Running cable behind drywall

[appadv]

Hi,

I'm currently working on my basement and wonder what is the best way to run cables behind drywall? I also have a drop ceiling and want to run speaker cable, HDMI, VGA, composite, S-video, Cat5, and telephone cable inside the ceiling.

So - what tools are best for getting wire through tight spaces and what's the best way to route wire through walls?

[MikeC78]

Fish tape and WD40.

[scottdwagner]

CL rated cables and wires, check monoprice.com
Use a fish wire/tape tool which is available at Lowes/Home Depot
Prepare for significant exasperation...

[a_mattison]

Hi,

I'm currently working on my basement and wonder what is the best way to run cables behind drywall? I also have a drop ceiling and want to run speaker cable, HDMI, VGA, composite, S-video, Cat5, and telephone cable inside the ceiling.

So - what tools are best for getting wire through tight spaces and what's the best way to route wire through walls?

See the link. I used the 12Ga. Belden 5000 and am very happy with it. It pulled nicely through the walls (and is meant for it). If you are down to the studs, run the speaker cable the same as you would electrical....drill holes in the studs.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm

Edit: After re-reading your post, it sounds like you already have drywall up.... In that case....that's going to suck, man!

[dudeinaroom]

what they said^^^^

[MikeC78]

I don't know what you have in mind?

I would run everything in the ceiling(since it's a drop), and try to locate the studs of the wall from the ceiling (run the wires between studs) or maybe even use a stud finder(never had luck with them) and then drill a small hole in the approximate area of the drywall where the wire would come out. Use the fish tape through the drywall and try to catch it up above in the ceiling(attach speaker wire or whatever you are doing with electrical tape, a second person is helpful). Lube up the wire first with some WD40 and pull it through. The WD will act as a slight lubricant making the wire easier to pull, and less chances of making any tears or cuts in it.

Good luck.

Mike

[MikeC78]

Where is our forum electrician?? (kolyan2k):confused:

I'm sure he has a better way.;)

[a_mattison]

:rolleyes: Mike, What about a pressure washer? Worked for the plumbing. heh heh heh...:o

[MikeC78]

:rolleyes: Mike, What about a pressure washer? Worked for the plumbing. heh heh heh...:o

Yeah, F*CK YOU!:D

[a_mattison]

Yeah, F*CK YOU!:D

:eek: :( :D :D

[kolyan2k]

Where is our forum electrician?? (kolyan2k):confused:

I'm sure he has a better way.;)

u said it. just don't really need WD40. and avoid fluorescent lights, if u have any.