"would you say these fs/fd boxes are the best choice for weather and hard useage? i haven't tried to break one vs. trying to break a heavy plastic box but they do look and feel a bit like pot metal"
You may be able to break a aluminum box with some effort. You will not break a malleable steel box. It's easy to tell them apart, the steel is much, much, heavier.
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"So, what are the PVC boxes with hubs and WP gaskets/covers called? I thought they qualified as "FS" and "FD" too.."
Good point....you are correct sir!
GJ