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I am running into an issue issue installing a 3-way and a dimmer switch into a 2 gang box. Both of the current switches seem to have a painted over connector (images below). Maybe I can get by with 2 WAGO 221 5 connector, but sort of confused on the best way to go about it. They painted the heck out of everything inside of the box it seems.
I'm also quite nervous trying to push it all back into the box, the smart switches take up a lot more space.
Clean off the wires enough to identify their color. If you see a black wire and it has white paint on it, just black it up with a sharpie to reduce confusion.
You can just attach to the pigtails already going to the switches. So that means you don't need to mess with hot splices.
For neutral, honestly... I would swap that 4-slot stab connector for a Wago 5-hole. Use one new pigtail wire + the 4 existing wires. (gonna have to buy that, most BETTER stores sell white solid THHN wire by the foot for like 20 cents). Then off that pigtail, attach your smart switch neutrals with any old thing, probably a yellow wire nut. Wire nuts don't take much space and we're talking milliamps of current.
The original contractor went with jab connectors because they're fast to assemble. They're not as good as a genuine Wago lever-nut, but not nearly as bad as backstabs. However, like backstabs, they are single-use and non-inspectable, which is a PITA when chasing a problem. You have to assume they are bad.
The most compact splice method by far is wire nuts.
