View Full Version : [Help Needed] Measure once, cut twice....???
tugboat
09-10-2008, 08:57 PM
Okay, did a stupid thing. I measured for new speaker wire for my surrounds and forgot to do it twice. Somehow I left out 7' for one of the speakers height on the wall. So now I have one speaker wired and routed perfectly and the other is wired, but not routed properly (diagonal down the wall). Since these are surround speakers, would it be okay to get the 7' I need, strip 1/2" off the end of each wire, separate the strands a bit, braid the two ends together, solder them and then shrink tube them? I really don't want to go out and buy another 24' of wire, but will if I have to.
Also, has anyone successfully use an electrician's fish tape to pull wire under carpet? For my back surrounds, I have an 8' section that I can hide the wire (door way and alcove). I was thinking of puting a small slit in the carpet next to the baseboard at both ends of the run and using a fish tape (wire pull) to get the runs through. I figure if the end of the pull is smooth, it should slide between the carpet and padding. Since I rent I can't drill and run under the floor.
Oh, and I can't use the wire for the rear surrounds as it's a different gauge and I only have enough for them (36' each).
Thanks!
tcrossma
09-10-2008, 09:52 PM
I did exactly what you are asking for one of my surrounds due to running out of cable, and it works fine for me. If I cared more about the "HT" aspect of my system I'd probably always wonder if it was degrading the performance, but as it stands it's working fine for me.
tugboat
09-10-2008, 10:27 PM
I did exactly what you are asking for one of my surrounds due to running out of cable, and it works fine for me. If I cared more about the "HT" aspect of my system I'd probably always wonder if it was degrading the performance, but as it stands it's working fine for me.
The speakers were calibrated with a SPL meter. I guess I can splice the wire and use the meter to see if the right and left are still equal in level. Not the best way to check, but it should do the trick.
Thanks!
just_visiting
09-13-2008, 03:21 AM
When I made my cables I was was worried that this would happen.
can't help you there buddy. :(
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):) :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
go there and make my day :)
bye sploosh
utpalbarman
09-13-2008, 09:02 AM
Hi,
Also, has anyone successfully use an electrician's fish tape to pull wire under carpet? For my back surrounds, I have an 8' section that I can hide the wire (door way and alcove). I was thinking of puting a small slit in the carpet next to the baseboard at both ends of the run and using a fish tape (wire pull) to get the runs through.
Max
Used Cars (http://used.gov-auctions.org)
steveinaz
09-13-2008, 10:56 AM
Since these are surround speakers, would it be okay to get the 7' I need, strip 1/2" off the end of each wire, separate the strands a bit, braid the two ends together, solder them and then shrink tube them?
I would use crimp sleeves instead to do the splice.
tugboat
09-13-2008, 01:59 PM
I would use crimp sleeves instead to do the splice.
Well already did the solder thing. I used a 12ga piece and soldered it to the 14ga. It seems to be working well. The speakers are LS f/x surrounds and are for critical listening.
Also, has anyone successfully use an electrician's fish tape to pull wire under carpet? For my back surrounds, I have an 8' section that I can hide the wire (door way and alcove). I was thinking of puting a small slit in the carpet next to the baseboard at both ends of the run and using a fish tape (wire pull) to get the runs through.
probably depends a lot on how well the carpet is fixed down. ambitious i'd say but maybe possible... can't really hurt to try! good luck
polktiger
09-15-2008, 10:08 AM
Hi,
Also, has anyone successfully use an electrician's fish tape to pull wire under carpet? For my back surrounds, I have an 8' section that I can hide the wire (door way and alcove). I was thinking of puting a small slit in the carpet next to the baseboard at both ends of the run and using a fish tape (wire pull) to get the runs through.
Max
Used Cars (http://used.gov-auctions.org)
If you go this route, I would use the ultraflat wire. Your idea will work, but your main problem will be getting a snug fit on the carpet after you are done. If you don't use the flat wire you will get a bump in your carpet as your carpet pad naturally compresses over time.
concealer404
09-15-2008, 11:45 AM
Hi,
Also, has anyone successfully use an electrician's fish tape to pull wire under carpet? For my back surrounds, I have an 8' section that I can hide the wire (door way and alcove). I was thinking of puting a small slit in the carpet next to the baseboard at both ends of the run and using a fish tape (wire pull) to get the runs through.
Max
Used Cars (http://used.gov-auctions.org)
Dude..... what kind of cars are you selling?
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