I'm trying to unscrew what "seems" to be (I'm not an expert) a heat pump disconnect switch. I don't know the function of this box. It's also connected to the furnace (see pictures). Box is screwed on the 2×4. Problem I have is I cannot get to the screw in the box to remove it. Do you know what can be done to get access to the screw?
It seems that I have to remove in some way the black plastic cover in the box but I don't know how.
Switch – Cannot get to the screw behind disconnect switch
accessibilitycircuit breakerscrewsswitch
Related Solutions
Ratchets can be rather bulky as you've found. Combined with a deep socket in the wrong place, you aren't going to remove the fastener. Using a shallow socket and and proper length extension moves the ratchet out of the way to where it belongs.
Straight Drive Extension
Wobble Drive Extension
The wobble drive allows for some misalignment between what the socket is removing and the ratchet drive handle, probably what you're looking for to take care of the fact that gear is in the way.
Or you use this drive handle to convert the socket to a simple nut driver
Then there's the time honored nut driver
If there's enough sticking out that you can grab on to, a pair of locking pliers would likely help turn it but it will be hard to fully unthread since there will come a point where the pliers don't have enough to grip on to. If you're lucky, you might get enough clearance to cut it or turn it from another part of the screw.
Another option is to simply drill it out and then tap new, slightly larger threads to use with a larger screw when re-installing.
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Best Answer
Think the screw has nothing to do with removing the dead front. Think this is how:
Turn the switch to OFF.
Lift up the top plastic section using the holes on the side. This will allow lifting or prying the bottom section over the stop on the bottom.
But it may be that you just pry on the bottom in the central slot.