12V cabinet downlight repair

JanBCarter · 12-11-2005, 09:37 AM

In tackling the honey-do list after a trip, I'm trying to repair a couple of the swivel under cabinet lights that came loose (what a flimsy installation!!). Has anyone had success with re-installing same over the DR table? I've tried screw anchors of various types, but the hole has cracked out so much they won't hold. I've tried to access it from above, but it does not appear the flimsy false cabinet bottom was meant to be removed and I'm afraid to break it. I've thought about some kind of glue, but there isn't much rim in contact with the cabinet. Any thoughts? Thanks

JanBCarter · 12-11-2005, 09:37 AM

In tackling the honey-do list after a trip, I'm trying to repair a couple of the swivel under cabinet lights that came loose (what a flimsy installation!!). Has anyone had success with re-installing same over the DR table? I've tried screw anchors of various types, but the hole has cracked out so much they won't hold. I've tried to access it from above, but it does not appear the flimsy false cabinet bottom was meant to be removed and I'm afraid to break it. I've thought about some kind of glue, but there isn't much rim in contact with the cabinet. Any thoughts? Thanks

Bushman512003 · 12-11-2005, 02:20 PM

Never seen the rig but can You install a ring a bit larger and use some glue or urathane use ply wood say 1/4" for the ring stain to match or paint drill for the wire to drop down then remount the light.Pre.drill the light mounting screws so the same problem does not rear it's head again...

Bushman

N8XV · 12-11-2005, 04:44 PM

I had a similar problem on the thin under cabinet material. I squeezed some super glue into the old screw holes. It soaked out into the surrounding material bonding the material tight. Then fill the old screw holes with epoxy. After it hardens, drill and re-insert your screws. Just be very careful with the super glue so it does not drip where you don't want it.

troth · 12-12-2005, 02:52 AM

JB, the thin plywood bottom of your cabinets does lift up or out fairly easily... get a flat screwdriver or putty knife under the edge and work it around the perimeter; -the veneer bottom is stapled, not glued in place. I'd go for lifting the bottom or floor of the cabinet up high enough to get your hand in there, then adding a thin disk of plywood (or whatever) glued into place just above the light mount, and rescrew it.

Cruzer · 12-12-2005, 11:06 AM

On my Suncruiser when that happened I just rotated the light and redrilled some new screw holes. But, I like Troth's suggestion better - it's a more permanent fix and ensures it won't happen again.

JanBCarter · 12-14-2005, 03:11 PM

Thanks everybody for all the suggestions. You were right Thomas, the falst bottom was only stapled in, so was able to attack the problem from above which made it a breeze.

Tom N · 12-14-2005, 03:29 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> the falst bottom was only stapled in </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Those false bottoms make good areas to hide "stuff".