Toolstation grouse

[Lobster]

Need to do a bit of electrical conduitting (first time I've used or bought this stuff).

So in yesterday's Toolstation order I included a 44p circular conduit box:

(or about to press send when I noticed that box in the picture had no lid showing. Hmm, I thought - I wonder... And yes sure enough - they sell these separately, at 13p each: that was lucky: wouldn't I felt a numpty if I'd bought a box with no lid!

Order's just arrived. One box, one lid... but hang on - no screws! Back on to toolstation.com, after a hell of a lot of searching I find hidden under 'accessories': "Pan Head Brass Screw M4 x 12mm"

- at £2.48 for 100. Brilliant.

Why would they sell this kit all in separate bits? I've never bought a

13A socket which hasn't come with a pair of fitting screws. And wouldn't you think that in the 'helpful' "You might also like" window at the bottom of the screen, they might have thought that fitting screws might be useful to include?

Bah...

David

(And don't get me started on the tin of paint which had burst inside the parcel - fortunately self-contained within it's own bag!)

[ARWadsworth]

I bet you have never bought a backbox that came with a set of fitting screws!

It depends on what you are attaching to the conduit box eg it could be a light fitting in which case you would not want the lid and a "standard" length screw may be too short.

[John Rumm]

>> Just about to press send when I noticed that box in the picture had no

You mean you forgot to order the rubber washer ;-)

You don't always want all the same bits. Various accessories are designed to mound directly onto conduit back boxes - hence no lid, different screws etc.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

Just about to press send when I noticed that box in the picture had no

Thing is you may not want a lid. You might fit a ceiling rose or a hook plate for a chain suspending a light. Or whatever.

They're only following the practice of an electrical wholesaler - where you're expected to be familiar with what you're buying, unlike perhaps a DIY store. Who will of course charge much more.

This is how TLC do it - so if you can be bothered to read the page you should be OK.

[Robin]

+1 for TLC's aide memoires - although even they don't add "And don't forget to allow for the screws you'll drop into the loft insulation, never to be seen again unless you are *really* anal 'cos they're brass and a magnet's bugger all use"

[Lobster]

'Kinell - there's a rubber washer too?! What, to go under the lid? Can't see that anywhere on toolstation...

Yeah OK I get it now - fairy nuff!

(Not forgiving them for the burst paint pot though, even though they did reimburse me...)

Just found out that they've opened a trade centre up the road - great news!

David

David

[John Rumm]

More often used on the metal versions it has to be said. Can't see them on TS either. However:

(Not forgiving them for the burst paint pot though, even though they did

At least they usually double bag it so that you don't get it over everything...