Anybody ever install Elk Keypad Flush Mount Back BEFORE drywall?

[robolo]

I know the Elk flush mount back boxes for the K2 keypads are designed to go in after drywall, but I was wondering if anyone has done it before drywall goes up. I was thinking this could be done if the flat flange on all sides of the box were removed with a Dremel. The the drywallers would simply cut the drywall around the edge of the box and should have a snug fit. Has anyone tried this ?

Robolo

 

[gatchel]

I would think you would get a seam or cracking where the plastic meets the drywall. I'd like to see it done though. It would look good if you could get rid of the seam.

 

[Sacedog]

I would think you would get a seam or cracking where the plastic meets the drywall. I'd like to see it done though. It would look good if you could get rid of the seam.

The Elk flush mount box is meant to be installed after drywall, as it has ears on all 4 sides to pressure fit it to the wall. It is only this way that you will get a snug fit. If you let the drywallers cut around it, you will likely have gaps after the fact, because the keypad does not hang over the edges of the flush mount box.

I installed 3 of these in my house, and they look great. I just made sure to loop lots of extra wire right where I wanted to put the box, and attached the loop to the stud. After the drywall is up, and you cut the hole, it is large enough to stick your entire arm into if you need to fish around for wire.

So, I would definately just loop some wire up in the wall, make sure to take pictures (can't emphasize this enough!!), then cut the drywall for the box after the fact. The box even comes with a nice template, so you cut the perfect size hole. I might alwo invest in a shark saw, or some other drywall saw.

 

[Kevin L]

+1

I wired my house, took pictures of all locations, and then had them drywall. I have five KP2s, with flushmounts, and they look great being done after drywall.

Good luck,

Kevin

 

[wuench]

+1

I wired my house, took pictures of all locations, and then had them drywall. I have five KP2s, with flushmounts, and they look great being done after drywall.

Good luck,

Kevin

I agree, I think you are better off doing it after the fact. You are probably going to cause more issues than you solve trying to hack it.

 

[Steve]

Agreed, always to use as designed and they work so well no reason to change. Only reason I can see is because of maybe getting the wire but as mentioned the hole you cut will be big enough that as long as the wire is in that cavity there will be no problem grabbing it. Only thing to make sure is when you cut the hole it would be best to be at least 1" off the stud to leave room for the dogear to open enough.

 

[robolo]

I have done it the standard way many times myself installing it after the drywall. Just wanted to see if anyone has ever tried to push the envelope and do it prior to drywall in a new construction application.

Robolo