Need Tips for Mounting screw-in Slider electrical Boxes

Question

I know they've been around awhile but I'm still kind of new to them. I occasionally have to mount these Allied slider boxes in new and old work situations, and sometimes they go in perfectly with no problems. However, yesterday I couldn't get them straight to save my life. Yesterday was an especially difficult case because the upward angle of the screws and proximity with the countertop made mounting fairly awkward.
I just find it too easy to get one screw slightly off course, and then the slider twists the whole box. This causes the box to telescope forward at odd angles when you try to slide it out later. Once a screw sinks into wood, it really wants to find that same hole again even if I try to readjust away from it. Anyway, I'm  looking for tips from anyone who knows what I'm talking about.How do you get these things dead on, every time?

Solar Mike · Answer

Use a small angle head drill and drill pilot holes - as you say the screw follows the existing hole.

Michael Karas · Answer

I would like to suggest that, as with many things, it just takes practice. If you do it enough times you will learn just how much to hold the box proud of the wall surface when starting the screws - knowing that the screws will tend to pull the box into the wall cavity some as they tighten down.
When working in less than optimal positions such as under a counter it takes some additional skills as a contortionist and knowing when to bring in additional lighting.

Need Tips for Mounting screw-in Slider electrical Boxes

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