[MT Stringer]

I have several receptacles I would like to install in various parts of my house. These would be a lot more convenient than where they are currently located.

So, there is usually one stud in the way of a couple of the planned runs.

I would like to hear from you guys what you would recommend for a flexible drill bit.

I was looking at this one, but the reviews don't seem to favor it.
http://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-921-...1452880968&sr=8-1&keywords=greenlee+drill+bit

I don't think I will be drilling through more than one stud at a time, or maybe two top plates if needed.

Thanks
Mike

 

[brric]

You will need holes larger than 1/4" in diameter. 1/2" would be the bare minimum with 3/4" or 7/8" preferable. Flex bits work, especially if you have two people. One to guide the bit and one to handle the drill.

 

[mako1]

These work pretty well and are sold at HD in my area.They are not cheap.I would consider cutting out some extra drywall and using a right angle drill is there were not to many and as you say mostly one stud.

 

[Oso954]

I use the old fashioned full length flexibits.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UKG5DK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687642&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000GASJ0M&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1NQ0NGVA74R34Z26ETPJ

They also can be used for pulling a wire or a pull string back thru the holes.

 

[MT Stringer]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions. I really don't want to cut any extra drywall out if I can come up with a better way.

My local HD carries the Klein brand in 54 inch length only. I really don't need one that long.

The Greenlee would be better for me if it doesn't break. Lowe's has it in 3/4 inch. dia. That should be all I need for 14/2 or 12/2 romex.

Darn it. And I have a HD gift card I could have used. :sad:

 

[MT Stringer]

I bought the Greenlee kit and have it ready to go. I have two places where it could be used. One to put in powr and cable for the bedroom flat panel TV and the other to put in a new outlet . I will have to drill through a stud or maybe two to clear the framing for a window.

In the mean time, I managed to install an new outlet in the bathroom for my sweetie. Luckily, there was an outlet on the opposite side of the wall in the same stud cavity, so that was easy. And I didn't hurt myself! Always a plus when things go right.

Now she is happy, and I am also.

 

[griz]

GFCI?

The flexible bits work well, just be careful as the working end has a nasty habit of poking out where you least expect it and want it....

 

[MT Stringer]

GFCI?

Yes sir.

 

[MT Stringer]

The flexible bits work well, just be careful as the working end has a nasty habit of poking out where you least expect it and want it....

I am thinking about that. I saw a video of one brand that has a ball on the shaft that helps position the drill bit away from the side. So, I got to thinking...what if I use a hole saw to cut out a plywood disc and insert it on to the shaft? :surprise: I have no idea if it will work, but I can always make a test run on a mock up and see. :biggrin2:

 

[brric]

I bought the Greenlee kit and have it ready to go. I have two places where it could be used. One to put in powr and cable for the bedroom flat panel TV and the other to put in a new outlet . I will have to drill through a stud or maybe two to clear the framing for a window.

In the mean time, I managed to install an new outlet in the bathroom for my sweetie. Luckily, there was an outlet on the opposite side of the wall in the same stud cavity, so that was easy. And I didn't hurt myself! Always a plus when things go right.

Now she is happy, and I am also.

Code violation?

 

[MT Stringer]

Code violation?

For what?

 

[I know nothing]

Ops!

If that receptacle is close to a water, it has to be GFCI protected.
Here is a free trick i learned in 'Nam- you don't have to worry about poking unwanted holes in your wall if you use an existing outlet. TURN POWER OFF! Remove the board at the bottom of the wall, remove existing outlet (run a box knife across the top of board if it has caulking), fish your cabling DOWN the wall, thru the gap behind the 'mop board', back Up the wall. Reassemble, assemble, turn power back on, TEST. Clean up your mess. You can drill a hole thru the stud there also. Your call. Either way you limit your chance of an unwanted hole in the wall.
:surprise::vs_cool:

 

[brric]

For what?

Not being on a proper 20 amp bathroom circuit.

 

[jbfan]

For what?

Bathrooms require their own circuit not shared with other rooms.

They make a holder for the flex bits that work well.

 

[MT Stringer]

Not being on a proper 20 amp bathroom circuit.

Apparently this was wired on a 15 amp circuit in 1983 when the house was built. The breaker killed the power in the bathroom and the bedroom adjacent to it. That is a GFCI outlet.

 

[GrayHair]

I recommend anyone that has never used flexible drill bits, try an experiment first.

1. Build a small sturdy test wall and sheet rock the back side.
2. Near the top of your wall, using your flexible drill bit, drill a hole through the appropriate number of studs. Repeat several times.
3. Now put sheet rock on the front side of the wall*, cut a hole the size of a outlet box lower on the wall and drill holes through the appropriate number of studs. Repeat several times.

*If you'll be working in an exterior wall, put batts of insulation in the cavities of your test wall.

 

[oh'mike]

I've used those in the past--Griz was spot on---Every now and then ,they will run wild--

I had one punch a hole through the floor sheeting--right under a water bed.

 

[BigJimmy]

Did something at my brother's house similar to what I KNOW NOTHING described. Removed a section of baseboard and shoe from the wall, cut some long, narrow slots along the length of the wall in adjacent stub bays. I used a right angle attachment and a hogger bit to make some holes in the studs (drilled at an upward angle to avoid nails) through which I fished. Reinstalled the baseboard and shoe and with just a little filler and some touch up paint. Worked well as far as not having to cut a bunch of holes in the sheetrock.