Fixing an internet or TV cable in your home is usually an afterthought, and it may require you to cut through the wall to have it fixed properly. This task may be a little challenging, but with the steps, you will read here, you will get ahead quickly.
You can easily make a hole in the wall for a cable once you understand your wall structure and gather the right tools. The materials used in your walls will determine the kind of drill bits and saw you need to cut through the wall and make room for the cable.
This article will explain how you can cut open a wall hole for cables in more detail, so read on.
Understand Your Wall Type and Structure
Cutting a hole into any wall follows almost the same process, with few differences.
The process changes based on the wall’s structure, which is why you need to know what type of wall you have.
The most common materials used to build walls include brick, drywall, and wood.
The type of drill bits you will require is not the same as the shape of the bits will affect how the drill cuts through the wall.
You will need the following types of bits for these wall types:
- Masonry bits for the brick walls
- Drywall bits for the drywalls
- Spur point bit for the wood walls
Identify Wire Locations and Plan the Cable Path
If your wall is made of drywall, you must be careful when drilling because people install wires along the wall’s path.
Understanding the purpose of the cable will give you an idea of the right path to put the wall. Questions to ask include:
- What is the cable connecting on both ends?
- Are you connecting from room to room?
- Are you joining connections in between floors?
If you are working on drywall or one you are unsure of, I’ll advise using a stud finder. This device will help you find any wire locations before you start drilling.
I recommend the Tavool Stud Finder Wall Scanner (available on Amazon.com) because of its accuracy in getting the wire locations.
Gather All Necessary Materials
You will need some materials to cut a hole into a wall. The type and complexity of required materials depend on your wall type.
Some of the most common tools needed include:
- A measuring tape. This device will help take accurate measurements.
- Drill and drill bits. As explained above, this changes per wall type.
- Pencil. The pencils will help mark your exact hole location(s). You can use a marker instead.
- Rubber gloves and safety glasses. These items are for your protection against dust and electrical shocks, respectively.
- Saw. It is necessary if you will be cutting through, and it changes per wall type.
Determine Hole Points and Drill
Drilling a wall depends heavily on the purpose of your cable.
Drilling From One Room Into Adjacent Rooms
- Get a suitable drill bit for the wall with the same diameter as the cable and drill the first hole in the first room.
- Use your measuring tape to get the perfect distance between the closest walls of the rooms.
- From the distance of the wall of the second room, get the accurate measurement from the floor, ensuring that the second hole is at the same level as the first.
- Start by drilling a tiny hole to be sure you are in the right spot, increase the size of the holes, and join the wires once you get to the right level.
Drilling for a Circuit Extension
Disconnect from the primary power source till you have finished the process.
Use your stud finder to locate the stud locations and note them.
- Take out the old circuit box and its cables, as shown in the video above:
- Drill holes for your new circuit box and ensure that the holes are not so far away from the wall studs.
- Cut through the wall to gain access using the appropriate drill bit.
- You need a hole in the stud, as the wires are going to pass through the studs, so fix your drill bits through the box holes to the studs to make a path for the cable.
- Put in your cable connection and install the box.
Drilling For an Ethernet Cable
Having new internet cables will require you to make some holes, which usually run outside of the home.
This task may require cutting through your home’s ceilings and other complex parts.
The complexity and appropriate safety techniques required for this kind of drilling make it safer to get an expert.
Conclusion
As a DIY enthusiast, drilling a wall shouldn’t be a problem, depending on the complexity involved.
However, you must consider your safety before doing anything.
Start by turning off the power source, even for minor tasks.
Also, remember to wear your safety gloves(that are convenient) to insulate in any case of an electric current.
Cheers, tools owners!
