Q&A: Putting New Devices in Old Boxes

A. Remodel boxes, or remodeler straps, also called “chicken legs” or “turkey legs” (Figure 4), are helpful for putting new boxes in old walls. The remodel boxes come in plastic or metal. The plastic ones have ears that lie flat against the box as you place the box into a hole in the wall. Then, by turning screws from the front of the box, the ears turn out from the box and catch the inside of the wall. This places pressure from behind the box, and the flange on the front of the box holds the box firmly in place. The metal version works on the same principle, but will not flex or distort as the plastic box can.