This topic

Openreach Fibre box

Rob33 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 12:10:28 GMT

How do I take the front cover off an Openreach Fibre box to allow wall paper stripping and re-papering?

I want to get to the screws on the wall - but don't want to break the front cover.

Also been told NOT to disconnect the fibre cable in any circumstances - is this true?

Couldn't attach photo but looks like this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-PtbckU9ws

Thanks

Rob

Re: Openreach Fibre box

VeteranISPUser — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:29:31 GMT

Hi @Rob33 I don't know what I am talking about, but doesn't the whole thing simply unhook from the wall by moving it upwards? Obviously, be very careful with the cables.

Re: Openreach Fibre box

chrisjp — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 14:43:31 GMT

Where does the fibre optic cable enter the box? Some come in from behind and, if so, there is no slack to allow you to move the box away from the wall. Even if the cable comes in from the side there may not be sufficient slack in it to be able to move the box.
I would consider papering around the box rather than trying to paper behind it.

Re: Openreach Fibre box

iniltous — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:31:43 GMT

A wall mounted ONT , like the one shown in the supplied link (so not inside an enclosure) , as stated can be manoeuvred off its location screws by gently pushing it upwards ( 0.5cm ) then forward from the wall , obviously taking care with the optical cable , refitting the same process in reverse.

Re: Openreach Fibre box

Rob33 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:32:25 GMT

Yep - that worked - came off as one whole unit and left the 2 screws in the wall ready to hook it back onto. No need to disconnect any cables or even turn off the power. There is no front cover to remove.

Thanks, Rob

Re: Openreach Fibre box

Rob33 — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 18:35:38 GMT

Fibre cable comes in the bottom - whole units slides up off the screws as in answer above - and enough slack to strip off old paper and do the new paper.

Thanks, Rob

Re: Openreach Fibre box

WSH — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 21:27:59 GMT

There is some truth in not disconnecting the cable.

The mating faces on fibre optic connections are very sensitive to dust and scratches, so unless you have the right cleaning kit to hand, it is best left alone.

Re: Openreach Fibre box

Rob33 — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:14:37 GMT

Thanks - now I've got the whole box off the wall with all the connections still in place, I'll leave the fibre connection well alone.