How do I replace this switch if the black wire is looped around the screw?

Question

Behind a 2 gang wall plate, there are 2 single pole switches. I am trying to swap the left one out with a Kasa smart wi-fi light switch.

The problem is, the black wire that connects to the bottom terminal of the switch I want to replace does not end and it kind of loops into the other switch's bottom terminal. I tried a wire nut but couldn't get it to fit since that "loop" area is too thick.

Can I cut this "loop" and use a wire nut to connect the black wire from the box, the black wire from the Kasa switch and the now-cutoff black wire that connects to the other switch?

Answer 1

I would make sure the power was off first, but there is no reason not to cut to use a wire nut.

It was done this way to save a wire nut.

Answer 2

The existing black wire is using a lazy way of chaining to a second switch. The proper ways are:

• Use a wire nut to connect the incoming wire and a short wire to each switch (pigtails)
• Use a switch that allows for two wires under each screw. Note that this requires a step up from the absolute cheapest switches, so most people who have the original switches put in by the builder (builders tend to be penny-pinchers because an extra $2 per switch x 25 switches = $50 less profit on the house) can't do that.

Each wire should have at least 6" from where it enters the box to the end where it attaches to a wire nut or switch or receptacle. If cutting the wire at the current bare spot will leave 6" then you can cut it there and use a wire nut to connect it to pigtails to the two switches. If cutting the wire at the current bare spot would leave it shorter than 6", tape over it really well with black electrical tape and use the end that is currently on the other switch with a wire nut and two pigtails to the two switches.