Remove a remodeling box by turning the anchor bolts on the front of the box using a screwdriver.
Remove old ceiling light box.
Take out the screws or remove the nuts from the top of the old ceiling box if it is attached to a hanger bar suspended between the joists.
If a bar hanger supports the box between two ceiling joists cut through the bar with a hacksaw.
As noted elsewhere your best bet is to put a box nearby to lower the number of wires then run only the needed wires into the box.
Pull out the box when the.
Lower the existing fixture off the wall or ceiling by taking out the mounting screws holding it to the electrical box exposing the wiring behind it.
Step 1 turn off the power to the fixture at the fuse box.
Number 10 x 1 5 sheet metal screws were used to secured the pancake box to the ceiling joist.
Rotating the bolts unhooks the anchors behind the box from the drywall.
Push the wires aside and insert a hacksaw through the hole in the ceiling.
As you pull the box from the ceiling carefully remove the wires from the box.
Unfasten the screws if the box is held to the ceiling joist with screws.
Remove the box from the ceiling.
Video of the day.
If you re determined to remove it i would cut the drywall back and see if you can detach it from below.
Take out the screws or remove the nuts from the top of the old ceiling box if it is attached to a hanger bar suspended between the joists.
Push the wires aside and insert a hacksaw through the hole in the ceiling.
As an alternative to removing the ceiling box you can cover it with a decorative plate and install the recessed light.
I ve done that myself and it helps a great deal when you have a box stuffed with wires.
Remove stubborn nail on ceiling boxes by breaking the box into pieces with a hammer then removing the nails.
If the box is nailed to the joist loosen the box by striking it with a hammer.
As you pull the box from the ceiling carefully remove the wires from the box.