How do I install a ceiling light fixture using an existing hole when the hole is too big?

Question

I tried to use the existing electrical box, but one of the mounting s***w holes is stripped and the box is barely able to stay in place because the original work was done very sloppily and the hole is too big. Even if I can get around the stripped threads on the s***w hole, I'm afraid to hang anything from the box for fear there is not enough edge surface attached to the drywall, and therefore will not be able to handle any weight, let alone the weight of a metal-framed, small chandelier. The existing box is white and uses a U-shaped, metal brace on the inside of the wall which the box attaches to using two slotted screws. I tried to use an "old work" box from Home Depot that uses three "ears" or flaps that rotate into place when turning the screws, and act like little vices that squeeze the drywall between the flaps and the outer flange. That didn't work because the hole is the same diameter and the outer edge of the boxes flange, so the whole box went right through the hole!

Answer 1

First remove the old box! It is not designed to hold up the weight of a ceiling fan. Go to Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace, where ever and get a Raco

1-1/2" Ceiling Fan/Heavy Fixture Installation Brace and Box

Item #: 73178       Model: 935

$9.98

or something similar. You can print the listing below for reference. This is designed to do what you want. If the ceiling fan does not cover the existing hole you can patch it, or as suggested earlier use a ceiling medallion. Good luck!

Answer 2

If you can not get into the ceiling above the box (in an attic for example) to put a piece of wood between two joists to reinforce the box, then you are best served by attaching  a new box to the joist the old box was attached to.  

You can s***w right through the side of the box with 2 screws to secure the box (predrilling is recommended).  This WILL NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH FOR A CEILING FAN OR SIMILAR HEAVY FIXTURE.   This may require making the hole even bigger than it already is, but you have to have a solid attachment or your future light fixture will fall at the most inconvenient moment (if it holds at all when you first hang it).

Then if your fixture doesn't cover the hole you can always get one of those decorative rings for ceilings (also available at Home Depot).  

You may also need to get an adapter ring to make the s***w holes line up between your fixture and the box.

Answer 3

There is a thing.......it's like a big medallian or something.  It's round and pretty flat.........sometimes has a bit of detail, like vines or 'rope' details......you nail/glue that up, then install the celing fan, it should hide the extra stuff