Improved Electrical Outlet Alignment Tool / Jig & Flat Surface Level

Often outlet boxes are installed crooked, as are the holes that are cut into wall materials to accommodate an electrical box. This makes it a little difficult to install the outlet or switch nicely perpendicular to the floor.  This is an improved version of the the outlet alignment tool that I previously posted:

Rather than using a separate small level, this tool incorporates a built-in bubble level. As such, it it MUCH easier to adjust and tighten electrical outlets when not having to hold both the tool and a separate level with one hand. It provides increased shielding from accidentally coming in contact with potentially live wires (but to be safe, turn off the power to any electrical outlets on which you are working). :) It can also be used as a surface level.

You will need to purchase the 8mm x 35mm bubble level vial separately – they are inexpensive and widely available online (search “8x35mm bubble level”).

To install the bubble level:

• Make sure that the small circular receiving cutaways are free from printer debris – these are the cutaways that will hold the bubble level vial in place.

• Insert one end of the bubble level vial into one of the circular receiving cut-aways on the tool.

• Place the tool face up, halfway over the edge of a solid surface (table, etc.), with the side of the tool with the bubble vial inserted over the solid surface.

• While holding down the table side of the tool, carefully bend down the side of the tool that is overhanging the edge – this will spread the finger grips wide enough for you to push in the other side of the bubble vial into the corresponding circular cutaway on the tool.

• Check from the bottom or top view of the tool to make sure that the bubble vial is fully seated and level – you may hear or feel it ‘click’ into place. If the bubble vial is not properly seated and level, it will give erroneous readings when using the tool as a surface level.

NOTE:     A rectangular switch/outlet version of this design is available; see:

NOTE:     If you are having trouble aligning and tightening an electrical outlet because the electrical box is set in too far from the surface of the wall, check out these outlet spacers, they work well for tightening up wobbly, loose outlets: