Does anyone have a suggestions for pulling electrical wires 2 feet or more through outside logs?
threading electical wires through outside logs
Comments
12/17/2007 - 18:24
Pulling Wires
If you don't have holes or conduit in already you will have to get long drill bits to drill the holes. Try this site:
If you already have holes or conduit inplace simply tie a small plastic bag onto a piece of string. Feed the bag and string into the hole. Get a good vacuum and put it on the other end of the hole and if eveything works right, the vacuum will draw the string through the conduit. Then use the string to pull a heavier twine into the conduit. Use the twine to pull the wire through.
Good Luck.
12/17/2007 - 19:16
Fish Tape
Electricians use a tool called a fish tape. It is a heavy guage, flexible wire that is wound in an outer shell. It has a small hook on the end. You simply slide the fish tape through the pre-drilled hole, tape your electrical wires to it with electrical tape, and pull it through. You can fish much longer than two feet if needed. Probably could rent one for a few days when you need to do all your wire pulling.
I'm quite sure for two-feet pulls you could fashion your own fish tape. A length of 6 or 8 guage wire with a hook on the end would work just fine.
12/17/2007 - 20:39
Fish Tape price
A quick on-line search revealed the following prices for fish tapes. Like all tools, there are household grade and professional grade. For the 2-foot runs, I'd give el cheapo a shot.
Harbor Freight: $4.99 for 50 feet.
Home Depot: $50 for 240 feet.
Lowes: $23 for 50 feet.
Fox Electric Supply: $49 to $199
Electric Supply OnLine: Hard to tell, but looks like you could get the economy grade 50 footer for $18. Or go all out for $705.
Scott: How have you used your Home Depot fish tape and how would you rate it?
Joined: 2007-12-17