...phenolic or melamine (stiff plastic) device plates without cracking them around the screw-holes?

I've cracked so many over the years because I always tighten the screw a bit _too_ much.

I favor metal plates because you can securely tighten them and don't have to worry about them working loose from hard use. I've got this thing against screws working loose... [Linked Image]

Not to mention that with a tin wall plate you don't have to worry about jerks who slam furniture against the wall and shatter the plate. My kid bro did that once...slammed his bed against the wall socket (with a bakelite wall plate) and broke half the plate in two - half of it fell behind the bed.

I can't believe he was using it in that state...and never electrocuted himself! [Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 05-22-2003).]