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Electrical Wiring Lighting DIY

can’t secure light to wall

last year

last modified: last year

I am almost done putting up a bathroom vanity light. The last step is to screw on little decorative knobs that cover the screw. These screws hold the light to the wall. But one of the knobs does not screw all the way down to cover the entire screw. So the light does not fasten securely to the wall.

I know i did something wrong but i don‘t know what. Im using all the parts provided. Hopefully someone can explain what i did wrong and offer a work around so i dont have to take it all apart. I would appreciate any help Thanks!

***** Thank you so much for your help!! i love when i understand somehing!!! ******

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Comments (3)

elltwo
last year
Remove the back plate (the gold dome that can't be tightly secured) and check to see if you can turn the stud (the screw that the nut goes on) in a clockwise direction.

If you can do this then you will not have to undo anything else.

If the stud cannot be screwed deeper into the electrical box then you will have to shorten it and this will probably involve taking out the fixture bar.

Be sure to cut it with a screw cutter to maintain the integrity of the threads.

If you make a mistake take the screw to a hardware store for a perfect match, but you probably will need an 8x32.
CR Fein thanked elltwo
3onthetree
last year
^ the screw being described would be the one in your crossbar bracket, that you would back out so there is less sticking out from the bracket that your nut attaches to.
CR Fein thanked 3onthetree
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That tiny fixture is not going to give you enough light. Is it a full bathroom or just a WC and sink? The problem with a single fixture is that it will become a glare bomb if it provides enough light. What about a semi-flush mount with a drum shade? Paint the ceiling white and then it will bounce some light off the ceiling. This one has an adjustable stem, I believe, so you could play with the height. Or you could try something light this, but I fear you'd get a lot of pattern/ shadow. This one is Ikea. I also have an illuminated mirror from SimpleHuman that just needs to be recharged once in a while. It's extremely helpful for getting light right where you need it. And yes, that paint color is absolutely sucking away any light that you do have, so changing that will help. Good luck! It's a pretty space. I think I have the same faucet!!
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kudzu9
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This is a common issue with this type of mounting. You've gotten good advice here, but don't be surprised if you need to make adjustments and trial fits 2-3 times before you get the bolt length just right.

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