Outlet screw grommets
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Outlet screw grommets
I have no idea what these are called. The little metal/plastic squares that retain the screws on the rear of modern outlet plates. I'm always losing them, or finding them broken and then the screws go awol. I figure it's one of those things you can find cheap by the bag on eBay if only I knew what they were called.
#2
I would call them keepers or retainers, although the trade probably has a name for them.
Do you replace enough receptacles to even worry about them? I have made a few by punching a nail hole in stiff paper and then cutting them into little squares. Then I asked myself "why am I wasting my time doing this?" and stopped.
Do you replace enough receptacles to even worry about them? I have made a few by punching a nail hole in stiff paper and then cutting them into little squares. Then I asked myself "why am I wasting my time doing this?" and stopped.
#5
I actually remove them before installing a device so that I can see if the device fits correctly in the box.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by joecaption
I agree 100%.
No way would I spend time and money on them.
No way would I spend time and money on them.
I didn't ask whether you would use them, or whether you think I should. Merely if they had a name.
#7
Fortunately noone is requiring you to!!
#8
Member
Thread Starter
and we are just answering your question.
#10
Member
That intent on finding the name, may want to try contacting the manufacture of switch and outlet plates to find out what it's called.
Just not a term 99.9999% of people in the trades would ever need to know.
Ask a shoe salesman what's the name is of the end of a shoe lace, a painter the name of the parts of a paint brush and expect to get blank stares.
When removing cover plates I put them and a the screws in a zip lock bag so I do not loose them.
I also have a box filled with old screws I've removed that where in good shape.
Just not a term 99.9999% of people in the trades would ever need to know.
Ask a shoe salesman what's the name is of the end of a shoe lace, a painter the name of the parts of a paint brush and expect to get blank stares.
When removing cover plates I put them and a the screws in a zip lock bag so I do not loose them.
I also have a box filled with old screws I've removed that where in good shape.
#11
Member
Thread Starter
we just assumed you were wanting to buy some.
Anyways, we're clearly done here.
Thank you for the replies.
#14
Member
I don't know what they're called either, but if you check an electronics supply house, you'll probably find them in the nylon screw section.