sidewinder Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 (edited) Want to install some extra points in our office....the switch cab is in the next room, trunking already runs the whole way, very easy 10m run. Except...it goes through a wall. An electrician drilled the holes and put the existing cables through a while ago, and while I could get them back, as the holes are already there and I only need to get 3 more cables through, I wanted to do it myself. The problem is that the wall at it's core is solid brick, then either side is plasterboard, then to make matters worse there is an additional ledge on the lower part of the wall, so the thickness is getting on for 30cm. Also, although holes are cut, they arent very well lined up through the different parts. On both sides and presumably the middle, there is plenty of space for more cables. Allow my crude diagram to illustrate the wall. (ok I can't even get a picture to show up now, not having a good day!) My usual method is a wire coat hanger, unwound. I poke one end into some CAT5, then poke it through and pull it the other side. The problem here is that because I can't see which part of the hole it is going through, it is getting too tight and I end up pulling the hanger through without the cable! What other tools techniques could I use to get this bloody cable through? Edited November 23, 2012 by sidewinder
Disease Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Get a Drill, a large drill bit and let havoc commence! That's what I would do anyway.
Michael Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Buy a small switch - there's your extra ports. Drill another hole yourself. Root it under the floor (if possible). Root it the long way around.
SYNACK Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 How big is the hole, perhaps some reinforced hose or plastic pipe to gently wiggle through effectively your own conduit inside the hole to put some more cable through.
DT2 Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Dynamite.... Or failing the lack of explosive munitions, you could try a length of pipe, 10/15mm copper or plastic usually works well (SYNACK beat me to it). Just poke that through, feed the cat5 through and voila. DT
sidewinder Posted November 23, 2012 Author Posted November 23, 2012 Lol I was hoping to avoid drilling, as I don't have a drill! Piping sounds like a good idea actually, especially as I could pull the existing cables back through and get it in (they're terminated appallingly anyway, not my doing) Just wondered whether a tool existed that would help me push the cable through...my coat hanger method would work if the cable could be attached to it better
Gibson335 Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Lol I was hoping to avoid drilling, as I don't have a drill! Piping sounds like a good idea actually, especially as I could pull the existing cables back through and get it in (they're terminated appallingly anyway, not my doing) Just wondered whether a tool existed that would help me push the cable through...my coat hanger method would work if the cable could be attached to it better How are you attaching now? Are you using a cable tie?
Jon Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 my coat hanger method would work if the cable could be attached to it better Just tape it on ...
Domino Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 http://span-trade.co.uk/images/uploads/KH.jpg ten points if you don't tell people on the other side of the wall what you're doing first... 2
SYNACK Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Just wondered whether a tool existed that would help me push the cable through...my coat hanger method would work if the cable could be attached to it better How are you attaching, I usually shove the end of the hanger into the end of the cable then excessively tape its junction into a cone shape, you could also try a small hook bent in the end to give it more pulling power.
TLARWise Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Can you get enough slack on one of the existing cables to pull a length the thickness of the wall through tape the new cables to it and then pull it back through?
sidewinder Posted November 23, 2012 Author Posted November 23, 2012 Tape slips off, but a cable tie may work! I've also managed to fashion a small hook at the end of the hanger now
Smed Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 10MTR x 3MM NYLON DRAW TAPE FISH TAPE FOR PULLING CABLES THROUGH CONDUIT | eBay ive just bought one of these for doing the same thing! roll of tape and bobs your uncle!
rad Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 I moaned about the cabling in one of our buildings, and this turned up yesterday.... http://www.jcb.com/AboutJCB/JCBStoreFileStoreView.aspx?FSI=38978
Disease Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 I also use a Super Rod set, which has a handy Super Grip thing a bit like the Chinese finger puzzle. SuperRod Mega Set
Andrew_C Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Not as much fun as the JCB, but try these clicky. Must type faster!
Ric_ Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Much simpler.... put the cab on the other side of the wall. The wall is no longer in the way. 1
Michael Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Much simpler.... put the cab on the other side of the wall. The wall is no longer in the way. LMAO - got to love the tips from you guys. Certainly put a smile on my face!
sidewinder Posted November 23, 2012 Author Posted November 23, 2012 (edited) LOL...you can tell it's Friday afternoon On a serious note, I think I'll invest in some fish tape and cable rods (I've got quite a few of these to do, fairly easy runs with the right tools) Edited November 23, 2012 by sidewinder
plexer Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Fish tape and rods best things ever as they are designed for the job it really is a case of it'll take longer if you don't use the right tools. Oh and lots of insulating tape. Ben
MYK-IT Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 http://www.edugeek.net/forums/general-chat/86947-cabling-ferrets-other-small-mammals.html
gtg93 Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 I prefer a more personal method: If it doesn't work, it's not meant to be.
Little-Miss Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 lol!! This is the sort of thing you dont expect all the answer to be sensible... Cant you wind gaffer tape round the cable and coat hanger...?
sidewinder Posted November 23, 2012 Author Posted November 23, 2012 Update - I got one through with coat hanger and cable ties. Gave up on the others for now. Think I may revert to the first few responses and buy a drill!
hit Posted November 23, 2012 Posted November 23, 2012 Update - I got one through with coat hanger and cable ties. Gave up on the others for now. Think I may revert to the first few responses and buy a drill! Make sure you buy a decent drill, I have a bosch hammer GBH SDS Plus which I picked up from eBay for about £80 (was originally over £400 new). Goes through walls like a knife through butter. It's mine but work pays for any spares and the PAT testing in return for them not having to fork out for a decent big drill or having to hire one when they need it.
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