The green wire nuts with the hole are specifically designed for grounding wires. While you might not like them, and can find ways to make other wire nuts work, here's why they exist and what to consider: Dedicated Grounding Path

The hole in the wire nut allows a ground wire to pass through and connect directly to the metal box (if it's a metal box that needs grounding). This creates a direct and reliable grounding path from the circuit to the box, and ultimately to the main electrical panel.

Safety

Proper grounding is essential for safety. It helps protect against electrical shock by providing a low-resistance path for fault current to flow back to the source, tripping a breaker or fuse.

Code Compliance

Electrical codes (like the NEC in the US) often require specific grounding methods. Using the correct type of wire connector for grounding is part of code compliance. Using a regular wire nut for the box ground may not meet code requirements.

Alternatives and Considerations Pigtailing

You can achieve the same result as using the wire nut with the hole by pigtailing. This involves using a regular wire nut to connect all the ground wires together (including the one from the cable entering the box), and then using a separate short piece of wire (the pigtail) connected to the same wire nut that is then connected to the metal box with a screw.

Metal Boxes vs. Plastic Boxes

If you are using a plastic box, you do not need to connect the ground wire to the box itself. In this case, you can just use a regular wire nut to connect all the ground wires together.

Push-In Connectors

Some electricians like push-in connectors (like Wago connectors) for ground wires. However, you'd still need a separate connection to the metal box if required.

Your Concerns About Wire Tucking Plan your Wire Placement

The wire sticking out can be a challenge. Think about the order in which you connect the wires and how they will naturally lay in the box.

Slightly Longer Ground Wire

Leaving a little extra length on the ground wire that passes through the wire nut can help you position it more easily.

Careful Folding

Gently fold the wires into the box, avoiding sharp bends that could damage the insulation.

Bottom Line

While you might* be able to make other wire nuts work, the green wire nuts with the hole are designed specifically for grounding, ensure a reliable connection, and help with code compliance. The extra care needed to tuck the wires nicely is, in most cases, worth it for the sake of safety and code adherence.

When in doubt, it's always best to consult with a qualified electrician. They can assess your specific situation and provide the best and safest solution for your wiring needs. Flag for review