By Ethan BrooksUpdated November 2026
Longer screws for outlet covers solve a problem that standard hardware often leaves behind: a receptacle box set back behind drywall, a thick backsplash, tile, or a stack of old wallpaper and joint compound. When the screw is too short, the cover sits loose, rattles, or never fully seats against the wall. When it is too long, the tip can bottom out in the box and pull the device out of alignment. This guide compares seven widely sold screw kits and explains how to choose the right length, thread, and head style for your walls. Every pick here is a real Amazon listing, and the comparison is based on manufacturer specifications, brand reputation, and the feedback owners commonly report.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overall120 pcs Wall Plate Screws, White Outlet Screws 6-32 ThreadView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for thick backsplashes150 Pcs White Wall Plate Screws Assortment Kit, 6-32 Thread Long Outlet Screws by RKBEZOSView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for a deep single gang boxStainless Steel Phillips Flat Head for Outlet Cover, Rust Resistant, HView on Amazon - 4
Best for a broad length rangeOval Head Slotted Electrical Outlet Screws, 130PCS White Wall Plate Screws KitView on Amazon - 5Best for stainless hardwareStainless Steel Phillips Flat Head for Outlet Cover, Rust Resistant, HView on Amazon
- 6
Best budget pick100 pcs Wall Plate Screws 6-32 Thread for Electrical Cover Panel, 4 SizesView on Amazon - 7
Best for a compact replacement kitElectrical Cover Panel Switch Plate Screws 5 Length Sizes (3/8", 9/16"View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| 120 pcs Wall Plate Screws, White (B0DR761NK2) | Most standard outlet and switch jobs | Five lengths from 3/8″ to 1.2″ in 6-32 thread |
| 120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit (B0F32QFR6W) | Mixed-length replacement projects | Four lengths from 3/8″ to 1″ in 6-32 thread |
| SHENLIU Extra Long Outlet Screws, 6-32 x 2 Inch (B0H45WKKDK) | Deep boxes and heavy wall build-ups | Stainless steel, 2-inch length for deep mounting |
| 150 Pcs White Wall Plate Screws Assortment (B0GJTDZHWY) | Thick backsplashes and tile | Six sizes with long options for thick surfaces |
| Electrical Cover Panel Switch Plate Screws, 120PCS (B0FH1FHL73) | Replacing covers on a standard wall | Five lengths including 1-3/16″ in a compact kit |
| 100 pcs Wall Plate Screws 6-32 Thread (B0B3VM5J8G) | Simple, low-volume repairs | Four sizes in one small assortment |
| Oval Head Slotted Electrical Outlet Screws, 130PCS (B0GJ54WCYY) | Households with many covers | Oval head slotted screws in five lengths up to 1-3/16″ |
120 pcs Wall Plate Screws, White Outlet Screws 6-32 Thread
120 pcs Wall Plate Screws, White Outlet Screws 6-32 Thread Light Electrical Cover Panel Switch Plate Screws 5 Length Sizes (3/8", 9/16", 3/4", 1", 1.2")
Best for: Most standard outlet and switch jobs where you need a range of lengths in one box.
This is a practical choice for homeowners who are not yet sure how thick their wall build-up is. The five-length spread lets you test from short to long without buying a second kit, which matters when you are working through several boxes in one afternoon.
Key specs
- Thread: 6-32
- Lengths: 3/8″, 9/16″, 3/4″, 1″, 1.2″
- Finish: white
- Quantity: 120 pieces
Pros
- Covers the common range from thin drywall to moderate build-ups
- White finish matches most cover plates
- Single kit handles many different boxes
Cons
- Longest option may not reach very deep boxes
- Plastic-coated finish can scratch if forced
Bottom line: A good first kit for most households. Pick this if you want one assortment that covers normal wall thickness without guessing.
120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit – #6-32 Thread
120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit – #6-32 Thread Outlet Cover & Switch Plate Fasteners with 4 Lengths (3/8" to 1") for Electrical Outlets, Light Switch Plates, and Faceplate Mounting
Best for: Mixed-length replacement projects in standard residential walls.
This kit is aimed at people replacing covers across a house. The four lengths from 3/8″ to 1″ cover most surface-mounted and flush-mounted devices, and the count gives you spares for the screws that inevitably strip or cross-thread.
Key specs
- Thread: #6-32
- Lengths: 3/8″ to 1″
- Quantity: 120 pieces
Pros
- Large count is useful for whole-home replacements
- Lengths are well suited to standard drywall
- Fasteners are compatible with common cover plates
Cons
- No length beyond 1 inch, so deep build-ups may be short
- Owners sometimes note variation in head finish
Bottom line: Best for a homeowner doing several covers with normal wall depth. Less suitable if you have thick tile or a recessed box.
Stainless Steel Phillips Flat Head Outlet Cover Screws – SHENLIU 50 Pcs Extra Long, 6-32 x 2 Inch
Stainless Steel Phillips Flat Head for Outlet Cover, Rust Resistant, Heat-Treated, Cross Pan Head for Accurate Mounting SHENLIU 50 Pcs Extra Long Outlet Screws, 6-32 x 2 Inch Machine Screws
Best for: Deep single gang boxes and walls with substantial added thickness.
This is the pick for the situation most standard kits fail: a box that sits well behind the finished surface. The 2-inch length reaches through thick build-ups, and the stainless construction suits humid rooms and outdoor-adjacent walls better than plated steel.
Key specs
- Thread: 6-32
- Length: 2 inches
- Material: stainless steel
- Head: Phillips flat head
- Quantity: 50 pieces
Pros
- Reaches deep boxes that shorter kits cannot
- Stainless steel resists rust in damp areas
- Flat head sits flush with the cover
Cons
- Only one length, so it is not a full-range kit
- Too long for thin drywall; it can bottom out and misalign the device
Bottom line: The right choice when you have measured a deep box. Keep a shorter kit on hand for ordinary covers.
150 Pcs White Wall Plate Screws Assortment Kit, 6-32 Thread Long Outlet Screws by RKBEZOS
150 Pcs White Wall Plate Screws Assortment Kit, 6 Sizes 6-32 Thread Long Outlet Screws for Thick Backsplashes,Slotted Oval Head Fasteners for Light Switch Covers & Receptacle Plates by RKBEZOS
Best for: Thick backsplashes, tile, and stacked wall finishes.
Kitchens are where longer screws earn their place. A backsplash can add a quarter inch or more over the original drywall, and this six-size assortment gives you the longer steps needed to bring the cover flush.
Key specs
- Thread: 6-32
- Six sizes including long options
- Head: slotted oval
- Quantity: 150 pieces
Pros
- Good spread of lengths for thick surfaces
- Large count covers a full kitchen and bathroom
- Oval head sits neatly on decorative covers
Cons
- Slotted heads need a matching driver and can cam out
- Not all lengths are documented clearly in the listing
Bottom line: The strongest option for backsplash and tile jobs. Test the length in one box before buying a full set of matching hardware.
Electrical Cover Panel Switch Plate Screws 5 Length Sizes, 120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit
Electrical Cover Panel Switch Plate Screws 5 Length Sizes (3/8", 9/16", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16") 120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit, #6-32 Outlet Cover Screws
Best for: Replacing covers on a standard wall with a compact, organized kit.
This kit extends the common range to 1-3/16″, which helps when a plain 1-inch screw is just short. It suits a homeowner who wants a tidy set of sizes for a small number of jobs.
Key specs
- Thread: #6-32
- Lengths: 3/8″, 9/16″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-3/16″
- Quantity: 120 pieces
Pros
- Five lengths include the 1-3/16″ step
- Good for switch plates and receptacles alike
- Manageable count for a few rooms
Cons
- Finish quality reports vary across owner reviews
- Head style may not suit decorative covers
Bottom line: A solid general-purpose kit. Good if you want the extra length without going to a specialty 2-inch screw.
100 pcs Wall Plate Screws 6-32 Thread for Electrical Cover Panel, 4 Sizes
100 pcs Wall Plate Screws 6-32 Thread for Electrical Cover Panel 4 Sizes
Best for: Simple, low-volume repairs and a budget-conscious first purchase.
If you only need to replace one or two covers, a smaller four-size assortment is less clutter. The count is enough for a few boxes with room for mistakes.
Key specs
- Thread: 6-32
- Four sizes
- Quantity: 100 pieces
Pros
- Lower commitment for occasional projects
- Four lengths cover typical wall thickness
- Easy to store in a junk drawer
Cons
- Fewer length steps than the larger kits
- Limited options for very thick walls
Bottom line: Sensible for a single room or quick fix. Move to a wider-range kit if you find yourself short.
Oval Head Slotted Electrical Outlet Screws, 130PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit
Oval Head Slotted Electrical Outlet Screws, Light Switch Plate Screws,5 Length 3/8", 9/16", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16" Long 130PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit,#6-32 Thread Outlet Cover Screws
Best for: Households with many covers and mixed box depths.
This is a large, well-rounded assortment. The oval head suits decorative and standard covers, and the five-length spread gives you options across a whole house without buying specialty pieces.
Key specs
- Thread: #6-32
- Lengths: 3/8″, 9/16″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-3/16″
- Head: oval, slotted
- Quantity: 130 pieces
Pros
- Five lengths across a large count
- Oval head sits well on decorative covers
- Good spares for stripped screws
Cons
- Slotted heads are easier to cam out than Phillips
- Longest length still falls short of 2-inch specialty screws
Bottom line: A strong choice for whole-home replacement. Pair it with a deeper screw if you have an unusually deep box.
Buying Guide
Measure the Depth Before You Buy
Remove the old cover and measure from the front of the box to the plaster or drywall surface, then add the thickness of the cover plate. Your screw should thread into the box’s mounting ears by at least a few full turns. A common rule is to choose the next length up from the measured gap, not the nearest length down.
Good picks for this: 120 pcs Wall Plate Screws (B0DR761NK2), 130PCS Oval Head Slotted Outlet Screws (B0GJ54WCYY)
Thread Size
Most US electrical covers and device mounting ears use 6-32 thread. Confirm this by checking the screw stamped on your old cover or by looking at the box. Mixing thread sizes strips the box and ruins the mount, so keep to 6-32 unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Good picks for this: 100 pcs Wall Plate Screws 6-32 Thread (B0B3VM5J8G), 120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit (B0F32QFR6W)
Head Style and Drive Type
Slotted and oval heads are common on residential covers, while Phillips flat heads give a better grip with a matching driver. Slotted screws are more likely to cam out, so use a sharp, correctly sized flat-blade driver and apply steady downward pressure. Decorative covers may require a specific head profile to sit flush.
Good picks for this: Stainless Steel Phillips Flat Head Outlet Cover Screws (B0H45WKKDK), 150 Pcs White Wall Plate Screws Assortment (B0GJTDZHWY)
Material and Corrosion Resistance
Plated steel works well in dry interior walls. In kitchens, bathrooms, and any wall that sees humidity or condensation, stainless steel resists rust better and keeps a clean appearance over time. Manufacturers generally note that stainless fasteners are the better choice for damp locations.
Good picks for this: Stainless Steel Phillips Flat Head Outlet Cover Screws (B0H45WKKDK), 120 pcs Wall Plate Screws, White (B0DR761NK2)
Matching the Screw to Your Use Case
A kitchen backsplash, a tiled bathroom wall, and a plain drywall bedroom each call for different lengths. Tile and backsplash build-ups often need the longer steps, while standard drywall rarely does. If you are unsure, buy a kit with a range rather than a single length.
Good picks for this: 150 Pcs White Wall Plate Screws Assortment Kit (B0GJTDZHWY), Electrical Cover Panel Switch Plate Screws, 120PCS (B0FH1FHL73)
Durability and Thread Quality
Cheap screws can cross-thread or strip in the box’s mounting ears, and a stripped mount is hard to repair without replacing the box. Look for clean, consistent threads in the listing images and compare owner feedback about how easily screws start. Keeping a few spares on hand is a practical safeguard.
Good picks for this: 120PCS White Wall Plate Screws Kit (B0F32QFR6W), 130PCS Oval Head Slotted Outlet Screws (B0GJ54WCYY)
Finish and Appearance
White finish blends with most cover plates, while stainless gives a metallic look that suits brushed-steel hardware. Choose a finish that matches the cover, not just the screw, because a mismatched head can draw the eye on an otherwise clean wall.
Good picks for this: 120 pcs Wall Plate Screws, White (B0DR761NK2), Stainless Steel Phillips Flat Head Outlet Cover Screws (B0H45WKKDK)
FAQ
What is the right length for longer screws for outlet covers?
The right length depends on the distance between the box’s mounting ears and the finished wall, plus the cover thickness. Measure that gap and choose a screw that threads into the box by several turns while leaving the cover flush. Slightly longer is usually better than too short, but very long screws can bottom out in the box.
Will a longer screw damage the outlet?
It can. If the screw is too long, its tip can press against the device or the box wiring, which may cause misalignment or stress on connections. Always check that the screw stops against the box’s threaded ears and not against the receptacle body.
Do I need the same screw for every outlet?
Not necessarily. Each box may sit at a different depth, especially in older homes or where tile was added later. Measure each one individually and use the appropriate length, keeping a range on hand for mixed situations.
Are stainless steel screws better than white-coated ones?
Stainless steel resists rust and suits damp areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. White-coated screws are fine for dry interior walls and match most covers. For wet locations, stainless is the more durable choice.
What thread size do most outlet covers use?
Most residential US outlet and switch covers use 6-32 thread. Check the screw stamped on your current cover or the box to confirm before buying.
Why do my cover screws keep stripping?
Stripping usually comes from using a driver that does not fit the head, applying too much torque, or forcing a cross-threaded screw. Use a correctly sized driver, start the screw by hand, and stop once the cover sits snug. If a box is stripped, a professional electrician can repair or replace it.
When should I call an electrician?
Call a licensed electrician if a box is loose inside the wall, if you see damage or heat marks, or if the device no longer sits securely after you have adjusted the screws. Electrical work carries real risk, so consult a professional before attempting repairs beyond simple cover replacement.
Conclusion
For most households, a broad-range kit such as the 120 pcs Wall Plate Screws (B0DR761NK2) or the 130PCS Oval Head Slotted Outlet Screws (B0GJ54WCYY) covers the situations you will meet. Choose the 150 Pcs Assortment (B0GJTDZHWY) for thick backsplashes and tile, and reserve the SHENLIU 2-inch Extra Long screws for deep boxes you have actually measured. Stainless steel is the better pick for humid rooms, and the 100-piece kit suits a single occasional repair. Measure the gap before you buy, and match the length to it.
Sources
- Consumer product safety guidance on electrical hazards and child-related outlet risks (cpsc.gov)
- Electrical safety standards and guidance on wiring devices and enclosures (nfpa.org)
- Workplace electrical safety guidance on handling and maintaining electrical equipment (osha.gov)
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About Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
