Recessed remodel cans won't snap into sheetrock
#1
10-03-17, 03:30 PM
Recessed remodel cans won't snap into sheetrock
Adding recessed lights to my den which is accessible from the attic. I chose remodel cans because there's an existing sheetrock ceiling. I made some practice holes w/my hole cutter in scrap sheetrock, but when I test the cans, they won't stay.
They are these: Halo H27 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Shallow Ceiling, Insulation Contact, Air-Tite (6-Pack)-H27RICAT-6PK - The Home Depot
I can't get the tabs to stay snapped into position behind the 1/2" sheetrock. I wrestle them into position, but one slight move and they pop.
How do you get them to work properly?
How hard is it to use new construction cans, working from the attic, getting the hanger bar tabs to slip between the ceiling joists and the sheetrock?
Thanks guys!
They are these: Halo H27 6 in. Aluminum Recessed Lighting Housing for Remodel Shallow Ceiling, Insulation Contact, Air-Tite (6-Pack)-H27RICAT-6PK - The Home Depot
I can't get the tabs to stay snapped into position behind the 1/2" sheetrock. I wrestle them into position, but one slight move and they pop.
How do you get them to work properly?
How hard is it to use new construction cans, working from the attic, getting the hanger bar tabs to slip between the ceiling joists and the sheetrock?
Thanks guys!
#2
10-03-17, 04:08 PM
Group Moderator
Yes....aren't they a real joy.
Sometimes bending the clip slightly makes it easier to slide them in place. That's usually only needed on a 1/2" ceiling. Once you slide the clip in place.... you use a flat head screwdriver to slide the clip up into the locked position. The can needs to remain tight to the ceiling while doing this.
Sometimes bending the clip slightly makes it easier to slide them in place. That's usually only needed on a 1/2" ceiling. Once you slide the clip in place.... you use a flat head screwdriver to slide the clip up into the locked position. The can needs to remain tight to the ceiling while doing this.
#4
10-03-17, 05:20 PM
Group Moderator
Put the can in place. Push the clip out so that is slides along the back side of the sheetrock. Now push straight up on the clip with a flat screwdriver. You'll see a little notch in the clip where the screwdriver pushes it up. After you push it up it will lock into that upper slot.
I can sometimes do them with my finger but the place for a screwdriver is a little sharp.
I can sometimes do them with my finger but the place for a screwdriver is a little sharp.
#5
10-03-17, 05:45 PM
I just tried pushing upwards against the T portion (bottom) of the clip and it pushed the upper bend outside of the can, but it's stuck there. The T won't go all the way to the T slot. Is that what you mean?
#6
10-03-17, 05:53 PM
Group Moderator
You can't do it without the clip against the sheetrock so that it bends in place. You pushed the clip out of the can.
The clip doesn't have to go all the way up to the slot... just slide it in that direction and it will snap in place.
That looks correct in the bottom picture.
Once you do one... the others usually follow easier.
The clip doesn't have to go all the way up to the slot... just slide it in that direction and it will snap in place.
That looks correct in the bottom picture.
Once you do one... the others usually follow easier.
#8
10-03-17, 06:28 PM
Group Moderator
#10
10-03-17, 08:08 PM
Group Moderator
They might make 1" but you'd have to really bend those clips.
Nah.... that would be pushing it. 3/4" is probably the limit.
Nah.... that would be pushing it. 3/4" is probably the limit.
#11
10-05-17, 06:19 AM
Curious: ever tried to use new construction cans, working from the attic, getting the hanger bar tabs to slip between the ceiling joists and the sheetrock?
#12
10-05-17, 08:17 AM
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If you are going to install in a 1" ceiling, I would recommend Juno remodel can lights. Most Juno 6" lights have several side slots that will accommodate thicker ceilings.
#13
10-05-17, 08:25 AM
Member
Another think I've found with the rework cans, the template they provide is way too large and the cans will almost fall out.
I had to make a smaller template so there was some "fit" between the can and the hole!
I had to make a smaller template so there was some "fit" between the can and the hole!
#14
10-05-17, 09:57 AM
Group Moderator
Yes...you can install new work cans in an existing ceiling from the attic side. I just use screws instead of nails for the brackets as it can be tough to swing a hammer in that position.
Cutting the right size hole is critical with all those old work cans. The can will fall thru a slightly oversized hole.
Cutting the right size hole is critical with all those old work cans. The can will fall thru a slightly oversized hole.
