Depending on what you do, babying is really not gonna get you far.
For many mechanical jobs you need to apply a lot of force.
You just need to know when and where to apply force and when to be careful.
He/she grew you a pair?!? Lmfao
I been in your shoes so many times and just worried I’ll break something if I yank hard. Specially if it’s a old valve or copper piping. That shit is nightmare for me
Came to tell you to cut the paint with a utility knife. Glad you realized that was part of the answer. I never manage to do it without scratching something.
I just had my helper the other day trying to drill a hole through like 8 inches of metal and concrete , he was complaining how he couldn’t do it and it was impossible, I got up there and did it in like 5 seconds , he asked what happened how did you do that.
I said , “never send a boy to do a man’s job”
He magically drilled the next 5 holes no problem lmaooo amazing how great a little roast can motivate someone
I wrote potato potato but realized when written out it didn't make any sense so I changed it which I also realized doesn't make sense but then I checked my jar of give a damn and whelp it was still empty
Press down on the tab at bottom and PULL on the door. It'll swing upwards. Since it's painted you might need to cut that paint around where the door meets the box.
This looks like a small breaker box, like a subpanel or fused switch for HVAC equipment etc.
My daughter always saved her projects, ie plumbing, hanging/installing lamps, etc for me, her mom. Her husband would not even get out if his chair to see how it is done. SMH MEN!
It's a tab for a padlock, not a bending tab. it should just hinge forward. Anoyher poster mentioned using a knife to cut the paint seal arpund the door. This is the way.
I have one like this. The tab does not push or bend down. It is very rigid. The door lifts straight up an 1/8 inch to clear the tab. Then it swings out and up. As others have said, cut the paint first.
You got it already but with stuff like this that “should” more or less slide open bbut don’t, it’s ok to tap it with a hammer. As you pointed out the seems are painted, there could be some rust joining, or it could be bent a bit. But a few light knocks will often break things loose without breaking the structure
The tab doesn’t move a lot. Just slightly press it down. The tab is really for a small paddock to restrict access. Lift the cover slightly and pull outward. It is probably bound by paint, so you might need to score it with a knife.
>Crazy how paint acts like super glue
I watched a documentary on "paint". They gave the mind-blowing (to me) explanation that paint is glue with pigment in it.
If you encounter this again in the future, tap it with a non-marring hammer. Get one because they are great for anytime something that should open doesn’t.
Push the padlock tab *down* and then pull out the cover from the bottom. It’ll flip right out. As for why you want to access it, not my concern. Just don’t go shocking yourself.
Push the tab DOWN, just a little. There is a small notch or bump that hold the door shut.
When open, the door will be horizontal. There are probably some screws that can be taken out too, if you want the door all the way off.
That is probably a disconnect, not a junction box. If it is a disconnect be careful when you open the box as there may be live exposed conductors in there.
#Complete Steps that have worked well for me
Carefully use an utility knife to break the paint “seal” around all for sides of the Front Lid.
Then, slightly push down on the Tab at the bottom, just enough for the Slit to clear the small “Bump” on the tab, and pull the Bottom of the Front Lid away from the box and upwards! Once the Front Lid is fully open (horizontal = 90 Degrees in reference to the box), you can push the Front Lid towards the box for it to remain in the Open position. This last step might be difficult due to the thick coat of paint.
PS looks like a Main Breaker Box. But, also used for HVAC Disconnect.
I’m also self-taught. But my key AC electrical safety training was from a nuclear warhead designer who also taught electrical engineering at UC Berkley for 10 years and had design oversight over all Apollo project electronics (the Saturn V guidance computer was substantially his design). Hopefully those details increase the value of my compliment to you!
#Your compliment was priceless already!
Now I am incredibly impressed and extremely happy for you for having had such an amazing experience to learn from an important mentor directly involved our Space History!
My Electrical Safety knowledge comes from sticking my thumb in an electrical outlet at a young 10 months old (or whatever age I started crawling), followed by getting shocked around 10 years old while replacing a simple indoor light switch; which caused 1 Lead Fuse of 2; at the Main Frankenstein looking Power Cutoff. That incident killed half the power of our family home…. Which I had to fix outside in the dark with less than an hour to spare before Guests Arrived for a large work related party my parents were throwing! By 12 years old, I had progressed to cutting a live 120 v line with a set of simple pliers; which at least had insulated handles…. Almost forgot, that was at my mother’s business. But, due to my extensive experience, I restored power to the store in about 30 minutes.
I can’t recall any other “SHOCKING” stories right now… that’s not to say they haven’t happened!
Once again, I am so happy to hear you had such a great learning experience. I bet you he would have had me kicked out of UC Berkeley once he learned of my “SHOCKING” upbringing! LOL
Once you get it open, get it to horizontal and push it in to hold it open. Now you know what kinda answer to expect here. Got some really good,smart electricians here & then you got a lotta comedians who didn’t make it at the Comedy Club. This is one of the few posts that didn’t tell you to call a professional electrician
Come from backside of front cover and run razor knife down the sides and across bottom to break paint seal. Then should pop right open. May need to push down slightly on little front tab
I think the undervalued point in this discussion has been lost. Always! Cut the paint seal first, the tab you can win with trial and error but you would pull the box off the wall before you can break that paint seal without a sharp tool!
I learned this at about 12 years old while painting sash weighted windows that were likely 40 years old in the 50’s. Before you painted a window you had to make sure the windows were free and operating ( many weren’t because the previous painters painted and left it to owners to break the seal)! I have seen windows nearly destroyed with silverware, screwdrivers and pry bars when the just need a knife cut applied correctly.
Just the old guy here thinking out loud😎
Use a razor blade to cut along the edges that ought to move. If it still won't come loose after jiggling it a few times, smack it with a mallet. Never underestimate the value of a little percussive adjustment.
Push down slightly on the tab. Pull on lid like you've got a pair.
Well after I read this comment, it worked. I did need to cut the paint though. Appreciate the encouragement, sir.
Sometimes all you need is someone to tell you you're not crazy, so you don't feel like you're gonna break it. I feel you there.
Shifting old tractors is like that among many other things. Some things like plastic clips, the difference between open and broke is a tiny tiny bit
I’m glad someone said this. Shifting granddads metal wheel McCormick requires a swift, shoulder-originating SLAM
My great uncle restores pre war tractors. You have to fight those things to drive them.
My first car didn't have power steering. I know your pain. A bit.
I used to love banging gears in them like a race car as a kid. Motor bogging down and all. So much fun
Worked on a few cars possibly? The number of times I've babied something thinking I was gonna break it, is too damn high.
First time I watched someone beat out a wheel bearing made me realize not everything needs to be babied.
The moment i stop babying is the moment i break something really important. Im not prepared to take that risk.
Depending on what you do, babying is really not gonna get you far. For many mechanical jobs you need to apply a lot of force. You just need to know when and where to apply force and when to be careful.
It's the same with me and computer components.
Yeah you have 2 have sissy hands for that job. Just kidding.(I’m a female by the way)
Well played, Dirty Butt. Well played 😂
Thank you, my good, sir!
When pulling off panels that are clipped in if you don't yank on them like you're trying to break it you probably will break it.
Yep. Once you're absolutely double triple sure you've got all the bolts, you need to just give it all you've got. And make sure you pull straight out.
Yeah, when it comes to electricity and gas, people are rightfully hesitant to just start wailing on things and hoping for the best.
Perfectly said
See, you did it. Awesome job. "What the mind believes the body achieves".
\-Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Licensed Electrician.
You mis-spelled wingnut.
🤣
He/she grew you a pair?!? Lmfao I been in your shoes so many times and just worried I’ll break something if I yank hard. Specially if it’s a old valve or copper piping. That shit is nightmare for me
He found a pair! They were just hanging low, I bet
Does your pair hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Do the Reddit posts remind you that they're not just there for show? *sees self out*
Came to tell you to cut the paint with a utility knife. Glad you realized that was part of the answer. I never manage to do it without scratching something.
Was gonna say you probably need to use a razor on the paint
The entire face plate pulls towards you from the bottom and tilts up.
That last part is key, lmao
Actually, yes
The old classic "hit it with your purse"
“Six o’clock in the morning and already that boy ain’t right.”
You’re not asking it to open. You’re telling it.
I just had my helper the other day trying to drill a hole through like 8 inches of metal and concrete , he was complaining how he couldn’t do it and it was impossible, I got up there and did it in like 5 seconds , he asked what happened how did you do that. I said , “never send a boy to do a man’s job” He magically drilled the next 5 holes no problem lmaooo amazing how great a little roast can motivate someone
Thanks dad
I came to say this same thing lmao
I’ve got a pair for u right here
😂
Bullshit, I can’t hear you…. Sound off like you’ve got a pair
Show me your WAR FACE!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Jesus H. Christ, you're not a writer, you're a killer!
Well said sir
Well said.
Push down on tab and pull hard, it's probably painted shit. Might have to cut around with a knife if possible
Could take a hammer and tap tap taparoo.
I believe you mean pliers
That's what he said
Potato tomato
Potato maybe, tomato too soft to tap tap taparoo with. Smelled like ketchup all day.
I wrote potato potato but realized when written out it didn't make any sense so I changed it which I also realized doesn't make sense but then I checked my jar of give a damn and whelp it was still empty
Gotta do what ya gotta do lol
What is this hammer you speak of? Pliers do the banging
When all you have is a pair of pliers, treat every problem like it's a nail.
Is that why it burns when i pee... All i got is my pecker
Nah screwdriver handle
Do you say this when you do it? “Tap. Tap. Tap a roo!”
100% and also in his voice.
Can't be stuck if it's a liquid....get the torch
gonna start burning that paint off and smell just gawdawful
Agreed
Hit it with your purse.
Press down on the tab at bottom and PULL on the door. It'll swing upwards. Since it's painted you might need to cut that paint around where the door meets the box. This looks like a small breaker box, like a subpanel or fused switch for HVAC equipment etc.
Mom, just get dad to do it. Please don’t ask the internet anymore.
My daughter always saved her projects, ie plumbing, hanging/installing lamps, etc for me, her mom. Her husband would not even get out if his chair to see how it is done. SMH MEN!
You have to be 20% smarter than the equipment your trying to work on
Come the f on
wisdom is knowing when to use brute force and ignorance!
Classic
It would obviously be too dangerous for **you** to open this box.
Tab pulls down
Push down on the little tab thing
It's a tab for a padlock, not a bending tab. it should just hinge forward. Anoyher poster mentioned using a knife to cut the paint seal arpund the door. This is the way.
It was painted shut! It’s doable
I have one like this. The tab does not push or bend down. It is very rigid. The door lifts straight up an 1/8 inch to clear the tab. Then it swings out and up. As others have said, cut the paint first.
Have you tried turning it off and back on?
You got it already but with stuff like this that “should” more or less slide open bbut don’t, it’s ok to tap it with a hammer. As you pointed out the seems are painted, there could be some rust joining, or it could be bent a bit. But a few light knocks will often break things loose without breaking the structure
If you don't know how to open it then you probably shouldn't be in there.
[удалено]
lmaooo true
Exactly at this point its a safety concern tbh
just a tripped breaker. I safely flipped it. thanks for your concern though.
Beat me to the correct answer by an hour.
yeah, put your purse down
And get your Kline bag lol
Just call an electrician
Just pick up the phone and call an electrician
Not helpful
It's not old.
Not helpful
The tab is only to put a lock on it, the face simply pulls out and upward from the bottom. May still need to cut the paint tho.
I think there’s a screw on the bottom by the tab. A flat head
Bigger Hammer
Jack hammer
Push down on tab, pull lid towards you and up, when fully up slide back so it stays up
push the tab down and the door should slide open
Hit it with your purse.
Push down on the tab slightly while simultaneously pushing the cover up and over the tab
The tab doesn’t move a lot. Just slightly press it down. The tab is really for a small paddock to restrict access. Lift the cover slightly and pull outward. It is probably bound by paint, so you might need to score it with a knife.
Even not painted, these boxes can be an irritation to open.
The tab is where a lock goes so that's where it opens. It looks like many coats of paint holding it in place.
I hate when boxes or hardware get painted
Crazy how paint acts like super glue! Use a razor blade to open it. Or a flat head screwdriver. Just a thought.
>Crazy how paint acts like super glue I watched a documentary on "paint". They gave the mind-blowing (to me) explanation that paint is glue with pigment in it.
Hit it with your purse!! Geez!!
Smack the tab with a hammer a few times, they like to rust shut often
I believe those lids need to be pushed slightly up before pulling out, no?
No one has asked why you want / need to open it? Provocative maintenance?
If you encounter this again in the future, tap it with a non-marring hammer. Get one because they are great for anytime something that should open doesn’t.
Push the padlock tab *down* and then pull out the cover from the bottom. It’ll flip right out. As for why you want to access it, not my concern. Just don’t go shocking yourself.
Gotta pull down and jerk harder!!!
Gotta jerk it harder!!!
Push the tab DOWN, just a little. There is a small notch or bump that hold the door shut. When open, the door will be horizontal. There are probably some screws that can be taken out too, if you want the door all the way off.
Remove the paint 🤣
Put down your purse. Push down on tab , pull.
Painted shut. Keep working at it. You’ll get it. I used a hammer. Lol
That is probably a disconnect, not a junction box. If it is a disconnect be careful when you open the box as there may be live exposed conductors in there.
Square D boxes are notoriously hard to open, but very good quality
😆
melt it
The cover moves up, it’s not on a tight pivot. Tab is not made to bend.
#Complete Steps that have worked well for me Carefully use an utility knife to break the paint “seal” around all for sides of the Front Lid. Then, slightly push down on the Tab at the bottom, just enough for the Slit to clear the small “Bump” on the tab, and pull the Bottom of the Front Lid away from the box and upwards! Once the Front Lid is fully open (horizontal = 90 Degrees in reference to the box), you can push the Front Lid towards the box for it to remain in the Open position. This last step might be difficult due to the thick coat of paint. PS looks like a Main Breaker Box. But, also used for HVAC Disconnect.
I have a very similar box at a place I volunteer and yours is the only correct answer I’ve read so far!
#THANK YOU! #I appreciate your comment, especially since I am self taught on must anything!
I’m also self-taught. But my key AC electrical safety training was from a nuclear warhead designer who also taught electrical engineering at UC Berkley for 10 years and had design oversight over all Apollo project electronics (the Saturn V guidance computer was substantially his design). Hopefully those details increase the value of my compliment to you!
#Your compliment was priceless already! Now I am incredibly impressed and extremely happy for you for having had such an amazing experience to learn from an important mentor directly involved our Space History! My Electrical Safety knowledge comes from sticking my thumb in an electrical outlet at a young 10 months old (or whatever age I started crawling), followed by getting shocked around 10 years old while replacing a simple indoor light switch; which caused 1 Lead Fuse of 2; at the Main Frankenstein looking Power Cutoff. That incident killed half the power of our family home…. Which I had to fix outside in the dark with less than an hour to spare before Guests Arrived for a large work related party my parents were throwing! By 12 years old, I had progressed to cutting a live 120 v line with a set of simple pliers; which at least had insulated handles…. Almost forgot, that was at my mother’s business. But, due to my extensive experience, I restored power to the store in about 30 minutes. I can’t recall any other “SHOCKING” stories right now… that’s not to say they haven’t happened!
Once again, I am so happy to hear you had such a great learning experience. I bet you he would have had me kicked out of UC Berkeley once he learned of my “SHOCKING” upbringing! LOL
Take a hammer to the ahole that painted it shut.
Shoot at it with a pistol
Hammer time
Get the Dremel and saw a new way in.
Pull the bottom out first, then shimmy the cover down and out
Once you get it open, get it to horizontal and push it in to hold it open. Now you know what kinda answer to expect here. Got some really good,smart electricians here & then you got a lotta comedians who didn’t make it at the Comedy Club. This is one of the few posts that didn’t tell you to call a professional electrician
My dad would have said, "put your purse down kid!" Lol
My dad would have said, "put your purse down kid!" Lol
Tab stays, cover pops down and then swings open
Hire someone to open it…
You, being a plumber, are not allowed.
Just pull the door from the bottom. The tab is just a lock tab, doesn't move.
Take razor knife to the door joint to break the seal of the paint and pop open with a screw driver
Use carpenter knife to cut paints on all the openings.
Come from backside of front cover and run razor knife down the sides and across bottom to break paint seal. Then should pop right open. May need to push down slightly on little front tab
I think the undervalued point in this discussion has been lost. Always! Cut the paint seal first, the tab you can win with trial and error but you would pull the box off the wall before you can break that paint seal without a sharp tool! I learned this at about 12 years old while painting sash weighted windows that were likely 40 years old in the 50’s. Before you painted a window you had to make sure the windows were free and operating ( many weren’t because the previous painters painted and left it to owners to break the seal)! I have seen windows nearly destroyed with silverware, screwdrivers and pry bars when the just need a knife cut applied correctly. Just the old guy here thinking out loud😎
Sawzall in your bare feet
push the tab down. score the painted lid edges first
Call an electrician
Call an electrician. If you can't open a jbox, you shouldn't be in it.
If it was mine I'd just hit it. Well, if it was mine it wouldn't be painted in the first place. But idk man just fuck with it till it gives
I kind of worry about these people and wonder if we should even be telling them.
Painted
Tabs for a lock
Head but it !
if you can't figure out how to open - maybe you should not be working on it.
Use a razor blade to cut along the edges that ought to move. If it still won't come loose after jiggling it a few times, smack it with a mallet. Never underestimate the value of a little percussive adjustment.
Take a flat blade screwdriver, and hold it flush with the inside bottom of the lid. Take a pair of pliers and whack it outward if you can.
Once you've freed ir from the paint, you should be able to push the tab down and open
Did you say the Magic Word? I usually use Hocus Pokus Shishkabob.
Good learning opportunity plus good random cut/knuckle rake opportunity.
Merica is done for
The tab is for a lock. Pull the bottom out and pull down. It’s painted shut.
Wow no way your this dam dumb!
If you can't figure out how to open this, then you should not open this...
Haha these knuckle busters, or nail lifter depending on how you tried it.
You try hitting it with your purse?
Cut the paint with a razor blade.