nate379
Banned
I know this is a dumb question, but is there a standard size bit to use for when running wiring through studs?
I have drill bits up to 2" in 16th increments.
I have drill bits up to 2" in 16th increments.
Auger bit for wiring
- Thread starter nate379
- Start date
MrMark
Well-known member
Yes, 7/8
I use 3/4 for one romex and 7/8 for two romex. 7/8 will handle up to three romex w/o crowding. Most electricians just drill 7/8 holes everywhere.
I use 3/4 for one romex and 7/8 for two romex. 7/8 will handle up to three romex w/o crowding. Most electricians just drill 7/8 holes everywhere.
ishiboo
Well-known member
If you only buy one bit, get a 7/8 or 1" stubby auger with the self-feeding screw on the tip.
Teken
Well-known member
If you only buy one bit, get a 7/8 or 1" stubby auger with the self-feeding screw on the tip.
+1
Also make sure you're drilling the holes dead center, otherwise you will need to install some metal stud plates.I installed the metal stud plates anyways, just for added protection to guard against future brain farts, or when others besides me may be doing some work on the home.
Last edited:
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
Keep an eye out for nails that might be holding the sheating on your house, coming partially through the studs, it takes little to nothing to wipe out the auger bits when you hit nails or screws (been there...).
dipper
Well-known member
i highly recommend the Irwin speed bore bits. They do a good job, takes literally 4 or 5 seconds to bore thru a stud.
Teken
Well-known member
Dipper,
How much did those Irwins's run you?
How much did those Irwins's run you?
scooby074
Well-known member
irwins arent bad, but i find they dull quickly. once dull they wont feed.
heres better, greenlee nail eater. Like the name says theyre pretty tough. and they self feed well: http://www.mygreenlee.com/GreenleeDotCom/Products/main.shtml?greenlee_category_id=2&product_category=129&adodb_next_page=1&portalProcess_2=showGreenleeProductTemplate&upc_number=12555
heres better, greenlee nail eater. Like the name says theyre pretty tough. and they self feed well: http://www.mygreenlee.com/GreenleeDotCom/Products/main.shtml?greenlee_category_id=2&product_category=129&adodb_next_page=1&portalProcess_2=showGreenleeProductTemplate&upc_number=12555
Teken
Well-known member
One will take longer to bore the hole . . . The spacing between the auger as you can clearly see is much wider . . .
Time isn't a problem for you, so use what you have on hand . . . Now, if you plan on drilling 99999999999999 holes, that dog won't hunt for long I can assure you of that!
No, Use what ever you want.
ishiboo
Well-known member
A twist drill bit has to be pressed against the stud, do a handful of holes or any holes standing on a ladder, reaching, etc. and you will be very happy you got the self-feeder.
Spade bits just kinda ****, I'd use a twist bit before a spade. Foresner is the most $$ but leaves the best hole of the hole bits.
MrMark
Well-known member
You mean the Milwaukee self-feeders?
Aceman
Well-known member
Everyone uses 7/8's for the most part. If you use 1" you have to be EXACTLY dead center or you'll end up using nail plates on every stud. 7/8's is hard enough as is.
You need a minimum of 1.25" between your hole edge and the edge of the stud or you'll need nail plates.
You need a minimum of 1.25" between your hole edge and the edge of the stud or you'll need nail plates.
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
Ive been using these Bosch Daredevil hybrids, and for the $ (2.26 from Amazon), they are hard to beat. and they really do work as shown, the threaded tip pulls them through in a hurry. You can hit a screw or nail with one of these and it doesn't ruin your day (Ive been doing allot of remodel work, with hidden fasteners in the studs)
Attachments
Last edited:
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
For a homeowner, and the limited number of times you're going to drill holes for wiring, I'd say use what you have on hand.
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
If you dont want to order online, they sell them at Menards, Im guessing you got one near you....
ishiboo
Well-known member
Me too, they look interesting. The problem with the normal spades is a) they don't have self-feeders, and b) whenever I drill an old stud or harder wood, they either get stuck halfway through or end up exiting the stud without drilling the hole, making a big splintering mess.
I have mostly Bosch power tools which I mostly love; should give those bits a shot.
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
This last week Ive been wiring a 1904 Farm House, built out of local hardwoods (so Im told by the old timer Ive got working for me, its so rough sawn, I cant really tell what it is, but I think it is Fir)....the bits tear through it. The studs are sooo hard, Ive been shooting 3" x.120 Paslode nails at 150 psi, to attach a new pine 2x to existing framing, and still wind up with proud nails. Never worked with such "hard" wood before. Great bits. The only thing that doesn't work great with them, is they stop pulling as the threaded tip makes it through the other side. You have to give it a little wiggle/push to break through the other side. Its allot of bang for the buck.
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
Sorry, Lowes down here does carry bosch tools, and bosch bits, but I have not looked for these bits there, we have a Menards down the street from the Lowes, but even though I hate Menards, I spend most of my time there.
mobetta
Well-known member
yeah, those are pretty sweet for a DIY guy or pro. and the price cant be beat. they come in stubby or full length. add an extender and your set...
A must read in order to not weaken your floor.
Why drilling and notching rules matter
http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/How-A-House-Works/How-The-Structure-Works/how-joists-work
Why drilling and notching rules matter
http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/How-A-House-Works/How-The-Structure-Works/how-joists-work
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
Nice article to post...