I have a receptacle box that needs to be reinstalled. While replacing one of the cables running to the box, the drywall became damaged. With this level of damage, is my best bet to cut out and replace a large section of the drywall (10in by 16in) between the two adjacent studs and make a receptacle cut out in the new piece of drywall? Is there another way that is any easier, what provides enough support for the box?
Best Answer
Don't "attach to drywall" if a stud is available.
Seriously. You can have some pretty large insert/remove forces on a socket - 10 or 20 pounds. Drywall is chalk covered with paper. It is simply not made to bear that, and the goofy "wings" that grab-the-drywall boxes use won't hold up to the strain.
If it was a switch, maybe not so bad... but for a recep, no, definitely use any means necessary to screw into that stud with a box capable of that.
I would go for a steel box because it will attach well to screws with no risk of tearing out... and then use wood screws with either a 90 degree ratchet screwdriver, or a hex head screw and a wrench. Royal PITA, once, and then the job is done first-rate and you never have to sweat it again.
Now that we're not using it for attachment, that drywall damage is just an "oops". Cover that with an extended cover plate, which are widely sold for just that purpose.