I want to take an existing recessed light fixture and convert it to a pendant.

I got the kit and it looks super simple. My problem is the existing can in the ceiling. The can is held in place by a torsion spring that hooks in to the conical fixture. The spring is spread out when the conical fixture is pushed up into the can.Take out the fixture and the can no longer stays in the ceiling.

So I decided to replace the can with the remodel version that uses the clips. I got the old can out but there is the box and housing in the ceiling that does not move. And so there is nowhere for the clips to set.

Need help solving this so I can install the adapter for the pendant. Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forums.

Some of the older style recessed fixtures didn't lend themselves well to converting. If that is an original recessed fixture (new work) it would be held in place with two slide brackets that would be nailed or screwed into the joists.

You'd have to reach thru the hole and cut the brackets.

Can you shoot and post a picture or two of what you are working with there. We may have some ideas you could try. http://www.doityourself.com/forum/el...rt-images.html

 

Hi PJ - It is original recessed fixture. Here are some pictures as you requested. Thanks![ATTACH]

 

Good pictures. You can see the staple in the one bracket where it attaches to the joist. There are four brackets like that and each probably uses a staple. Remove those staples and the frame should be free.

The cover to the junction box snaps off facing the opening to work on the wiring splices.

 

This is very helpful. Any tips to getting those staples loose? Pull them with pliers? Try to cut them? I am also having a hard time reaching them or seeing where they are for that matter.

 

Throw a utility light up in the cavity to illuminate things. Use a hand held mirror to see what you are doing. Then hope you are double jointed and have practiced all the proper curse words. You may need to use a few. Sometimes it is easiest to get a screw driver behind it and just pry it off. If it doesn't fit through the hole, just slide it out of the way for the next wary traveler to discover.

 

If you have a Drenel tool you may be able to cut up the staple.

 

Definitely leave the frame in the ceiling. A screwdriver is what I usually use to pull staples out in that situation.

 

@Ray - Your tip came on the same day my Dremel tool was delivered! Excited to give it a try. Thanks!