How to Remove a Lutron Wallplate Without Breaking It

Those screwless wallplates (or faceplates) you have in your house that cover your light switches and outlets are commonly called Lutron plates, after the company that manufactures them.  They are attractive and they give your house a smooth, contemporary look.  One problem:  how do you remove them without breaking them?

They have no visible removal gimmick, no tabs or buttons.  Lutron sales literature and specs tell you that “the front plate securely snaps into the alignment adapter plate,” but makes no mention of how to remove it.  Since this is rigid plastic, the potential for breaking it is high.

Before We Remove It:  How It Works

 

So you know what you’re dealing with ahead of time, on the inside of the plate are 4 teeth:  2 on top, 2 on bottom.

Sides Do Not Matter

 

Since the teeth are on top and bottom, you are doing nothing with the sides.  Ignore the sides.

Start at Top:  Get One Finger Under the Top

 

First, get a finger under one side of the top plate.  You may need to slip a thin object such as a credit card underneath.  Pop off one of those 2 top teeth.

Pop Off the Second Tooth on Top

 

With your finger under the plate, slide your finger towards the second of the 2 top teeth.  Sliding your finger should pop that second tooth.

Lift Down to Remove

 

When you have 2 teeth pried off, the 2 bottom teeth do not need prying.  Simply lift the plate downward and the plate will come loose.

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