Wall sockets stuck to wall

gizmo0205

Hi, was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice please?

When the previous occupier painted the flat they obviously didn't remove or loosen the wall and light socket plates so now the sockets are stuck to the walls and covered in paint. I am now looking to redecorate and would like to remove the sockets to do the job properly but they are stuck solid, at the least it would be good to give them a tidy up and get the paint off them. Does anyone have any tips on how to solve this dilemma?

WestonDave

Turn the power off (never know!) and then run a stanley knife blade carefully around the edge which should loosen any paint and avoid major peeling when you do part them from the wall. Unscrew the fronts and then if they still won't budge stick a plug in each socket (power still off!) and use them as handles to pull the socket away from the wall.

gizmo0205

Thanks very much, I will give that a go!

maninthestreet

Just tap GENTLY with a hammer.