Running Wire In Exsisting Walls

wolverines57

I would like to know if any one has good ideas or tricks when it comes to running wire through finished walls. Some of these jobs can be quite a challenge. I have already used jack chain that works well at times. I see that thier is a long bore bit on the market, any feed back on that tool. I am looking at job now, that the home owner wants low voltage lighting installed under the kitchen cabinets. There is a basement below the kitchen that helps. Anyway, if any one has any ideas in this topic I am sure interested.

briselec

I have a 1200mm long auger bit that I've used many times.

Here's a neat trick I picked up somewhere - when trying to fish down a cavity, at the hole you want to come out of, get a length of that plastic packing tape that they put around boxes, make a loop and stick it into the hole then push in both sides of the loop so that the loop expands inside the cavity. Then drop a string line with some jack chain tied on down from above. As long as you're close to the hole it should fall thru the loop. Then grab both ends of the loop and pull it out of the hole and your stringline will come out with it.

bigjay

I have a 60" flex bit that works pretty well but the bits seem to get dull easily. It works great on interior non-insulated walls. On insulated walls I use a expandable fiberglass rod made by greenlee. Sometimes I use string and a small nut tied to the end to drop down uninsulated walls.

macmikeman

Go down to your local ADI store and pickup a "wet noodle". The counter guy will know what it is, so you won't have to look for it. Use a heaver jack chain and the magnet stick for getting the chain out of the most impossible holes. Works terrific.

sparkysteve

I like to use jack chain like the chain you use to hang flourescent lights. With a small weight on the end it will walk right down a wall.

firemike

If the wall in insulated I use the fiberglass rods (Greenlee FishStix.) They work great for geting through the insulation, or even without. I especially like them for shoving data or phone wires over a suspended ceiling, you don't have to open as many tiles.

ABLE1

One of the best tricks I have in my bag is the following. When trying to fish that wire, chain, fiber rod, pole whatever and it just won't go.

You then need to "Always close your eyes and visualize."

Other than that is good knowledge of construction before the drywall and measure, measure, measure and then keep you your fingers crossed and go for broke.

Les

robertc65

No one mentioned that when all else fails and you have about 3 of your tools stuck inside the wall it's time for the drywall saw. This step should come before you get mad and start jamming your fish stick into the wall with all your might hoping for something to give. I hate when this happens!!!!!!!

krthomp33

a Trick I use is a coat hanger. Cut it and use it to drill right in the corner of the wall and the floor, so you know exactly where to drill up from the basement. You can do the same for the attic, and the hole is so small, you barely notice it

wavector

Sometimes in old, and newer, construction if the walls are higher than 8' they'll put blocking in the wall, about 4' to 5' from the bottom, for stability. Some call it fire blocking.