Easy Way To Line Up 2, 3, and 4-Gang Wall Plates

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

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[@fhsdave231]

35 years as a professional handyman and I've never seen that wall plate trick. That's ingenious! Thanks for a great time saver!

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I’m SMH!

[@joshuam.3791]

Only 25 years here but the same story! Great tip!

[@kenthaslem7613]

I have 15 years in the trade and this is pure genius and something I am thinking “why didn’t I think of that!!!” Simple and elegant. Generally don’t have much problem with 2-gang, but 3 and 4’s I have spent too much life fighting those into place. Using an epoxy to attach a level to the template would make this an even better tool. Thanks for making this video!!! Definitely stealing this idea.

[@billkelly8222]

I like the idea of gluing a level to the template. You could use a really small line level or such.

[@brentandmel2007]

I have been doing this for years…next time try using the template “inside out”…makes it easier to catch the switches to line them up and the cupped edge sticking away from the wall makes it easier to remove and adjust. Also keeps the contact area hidden…so even a freshly touched up paint job won’t show any smudged paint…

[@jonesgang]

You have been doing this for years and still need something like a template? Well alrighty then!!

[@robertt9342]

@@jonesgang . Years meaning what exactly? Did they say they were doing this day to day for years or just on occasion. I’d argue in either scenario it wastes less time and require slightly less effort.

[@nutritionperfection]

@@jonesgang The problem doesn't disappear with experience as it's not a skill issue. It's like making a jig in woodworking. Sure I could do it freehand but my demand for perfection means the jig ends up being quicker if it avoids even one or 2 minor errors. Frankly I don't see how your comment added anything constructive to the conversation.

[@kmccontube]

That should also allow you to use a 4 gang template for 2 & 3. If you have room. I think.

[@dchall8]

Piling genius upon genius. Excellent tip.

[@tomlangley6236]

40 years working as a Carpenter/Handyman and general repair guy....... And something this simple never occurred to me! Not less than a week ago, I was struggling with this very problem on a 3 switch cover. Thanks, I'm making some this afternoon.

[@spelunkerd]

Good tip, I'll have to look around for the more flexible wall plates. The last time I tried to drill one of those it shattered. Just a note for beginners, don't assume there is only one circuit going through the box, there could be two or three different circuits fed by different fuses there. So even if you think you've killed all the power, it's wise to wear gloves and be careful.

[@mytoolworld]

Don't drill it. Use a burr grinder on a Dremel tool instead.

[@glasshalffull8625]

Also, not a great idea to push on the wires with a screwdriver as you might pierce the plastic coating on the wire.

[@plaid11]

I love that you mention the screws all facing the same direction. I’ve always done this and have it so the light switches are vertical and the outlets are horizontal. It’s not something most people pay attention to but I definitely do lol

[@fredgarvin3216]

Thanks!

[@dlwaterloo2221]

A couple of great tips. The template idea is brilliant. I’m in the process of renovating our basement family room and I have several double and triple gang devices. This will be a huge time saver. Thank you.

[@darelldd]

Excellent idea! After all these years, I hadn't thought of it. One issue that it doesn't solve however is how deep the switch our receptacle ends up sitting below the plate. Can't count on those cans to be accurately positioned! So you can stack stuff under the screw, etc. Or of course the old trick: Leave the switch/recep screws a bit loose and then use the plate screws to snug the device up to the plate. works well for switches. But receptacles not so much as you don't want the plastic plate to be the mechanical stabilizer.

[@whoisjohngalt4880]

Great system! A journeyman electrician showed me this trick years ago and I’ve passed it on to a lot of friends and family DIYers from then on!

[@lawofvisualization]

Genius! I just spent the last hour trying to align a 3 panel deco plate.

[@danddb2]

Really cool tip! For someone who would use the template frequently, an enhancement might be to add a small bubble level to each template to eliminate the need for holding a separate level while mounting. There are bubble levels available on Amazon for about a buck apiece that could be glued on.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I like using the “screwless” wall plates, because I can leave the outlets/switches a bit loose, install the backing plate, then tighten the outlets/switches, and then snap on the screwless cover. Easy and great looking.

[@qpSubZeroqp]

Completely agreed

[@pepstein]

Yeah, the inner part of a Lutron screwless wall plate is effectively the same as this template.

[@SP10371]

I’m currently replacing my house’s light toggle switches with paddle switches. The timing of this video is perfect. Thanks!

[@nikkifoster1746]

Man!!! I knew I needed a template, but I couldn't figure out what would work best and save the most time. This is BRILLIANT!!!

[@jragadio]

That is one of the best tips I've seen yet. Well done bud!

[@glennrudolph9867]

Simplicity is the ultimately complexity… man, brilliant… just brilliant! Thanks for posting as you have eliminate a big frustration I’ve had for years, decades hahaha

[@paulierox7341]

lol.. I just did this yesterday.. 4 gang switch.. I spent half hour going back n forth with slight adjustments then checking with the face plate then minor adjustment,, back n forth.. I wish I knew about this hack,. Brilliant

[@curtharris7426]

Another great tip! I am all vertical! As you said, leaves a nice finished look.

[@kingreno35]

I’m weird I guess I like the horizontal. I like my lines to be parallel 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Tre16]

Apprentice electrician here. This is genius. Very simple yet very clever. Thank you for this!

[@richardallen468]

Absolutely fantastic and eye opening- the hours I have spent explaining to my wife why it is NOT possible to straighten up and align the switches with the face plates, is really going to take some explanation 😉

[@paulclement1025]

Neat idea for standard wall plates. I've been replacing the wall switches in my house with Lutron Caseta smart switches and also swapping out the wall plates with their two-piece Claro plates to eliminate the visibility of the screws. The inside plate allows you to align the switches and tighten the screws and then you simply press on the outside plate to hide the screws and screw holes.

[@qpSubZeroqp]

Yeah those switches look CLEAN

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

That's slick. I like it. As a DIY homeowner, not sure I do enough of these to justify making and storing the template - but I will remember this one. Thanks!

[@johnlcallaway]

Where was this video thirty years ago! Thank you for saving time now that I'm closer to retiring and need every second I can get. Great video!

[@imakecocktails]

Great tip. I was working on creating and 3d printing a jig for the same purpose but this is so simple that it's genius. Thank you for sharing.

[@kgt9535]

Great idea, bro. Some of the best practices like this are almost always easy and/or next to nothing in cost or close to nothing. Thanks for sharing ✊

[@seenstee]

Screwless plates also do the same trick. All 4, 8, 12, 16 screws will be adjustable

[@heroknaderi]

Nice tip. Thanks 😁😁

[@mikewaskewicz]

Glad I found your video. Installed one 3 gang plate yesterday and felt like Curly Howard. The rest will be a piece of cake. Great idea!

[@electricboyo]

This is a superb trick to save time and keep all your wall plates perfectly square and lined up.

[@garbo8962]

I'm a sparky and have a 6 gang cover by front door. Of course it was a big pain in the butt to line up. Used metal stackable work boxes and broke the first $22 plate. Great ideal. Retired from a large hospital that had at least a combined 16 receptacles on patient head wall. ( normal & emergency devices ). Skilled carpenter would make a 4' wide template up for every single room.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Dang! I would say a template is a must for 4’ 😮

[@LeadBariBass]

THIS. IS. AMAZING! Monetize this if you can. You deserve it.

[@BigJay039]

That template...pure awesome. Your videos are da best!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks!

[@robertdavidsonii5331]

I love the template. Definitely making one before the next project.

[@Desertkitfox93]

My hat is off to you sir! Great solution to a vexing problem.

[@REXXSEVEN_II]

0:43 WOW! Never thought of this!!

[@jdubya54]

I’ll give you guys a great tip. I put all my screws at 1 oclock when Im done. that way I know if someone was in there after I was

[@Irony58]

I just finished installing a 3- and a 4-gang switch box. I wish I had searched for this video before I started the project. Brilliant is the best word for this. I've got a 3-gang to do tomorrow - guess what I'll be getting first??? THANKS!!!

[@paracha3]

Damn this video is what i needed. I was pulling my hair out last weekend and ended up braking face plate in frustration. Will definitely make templates and keep them handy.

[@tedlahm5740]

Slick idea. Nice sculptured carpeting.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thx!

[@hankkline7300]

To straighten a cocked outlet or light switch I simply grasp it with my wire strippers across the yoke top and or bottom as necessary, without loosening it, and twist it until its straight. Easier

[@jackconnolly2665]

Yup. It's all about making the device go in straight. Get your fingers in there and adjust the wires before you start tightening the screws. Then make sure the screws are in the center of the slot and don't crank them down. Just snug them.

[@hankkline7300]

@@jackconnolly2665 If you put all the devices all the way to the left, or all the way to the right, the plate will usually line up.

[@jackconnolly2665]

@@hankkline7300 I just shoot for the center so I have wiggle room both ways. I remember my first day as an electrician in 1975. My new boss dropped me off at a new tract house. He gave me strippers and a wobbly screwdriver and showed me the basics in 3 minutes. After one attempt I asked for a regular screwdriver and he said no, you will get used to it :).

[@w1swh1]

Absolutely brilliant! Using a template is so obvious why didn't I think of that! Only yesterday I had exactly that problem of a two-gang decor light switch. Took me forever! I also left the switches crooked because I couldn't straighten them, I will go back and try again 😀Thank you so much.

[@johnolthuis1952]

I really like your template idea. I have not seen that before. As an alternative, I have been using screwless face plates. They actually have screws but hidden behind a snap on cover. The plate behind the cover gives you the same access your template gives, allowing for perfect alignment. The added benefit is that there is no further debate about whether the face plate screws should be vertical or horizontal. ;-)

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

😂the timeless debate of vertical or horizontal. The other 2 healthy debates on the channel is to wrap or not to wrap outlets with electrical tape and whether the ground should be installed up or down on a standard outlet.

[@galfert]

Having spacers is also a good idea as sometimes the switch or receptacle is recessed too much.

[@harryinoklahoma1866]

Good Deal. Going to buy a tripple cover tomorrow and make a template.

[@evelynwald9132]

What an excellent tip, practical and easy too!

[@jeremiahpowell3028]

The templet idea is so smart I will try it this weekend

[@jeremiahpowell3028]

Installing Caseta Lutron switches and new covers for the 5 areas I have going

[@briangardner6190]

The Lutron wall plates come exactly how you did your template. There are holes that allow you to screw the plates to the switches, and then holes that allow you to access the screws that go from the switches to the boxes. After that, there is a smaller cover plate that goes over the initial plate you used and everything is good to go. Using the Lutron one, I found it easy to start the screws from the switches to the box, then screw the plate into the switches to mount it up and get them level and straight. Then finish screwing the screws from the switches to the box. Everything is lined up and good to go. Pop the top cover plate on and bob is your uncle.

[@sociopathmercenary]

I've been using the screwless plates and you can tighten the outlet screws after you attach the back plate. Plus I like the look. Only issue I found is that you sometimes have to shim the box to get it parallel with the drywall surface or you end up with gaps

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah I have used the screwless plates on a few projects and I love the finish look 👍

[@chriscutress1702]

Great hint ! Would you use nylon wallplates for your templates so that they won't crack during drilling ?

[@eostrike]

That template is pretty awesome, I know what I am doing this weekend. Thank you for sharing!

[@MichaeltheCrank]

I have been struggling with these damn things for 50 years. Where the hell were you 50 years ago? At least now we have KZbin and a convenient way to share ideas like this. Yay technology. Yay science.

[@JustSayN2O]

All my white wall plates have turned into light almond. The sun yellows the plastic, even if the plate is not in direct sunlight. By the way, these tips are Nobel Prizeworthy !!!

[@gbinman]

Clever, I usually put the plate on reversed to check alignment as tightening.

[@Northwest736]

Wall plate templates - brilliant!

[@TeaPartyGuy]

Great tips for what is sometimes a real pain in the tail. Thanks.

[@bengoolie5197]

That is a brilliant idea. Thank you for all your helpful videos!

[@bigdollarbill]

Wow---I am shocked at how brilliant this idea is! Keep up the content!

[@realpdm]

Oh man I have so many crooked switches right now because all these smart switches are so big they never work quite right. Thank you for this genius tip!

[@MarkOPolo456]

Great idea!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thx Mark

[@Lughnerson]

In one box near the kitchen counter I have 3 light switches and one outlet - original installation. The cover plate got chipped so I had to go online to find another one. Then when I replaced the outlet with a higher quality, it was a bit difficult getting things aligned. The ECX screwdriver tip on an electric screwdriver helped with the many screws involved.

[@no_handle_required]

"a little frustrating"? That's the understatement of the year.

[@dfrechettej3v]

I do the same with the Lutron 2-piece wall plates. You take the back part (it already has the necessary holes), flip it over (so the screws on the plate do not interfere) and use it to set your switches / outlets straight and well spaced. This is simpler since you normally have the plate with you at the moment of doing the work.

[@alexsquared1460]

This is a brilliant idea. I'll surely use this trick next time I change switches and outlets

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks Alex!

[@alexsquared1460]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs Thank you for bringing this idea to add to everyone's knowledge "tool belt".

[@andrewc6385]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you sir

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@DireNeeds]

Thanks. Now I can go around my house and straighten up every switch I've installed over the years.

[@ronaldnayman4841]

Love your idea of using a templet. Tks

[@dustintunis9347]

So simple and effective, but I never thought of it. I'll definitely use that trick.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

A simple idea that’s brilliant

[@konradpetz7317]

Great idea!!!! and having the decorra style more and more popular you don't need to keep many plate combinations

[@itzNickyJayBeats]

PROTIP: For the longest I always did my finish cover plate screws on my outlets horizontal, on my light switches vertical. But now after reading a pro tip; I only put my finish screws vertical on every cover plate regardless of the device I will always make my screws up and down vertical to prevent trash buildup and dirt / gunk in my nice new white finish screws!

[@tomlangley6236]

This is funny! I had a customer where I had replaced every switch, outlet, and cover He wasn't happy with the position of the screws, he wanted everyone in the vertical position as not to catch dust. I thought he was being anal. So now this is the way I do it.

[@johnbrisbin3626]

That tip alone is worth a click on the Subscribe button.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks John and welcome to the channel. Happy to have you 👍

[@hassanbazzi3545]

The template is ingenious. Well done 👍

[@housewirestv]

very useful stuff here on your channel! A people can learn a lot of from you!

[@Matt_justlikethat]

You are a genius 👍👍

[@JohnComeOnMan]

This is actually a really good idea. Probably won't use it on two gang, as I can usually get those pretty close by eye, but definitely three and four gang.

[@Munnjo1]

This is very clever. Thanks for the tip!

[@AD-hr4is]

A great tip and idea for those multiple plug or switches.

[@jdubya54]

That is such a great tip, Bravo!!!!

[@brianj3150]

That's is a great idea I hate getting those squared flushed outlets lined up.

[@50srefugee]

Great little trick! Thanks!

[@bobcalder724]

Fantastic! Love the idea !

[@johnthompson3462]

Very clever and re-usable

[@jake9705]

Brilliant idea! Great job

[@jesseestrada4290]

Wow..! That is a very good idea but what I do i leave the receptacles screws lose but not lose just nice and snug and adjust and level with the wall plate and done..! No plate switching, good ideas though.!

[@henrythe83rd18]

Exactly!

[@shubinternet]

I have not used a template. That’s a great idea! Thanks!

[@Gruntled2001]

This is ingenious. BTW, I also think that you are Doug DeMuro's long lost brother :)

[@protoman247]

Pretty neat idea.

[@sw5926]

Genius! Thank you! Would be a good idea to create one with a built-in level.

[@robertmungenast4193]

nice tip will have to use so simple

[@brian1204]

Great tips! I have never noticed, nor cared about, the orientation of the screw slots, tho!

[@robertball3578]

Screw orientation is the mark of a pro.

[@troymicciche4852]

This is so helpful, thank you

[@tonche]

Nice idea with the template and thank god u had ur Milwaukee ECX screwdriver, what would u do without it. 🤣

[@jhonnyrestrepo6780]

Thanks for the great hack. Excellent channel

[@rojax_the_great]

thats genius

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

👍

[@Cabio325]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@profcah]

This is genius. Wish I had seen this years ago!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks!

[@Daynaleo1]

Excellent idea!

[@kazilziya830]

Excellent idea. Thanks