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My dad used to have one, you use it as a drill guide/template when fixing electrical sockets, but I cannot find anywhere that sells them, and as I don't know the name Google is not much help!

(Searching on google for "socket drill template" did not find anything useful)

Walker
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    It's called a _pattress jig_. I couldn't find any sellers in a quick search though. – Niall C. Jan 24 '11 at 21:09
  • Wow, what a memory you have. I haven't seen one in years. Never would have remembered the name of that thing. – shirlock homes Jan 24 '11 at 21:42
  • @Niall, thanks please make your comment into an answer so I can accept it, I just found one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/B-Q-Pattress-Jig-CUT-PATTRESS-BOXES-EASILY-NEW-/120660016019?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c17e5bb93 as you told me what to search for. – Walker Jan 24 '11 at 22:08
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    I'm curious, how did you manage to find that picture without knowing the name? Someone should make an online tool search engine where you can sketch a picture of a tool/jig/fixture and it tells you what it's called and where to find it. – Shimon Rura Jan 25 '11 at 03:57
  • @Shimon, see http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/content/knowledge/how_to/replace_socket/replace_socket.jsp&_loopback=1 when I googled for "socket template" – Walker Jan 25 '11 at 09:06
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    Ha, this question is already the 3rd result in a google search for "pattress jig". – Mike Powell Jan 25 '11 at 13:58

2 Answers2

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It's called a pattress jig.

B&Q stock them in the UK. However they can only be purchased from a physical store not online, the ean code is 03619377 and the cost is £7.68. (A B&Q store can order one if needed based on the ean code.)

There is also a seller on eBay UK.

Niall C.
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The Pattress Jig available from B&Q is not great as using a template made out of plastic with a hammer drill means the template gets warped and damaged easily and doesn't hold straight on the wall.

I found this one on Amazon. Its made from Aluminium. Durable and holds nice and firm. Highly recommended at only £18.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pattress-Wall-Socket-Template-Electric/dp/B01E1LFU1M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478122129&sr=8-1&keywords=pattress+box+jig

It's made by these guys: http://www.mixengineering.co.uk/

Harry
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