Submitted by Fuzzy-Box-8189 t3_y49b0j in DIY
Here is the outlet: https://imgur.com/a/XiYPKsZ
Here are the faceplates I have: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-1-Gang-White-Decorator-Rocker-Wall-Plate-10-Pack-M24-80401-WMP/100032853
The faceplates are supposed to mount on the little screw holes above and below the screws that attach the outlet to the wall, but the wall is right behind those holes.
Easy fix--I've done it many times. Just loosen or remove the outlet, and use a knife to carefully gouge some of the drywall behind the screw holes--just enough to get the face plate screws in.
Two options. Poke through the screw holes with an awl to make room. The faceplate screws may drill into the plaster/drywall without any help. Or put spacers between the outlet and the wall. Like these made for that purpose.
Depending on the plate you purchase the screws will be shallow enough that they won't even hit the wall. If they do contact the wall, but only a little bit, do nothing. If they hit the wall a lot it will push the plate off the wall, in this case use something to knock away a small amount of the sheetrock to create a small recess for the screw to sit in. This is the correct way for an outlet to be installed, against the sheetrock like that. It is all fire rated.
This is the correct answer
I haven't had great success with those spacer and using an awl has done the trick.
No it doesn’t. OP just needs to trim the drywall behind the face plate screw holes.
The screws will make their own holes in the drywall. No further action needed.
When it’s tile? A little different story.
My bad, next time I will put my glasses on and look at the picture before I answer 🥸
Just put the screws in, it will drill thru the gypsum.
Wild1inMKE t1_iscvjnl wrote
Use some command strips? /s