How to Run TV Cables in Wall Spaces from the Attic or Basement Space

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: When working from an attic space

   It will be next to impossible to drill downward under the portion of the roof that slopes to the attic floor, without a "right-angle drill".
2. 2

   Step 2: it will be significantly easier to access a wall space on the floor below by working either an interior wall or

   Some exterior walls are more accessible above one basement wall than another due to the way floor joists are installed.
   
   Either way, room to drill up from below will be required, unless opening the finished wall above to drill down is acceptable. , Clip one end at about a 45 degree angle to form a long "drill bit"
   
   ,, and while loosely guiding the bit with one hand, apply even pressure with the other holding the drill while running it.
   
   If drilling up, through the ceiling, expect to pass through a thin coat of plaster and 5/8" of sheet rock and 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) of strapping to which the sheet rock is secured.
   
   After that, drilling should be noticeably easier.
   
   You may need to withdraw the drill and clip the end again to make a new sharp edge.
   
   Continue drilling until 6 inches (15.2 cm) or so have been pushed into the hole.
   
   Once through
   - do NOT pull the drill out
   - unchuck the "bit" and leave in place. , Once 2 inches (5.1 cm) have been penetrated, it should be much easier to drill.
   
   Continue drilling until 6 inches (15.2 cm) or so have been pushed into the hole.
   
   If not it is possible that the drill bit aligned with a floor joist.
   
   Do not pull the bit out
   - but unchuck it from the drill instead and leave in place. , Locate the the "bit".
   
   Remove any insulation in the general area to make the bit easier to locate.
   
   If unable to locate the bit, repeat the drilling process after moving to a spot a couple of inches away from the first hole. ,,, If the correct direction is chosen, it would be "back" into the wall space, as opposed to 2 inches (5.1 cm) in front of the wall space
   - in the ceiling. ,,,,,,,, This bit should be at least as long as the amount of the coat hanger "bit" that was needed to penetrate the space. , Balance the speed of the bit and the pressure applied on the drill as needed.
   
   Avoid high speed drilling operation as if things go wrong, they'll happen much quicker at high speed (and do more damage as a result)! , Push in as much as needed plus a couple of feet to reach the desired location.
   
   Go to the living space and determine where the snake is while a helper shakes the snake in the wall space. ,, Reach into the space and grab the snake.
   
   If unable to grab the snake, make sure it has been pushed far enough into the hole and have the helper shake the snake again until you are able to grab it. ,,, Have the helper pull the snake out of the hole. ,,,,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: the exterior wall that is on the gable end of the structure.

4. 4

   Step 4: When working from a basement

5. 5

   Step 5: inspection of the area in contact with the foundation or sill will be required.

6. 6

   Step 6: Cut the bottom straight portion off from a metal coat hanger.

7. 7

   Step 7: Chuck the "bit" into an electric drill - with the 45 degree angle out - it will serve as the cutting edge.

8. 8

   Step 8: From inside the living space

9. 9

   Step 9: position the bit against the wall directly above (if accessing from attic) or below (if accessing from basement) the desired location of the service the cable will provide.

10. 10

    Step 10: Protect the wall with a thin piece of cardboard

11. 11

    Step 11: If drilling downward through the floor

12. 12

    Step 12: repeat the above procedure

13. 13

    Step 13: but expect to pass through 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) sub-floor and up to an additional 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) of finish floor (hardwood

14. 14

    Step 14: Go to the space into which the drill was boring.

15. 15

    Step 15: Repeat as required until the bit is located.

16. 16

    Step 16: While in the space drilled into

17. 17

    Step 17: using the bit as a locator for the wall above or below (as the case may be)

18. 18

    Step 18: select a spot TWO inches "back".

19. 19

    Step 19: It is very important to know which direction "back" is.

20. 20

    Step 20: Mark the spot with pencil

21. 21

    Step 21: Remove the "bit" from hole and chuck in drill again.

22. 22

    Step 22: Drill with the "bit" on the mark that was two inches "back".

23. 23

    Step 23: Run the drill until 6 or more inches have been pushed into the hole.

24. 24

    Step 24: Verify that the bit is NOT protruding through the ceiling

25. 25

    Step 25: doorway

26. 26

    Step 26: floor space

27. 27

    Step 27: Mark the spot that "bit" is in and withdraw the bit completely.

28. 28

    Step 28: If the "bit" appeared where not expected

29. 29

    Step 29: try again until successful.

30. 30

    Step 30: Chuck a drill bit sized to allow the cable to pass easily through the hole it creates.

31. 31

    Step 31: Carefully drill the spot made above.

32. 32

    Step 32: Once the resistance of boring through wood and possibly nails eases up

33. 33

    Step 33: withdraw the drill and push a snake or fish tape into the hole.

34. 34

    Step 34: Once sure where in the wall the snake is

35. 35

    Step 35: trace an old-work switch box on the wall at the same height as other boxes in the room.

36. 36

    Step 36: Cut out the tracing on the wall.

37. 37

    Step 37: Once it is in your hand

38. 38

    Step 38: have the helper slowly withdraw it until you have the end.

39. 39

    Step 39: Pull the snake out of the wall.

40. 40

    Step 40: Connect durable string

41. 41

    Step 41: etc to the snake and secure with tape for use as a "pull".

42. 42

    Step 42: Have the helper connect the the new cable or wire(s) to the "pull".

43. 43

    Step 43: Withdraw the "pull" while your helper guides and feeds the new cable into the hole.

44. 44

    Step 44: Pull enough cable or wire(s) to work with and press into the box's opening.

45. 45

    Step 45: Secure the box into the wall.

46. 46

    Step 46: Terminate the cable or wire(s) to the proper device and trim out with a wall plate.

47. 47

    Step 47: Connect the other end of the cable or wire(s) to appropriate splitter

48. 48

    Step 48: multi-switch

49. 49

    Step 49: transformer

50. 50

    Step 50: terminals etc.

Detailed Guide

About the Author