What to use to 'push' wire through ceiling?

Chad Viro · 02-23-2004, 06:38 AM

Hello All!
Well, I am about to install hanging speakers from my ceiling and was wondering if I could get some advise. I am going to try to explain my situation!

My utility closet (contains the hot-water tank, etc) is right next to my HT room. The HT room is finished; however, the utility closet is not. Using a ladder in the utility closet, I can actually see everything above the ceiling in my HT room (the beams, etc). What I need to do is push my speaker wire across the ceiling so that I can get it to where the speakers will be located. I am guessing the distance I need to cover is around 10-15ft.

Exactly what can I use to 'push' the wire across this distance to the area the speaker will be located? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

LeeArmet · 02-23-2004, 06:56 AM

1. Go to HomeDepot and buy a 'fish tape'
2. Find someone with REALLY long arms

Chad Viro · 02-23-2004, 08:03 AM

hahah!
Thanks for the help!

Now, do I want to put the fish tape in the hole where the speaker is going to be, or do I want to fish the tape from my utility closet to the hole (with the wire attached to the fish tape?).

02-23-2004, 08:28 AM

I'd try it from the speaker side first as that's the smaller hole then what's at the other end.

Chad Viro · 02-23-2004, 08:54 AM

My only concern is is that I have to get over the ceiling studs (or should I call them ceiling braces?). The ceiling studs are running horizontal and I need to get the wire through them vertically? (does that make sense? Maybe not. What I mean to say is, is that I need to take the wire 'through' the huge openings in the ceiling braces).

Considering all this, is fishing wire going to help? Is fishing wire strong enough to bend and get over each brace in the ceiling?

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Dave Poehlman · 02-23-2004, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Considering all this, is fishing wire going to help? Is fishing wire strong enough to bend and get over each brace in the ceiling?

Fish tape is a stiff metal strip that comes in a roll. You could probably wiggle it around in there to get it where you want it. It may take some swearing to get it through, however.

Chad Viro · 02-23-2004, 10:22 AM

Thanks, Dave! Any reason to go to Lowes or Home Depot is good in my book!

Wayne A. Pflughaupt · 02-23-2004, 12:12 PM

A fish tape is going to be difficult to work with in this situation, Chad. They work fine for confined situations like going through condiut or in a wall cavity. However, since they come on a roll it will not be easy able to push it in a straight line between points A and B in an open area like you have. You will first have to uncoil the length you need and make sure it has been flatted out.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

MikeTC · 02-23-2004, 03:43 PM

On top of the fish tape, one thing that works great in a straight run is fiberglass rods used for camping tents, you could duct tape the joints and tape the wire to the tip and it goes wherever you want. Since the rods comes in 2-4' sections, its pretty easy to use in close quarters. They do sell fiberglass rods for fishing wires but they're pretty costly ($200-500). If you have a tent or know someone with one, try it and let us know.

Laura_R · 02-23-2004, 09:07 PM

This might sound crazy but you could also try sending a R/C Car with a long run of nylon string attached down to where you need it. Have used this method before to get wire through duct work. It works.