Boring small deep holes...

[Innovate1]

Drilling studs now for wires so not as big as for conduit but still having difficulty. Have some sections with multiple studs and some with less than 16" stud spacing. Have a 7" auger bit and a stubby one. Also have a 12" shaft extension but it's too long. A right angle drill would help a lot but don't think it would completely solve the problem. What other things can be done? Multiple shaft extensions of different lengths? For single studs with reduced space to the next stud I have bored a few at an angle. Fishing wire is harder but it does get a hole. Pic is of one such problem area.

 

[Terry D]

Sometimes it is easier to go up and come back down to avoid multiple framing members, uses more wire, but sometimes easier. Auger bits really only come in 2 sizes. As far extensions, I have a few that I have shorted for this reason. But it expensive to go but one and cut it off for only using it once. But mine get used all the time. A right angle will help , that is all I pretty much use. Sometimes you still end up going on a angle. Remember if you are closer than 1 1/4 from end of the stud to use a nail plate.

 

[Innovate1]

14' walls but still may be easier to go up. Right angle drill would make it much easier and need less increments of extensions.

 

[dogdog]

if your self feeding agar bit is hex bit... I think there are only 2 common size... 1/4 and 3/8 both have locking extensions for it...


That was what I used

or if you stop by the HD electrical isle... maybe lowes too.. they have these long flexible agar bits also if you needed that about 3 feet length. I think it's greenlee brand or something.

 

[dogdog]

something like these...

1/4 and 7/.16 or was that 3/8 I have both size don't remember what the other one is off hand. 6" and 16" think good enough for almost all situations.

https://www.grainger.com/product/30...kwcid=AL!2966!3!281733071021!!!g!543211724372!

 

[89MustangGX]

Might be able to make something like this work as a cheap solution-

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-IMPACT-READY-Right-Angle-Drill-Attachment/1000578841

Might need a different drill bit or some type of an adapter, but for sure cheaper than a right angle drill. I bought one and used it on my Dewalt impact for changing mower blades without having to jack the mower way up in the air and it held up for that so far.

 

[Jim greengo]

I use my impact with a spade bit in those situations,more compact than most drills.

 

[stokefire7]

What's wrong with drilling at an angle ?

 

[stokefire7]

That jobber length bit is part of the problem. How bout one of these ?

 

[Jagmandave]

That jobber length bit is part of the problem. How bout one of these ?

I've always found small deep holes boring too.

 

[stokefire7]

I've always found small deep holes boring too.

..as long as we don't drift too far.

 

[Innovate1]

Might be able to make something like this work as a cheap solution-

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-IMPACT-READY-Right-Angle-Drill-Attachment/1000578841

Might need a different drill bit or some type of an adapter, but for sure cheaper than a right angle drill. I bought one and used it on my Dewalt impact for changing mower blades without having to jack the mower way up in the air and it held up for that so far.

This is similar but has a chuck so a bit more universal...

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tool-accessories/drill-attachments/milescraft-reg-drill90plus-trade-right-angle-drill-accessory/13040003/p-1484032803841-c-10155.htm

 

[sparky 1971]

I use an 18" long auger bit for those situations. Left to right looking at the picture and angling towards the back. The first couple of studs will probably need a nail plate because the hole will be too close to the face of the stud. One thing....the drill needs to have guts. I have the cordless hole hawg and I doubt if it would run the bit through. I automatically get my cordless super hawg for things like this. My old corded hawg would do it in low gear, but who wants to use a cord these days?

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Go at it from the opposite side. If you think you can not hit it straight on use a larger bit from the other side to give it a little latitude.
Do you have access to a right angle drill?

 

[59 wagon man]

I spent years doing new home wood frame construction running plumbing and heating lines. You need a right angle drill and auger bits. with a small lever from a cut off piece of 2 x 4 to push the drill you'll go thru that like butter. we used the big old Milwaukee corded 1/2" right angle drill and would bore up to 2 5/8" holes

 

[Innovate1]

Always thought a right angle drill would be handy. The really good ones are pricey. Maybe I could find a good used corded one. I won't mind the cord as I wouldn't be using it every day.

But I was able to get this done with my 24" drill bits. Drilled a hole in the stud 7" away near the surface (will not be not used for wire) to have a shallower angle and kept the hole through the 6" solid section below 1-1/4 from each side. I was 6 feet from the breaker panel - I suppose going up and over might still have been easier but it's done now...

 

[SGKent]

https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-90-angle-drill-attachment-69337.html

 

[Jagmandave]

Don't buy that HF right angle drive, mine ate the teeth the second time I used it, and I was only drilling thru sheet metal.

 

[Jim greengo]

Don't buy that HF right angle drive, mine ate the teeth the second time I used it, and I was only drilling thru sheet metal.

What he said.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have seen Milwaukee right angle drills and hole hawgs for rent. That would probably be the way to go for a one time use.

 

[Innovate1]

Picked up a low cost (not HF - not THAT low cost/quality!) 3/8 corded right angle drill. First young guy I talked to at the big box store said they didn't make corded drills any more. Looked up an older guy who showed me right where they were.

Tried it with an auger bit. Worked great. Speed is a little faster than ideal but not crazy fast. Can see it being handy for other things from time to time as well.

 

[Innovate1]

Right angle drill is mighty handy and worked in lots of places. Still had a few where it still didn't. Discovered that the hex on one of my auger bits was a good fit for a 6 point socket so used a socket, various length 3/8 square ratchet extensions, and a hex to 3/8 drive adapter. For the few spots I have left it worked well and gave lots of length choices.