Patching and Plastering - Problem! Plaster and old work outlet boxes.

Ok, here's a good one. I'm an replacing an "old work" electrical box that was poorly installed by the previous owner. One problem...upon removing the old metal one I noticed that the hole is now to big vertically for a new plastic box. I tried smearing some patching plaster around the hole to try and tighten the fit, but all that did was create a mess. Any thoughts on how to make that hole smaller so an "old work" box can be installed proplerly? Neatness is not an issue as tile will end up covering most of the repair.

Also, the solution can't be to install a double box because running romex up from the basement is virtually impossible...tried it already. :wall:

One thought is to buy oversized outlet cover plates, this would be the easiest solution if the gaps aren't too large. If the gaps are too large for that solution, you can put in some backing, just some like 1"x boards in short lengths, stick them thru the hole and hold againt the back of the plaster & lath & attach with screws so they overhang the hole and give something to attach drywall to. Other option would be to use some kind of mesh as a backer and use a product like plaster weld to fill up the gap. HTH

Almost anything that can be stuffed in the opening will work to back up some quicksetting plaster or quicksetting joint compound. The Plaster Weld is a bonding agent to help new plaster bond to other material such as painted plaster of old plaster. A little of that wouldn't hurt your porject but don't expect it to fill anything. It is the consistency of paint. Awsemodell's other ideas are right on if the gap is either small enough or large enough.

Thanks awesomedell. I secured some thin wood strips behind the plaster and mounted the outlet box onto those strips. Works like a charm! :)