I buy a cordless combo kit from Sears (Craftsman).

OK... I look at the tool kit and see a Reciprocating saw!? Would that not be a better choice to use? Or am I going about this all wrong?

Any suggestion a newbie website of where to use which tools for what?

Thanks much...

Regards,

Paul

[Jules77]

Thanks.. Rick.. its wainscoting, its goes up from the floor. The Rotozip looks cool... not sure which "config" is a best buy.. but I'll be sure to add it to my list.

"Packs of frogs" ? Is that a joke that I just don't get?

[wkearney99]

Rotozip with a guide bit. Just be careful with how the bit moves. A bit with the guide tip will help prevent it from skipping around but you do want to be careful with it. A reciprocating or jig saw could be used but the speed of them might well end up destroying the wiring if it gets out of control. A hand saw would probably be safer. A circular saw would be a BAD IDEA.

Start with a hand saw, the sort made for cutting out drywall holes. Cheap and easy to control. Just be sure as you're digging into it that you don't gouge in "too far" and possibly catch on Romex inside the wall. Otherwise the rotozip w/guide bit is probably the best bet.

[No]

[Rick]

electrical

(Craftsman).

what?

Chair rail and wainscoting are completely different things. If you're talking about a sort of panel that goes from the floor and up about 3 feet, that's wainscoting

A Rotozip will make quick work of enlarging the holes. Or, if the box is just recessed slightly, buy a few packs of frogs and then you don't need to cut anything

[Rick]

Frogs is the brand name (can't recall which company right now) of stackable little spacers made for that purpose...

[Edwin Pawlowski]

NO! That is the wrong tool for sure.

and since I have

Better choice, but not the best tool.

Three options. Small hand saw like a keyhole saw, a Rotozip with a cutting bit, or a jig saw.

If you decide to go with a Rotozip, practice on a scrap first as you can easily get carried away and do damage. Jigsaw is easier to control and will be a more useful tool to own in the long run.