I am replacing a dimmer with an LED compatible dimmer. I have two problems.
1) I can't find an LED dimmer narrow enough. The Lutron dimmer that I bought is 1 3/4" wide. The box is a little less than 2 inches wide and the box tabs are very close to the screws on the dimmer.
2) Whoever installed this old work box didn't secure the romex.
I see two possible solutions:
1) Find a narrower dimmer. Use a press-on plastic clamp to secure the romex.
2) Replace the box with a slightly wider non-conductive box with a built-in clamp.
My primary question: how difficult is it to remove this box? I think that it is held in by the tabs, so if I bend them out the box should come out. What about the tabs, will they come out easily? I don't want this simple project to spiral out of control.
Any other suggestions?
This is the box I am considering:
https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Electric-Products-MSB22-Adjustable/dp/B00H8NUVM4
Edit: Resolution: Reused the metal box. Used a dimmer with wires instead of screws. Still a tight fit. Added a clamp to secure the romex (had to take the box out to add the clamp, thx to Jack for the tips). Labeled the wires (white was line, black was load/lamp 🙁 ). Used a clip to ground the box (wasn't grounded before).
Best Answer
The box is very easy to remove. Just straighten the four tabs and the box will come out, the taps will fall to the floor behind the drywall unless you hold on to them and slide them out from behind the wall in the event you want to reuse the box.
You could use the existing box once you attach the NM cable to it. Just remember to hold on to those tabs. After making your connections to the switch, wrap two or three wraps of electrical tape around the switch and secure it into the box.
You can also replace the existing box with a plastic old work box. The box you pictured won't work unless there's a stud right there to drive those screws into.