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How to remove a screwless telephone outlet?

Okay, this might be a silly question... But, I have these screwless outlets in the apartment, and I can't for the life of me remove them! What the hell?! There are 2 tiny button-like notches that I've pressed with a flat-head screwdriver, but the thing still won't budge.

What am I doing wrong here? I've tried to pry it open as well but slightly damaged the drywall around in the process already. Surely this isn't supposed to be this difficult? I want to see what cable is used in there.

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Comments

TedBear

Hi @Kazur , interesting that the front plate won't pop off, since that is the only way I've ever come across to get at the screws. The cover is thin, so don't put the screwdriver in too far. Also place a piece of thin metal or plastic (such as a scraper) on the wall to lever the screwdriver against without it pressing directly onto the plaster. Try levering at the corners.

Alternatively the slots may be to access some sort of catch, so maybe it's not levering but firmly pressing inward with thin driver that's required.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Kazur. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing cover plates.

Generally, you should be able to place a screwdriver in the notch and flick the cover plate straight off. Instead of the wall, you might need to use something else as the fulcrum point. Take a small flathead screwdriver and place it into the notch. Put a thin strip of timber or bunch up a tea towel and place it under the screwdriver. Lever against the timber and pop the cover straight up and off. You might need to push in on the tab at the same time. I've created the rendering below to illustrate.

Please let me know if you have success or have questions.

Mitchell

Kazur

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/19302#Comment_19302

That worked! Thank you both so much!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/72302#Comment_72302

I'm pleased our advice worked for you @Kazur!

Feel free to reach out anytime you need assistance with a project around the home and garden. We're here to help.

Mitchell

haydo90

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/99501#Comment_99501

Just pop them of they clip on ,then the screws are under that

Kazur

So I was able to open the outlet and see what cable is in there. I'd like to change the socket from RJ11 to RJ45. I know I need the following product to replace the office room outlet https://www.bunnings.com.au/hpm-excel-1-gang-rj45-port_p4330573
But, what outlet do I need to replace the following? It has the TV antenna socket(I think that's what it is?), RJ11 (which I'd like to swap for RJ45) and the NBN socket.

Kazur

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/19311#Comment_19311

Or is it possible to only replace the RJ11 keystone to RJ45 and keep the existing outlets?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/72306#Comment_72306

@Kazur,

The individual sockets pop out of that outlet, allowing them to be interchanged.

It depends on the manufacturer of that outlet as the individual sockets have different proprietary shapes. This DETA CAT 6 RJ45 Ethernet Grid Plate Insert looks like a close match. If it isn't a direct replacement, you'd need to work out who makes that outlet and get the RJ45 socket to suit. Alternatively, if that isn't going to happen, you'd need to replace the whole outlet. You might not find one that comes with Ant/PAL, RJ45 and NBN in it already. You'd need to get a 3-gang outlet and replace the individual sockets with their compatible options.

I'd try that DETA insert as it looks almost spot-on.

Mitchell

Kazur

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/99503#Comment_99503

Any tips on how to pop the RJ11 jack out? I want to take the outlet with me to Bunnings to make sure the RJ45 one you suggested fits. Here are some pics I took. Do these notches here have anything to do with it?

TedBear

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/116562#Comment_116562

Hi @Kazur. only just got back to viewing this workshop...

It's the slots on the sides that you need to put a thin screwdriver into and press inwards. That will push the small hooks in and allow it to slide out. You could also press into the front slots to help push it back, or tilt the unit toward the side to get the latch to come up a little. There isn't much wriggle space in the holder so you may have to also push it out via the front slots.

I would put a small driver in a vice, facing upwards, protruding just a little, then place the front slot over that while also pressing in to the same-side slot. Repeat for other side.

Kazur

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126353#Comment_126353

That plug is ridiculously difficult to pull out... I've been trying for 15 minutes and nothing. Oh well I reckon I'll have to get the whole outlet

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/132880#Comment_132880

Hi @Kazur,

Typically you'd push that kind of socket out from the front with your thumb. They can be pretty stiff, and if you haven't done it before, it could be quite tricky. I use both my thumbs, one on top of the other and pop the socket out. There are quite a few little tabs going on there, and as @TedBear has mentioned, you might need to depress them to see some movement.

Mitchell

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