Uncommon Tricks to Fish Wire Through Walls and Ceilings Quickly | How To

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Published 2022-04-30
In this video I show you how I fish wires through walls to get them to or from the attic, basement, or different floors, to a new box. It may seem like it would be a difficult job but it oftentimes really isn't.

Items Used or Recommended:
Pull Chain: amzn.to/3krtLcF
Klein Fish Tape: amzn.to/38wXbDz
Electrical Tape: amzn.to/3MGOjdj
Dewalt Multi Tool: amzn.to/3vtBOMk
Lenox Jab Saw: amzn.to/3KwXjQC


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Blessings,
Adam


How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

All Comments (21)
  • @HowToHomeDIY
    There are numerous ways to fish wires in walls, what are some of your favorite ways?
  • @ddhddhddh
    I like your videos. There's a lot of arm chair electricians making comments, with that said, I always run my wire through the hole for the box before installing the box.
    Also, remove the red rope or at least the handle on your garage door track release so someone can't Fish a wire over your garage door and release your door from the track.
  • Never underestimate how useful having a strong magnet can be - I've used the chain dangle and then used a magnet to kind of blind pull the chain toward the opening I needed - has served me quite well.
  • @pterafirma
    Instead of immediately tracing the box and starting your cut on the line you traced around it, cut into the middle of where the rectangle will be, and toward the stud, to determine precisely where the edge is. Then trace your rectangle and cut it out, knowing the box will abut the stud perfectly.
  • I love your videos. Your voice never gets on my nerves, and your work area is always well-lit and your camera positioned so that your hands are never blocking it while you’re doing the work. You don’t rush the process, so it’s easy to follow along. Your videos are easily the best ones I’ve seen, so thank you for all of the time and care you put into them.
  • @edhaynes4107
    During my 3+ decades of electrical installations I used the chain for many of my new receptacle/switch installations. I also use flex bits which helped getting around fire blocking. I approached my jobs by first assessing exactly what I was facing. The area I worked had many very expense homes with custom paint jobs and unconventional construction. You did not want to poke holes into the walls and ceiling before making sure that the job could be completed without damaged to the existing paint jobs.

    I enjoyed these challenges. Thanks for reminding me of them.
  • Thanks for taking the time to do this video. I have a channel of my own and I understand how long it takes to produce a video like this. You took the time to mockup a wall and then carefully explain how you like to do this. Sure, it may not work in every situation, but what does? The important thing is that you gave me some ideas that I had not thought of before and now I can apply that knowledge and tailor it to my own needs. Don't worry about the naysayers. We all get them. Well done my friend. Keep up the good work.
  • @curtvincent3355
    Your chain idea is EXACTLY what I needed to crack my problem. THANK YOU!!!
  • I have a fair amount of experience wall fishing, but still found this video immensely helpful. Much appreciated!
  • My first electrical job as a green helper was in 1983. At Rick Baker Electric, damaging sheetrock to add boxes, lights, etc. was absolutely not allowed. I learned from a very skilled and very fast Journeyman. Eventually, fishing wires with no damage became my specialty. I like the chain idea. If you look at Home depot, you can find 1/4" diameter rare earth magnets with a hole in the center. It will grab that chain if you simply get close to it. A good way to get an idea what is in the wall is to take a 10" piece of 14 gauge solid, stripped bare, bend a wide 90 on one end ands a sharp 90 the opposite direction on the other end. It makes a hole small enough to fill (if you need to) sometimes by just pressing around it. This especially handy when you are adding recessed lighting in the ceiling. You can lay them out from the room, as opposed to an additional trip into the attic.
  • @spudboyQ
    It's really hot in my attic. I think I'm gonna start taking my walls into the shop. Great tip!
  • HOLY COW, thanks! Your wire marking trick solved the remaining piece of my project!!!
  • Of course. That's how you find the place to run your wire down from the attic. Genius. Thank you man.
  • @gottofly2
    Slick little trick! A must see for all electric DIYer’s!
  • @electricroo
    I was a hospital maintenance electrician for 42 years. Some walls can seem impossible due to the construction of the wall, type of insulation etc. In tough cases I would tie a heavy washer or large heavy nut to some nylon wire pull string and work it up and down till it drops to the box cutout. Sometimes this can take awhile due to tight insulation or obstructions in the wall.
  • @FlyGuy2000
    That chain and hook technique is genius, thanks for the tip.
  • I like the chain with a magnet. Works very well and cuts down on my feeling and listening for the chain. Great video for beginners! 👍
  • @avlisk
    As a weekend DIY'er, I agree that the multi-tool is one of the most useful tools, ever! I use it all the time. BTW, the other tool I didn't know I needed, but use all the time is my 18 gauge brad nailer, battery powered of course.
  • I have of course always used fish tape and rods but this is really smart. In this situation I think the chain would work best. Thanks for the idea!
  • @SkylersRants
    That was so sensible, practical, and easy to do. Thanks. So many projects in my life were left undone because that just seemed too hard.