What size/brand auger bit to use for 12/2 & 12/3
#1
03-13-05, 06:15 PM
What size/brand auger bit to use for 12/2 & 12/3
Hi, what size auger drill bit and brand do people recommend to use with 12/2 and 12/3 romex? What length too? I'll be using a Milwakee right angle drill. Last question- which speed- 600 or 900 RPMs? Thanks.
#2
03-14-05, 04:25 AM
Your question is, I think, too open ended. How many wires do you want to pull through each hole? What are you drilling through? How far away is the item to be drilled from the end of the drill?
#3
03-14-05, 10:33 AM
I used a 6" spade bit of 9/16" diameter for most of my Romex. That is for a single romex - 12/2 or 12/3. Perhaps 3/4" for two. I do not believe the Code specifies diameter size. Common sense applies here. If you have two or more thoug, and you squeeze them together, you would be trapping heat in the cables. As long as it is a fairly loose fit, you're usually OK. I also obtained a drill bit extension. I think it was 14" to 16" long, and held your regular bit. It had a 1/4" "chuck" - not a true chuck, but basically a socket you sink the bit shaft into that has 2 allen set screws. It was invaluable in certain situations.
Always drill joists in the middle third of the wood (top-to-bottom). That is where the least floor loading occurs. I would also stay at least two-feet away from either end of a joist.
As far as RPM, I say whatever seems to be cutting. Although I have had more success drilling wood with higher RPM. I like Irwin and Vermont American bits. There are certainly other high-end mfr's. My personal opinion is that Black and Decker bits are junk, though.
Hope that helps.
Always drill joists in the middle third of the wood (top-to-bottom). That is where the least floor loading occurs. I would also stay at least two-feet away from either end of a joist.
As far as RPM, I say whatever seems to be cutting. Although I have had more success drilling wood with higher RPM. I like Irwin and Vermont American bits. There are certainly other high-end mfr's. My personal opinion is that Black and Decker bits are junk, though.
Hope that helps.
#4
03-14-05, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by tadtv1
Hi, what size auger drill bit and brand do people recommend to use with 12/2 and 12/3 romex? What length too? I'll be using a Milwakee right angle drill. Last question- which speed- 600 or 900 RPMs? Thanks.
My next buy is a Super-Hawg! Oooooo....
#5
03-17-05, 09:17 AM
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Stay 1&1/4" from either face.
The code requires you to keep the holes at least 1&1/4" from the edges of the wood that will take nails or screws if a finish material is installed. If you are drilling through a stud then that leaves only the middle inch of the studs width to drill through unless you want to install kick plates to protect the wires. I would suggest that you use a 3/4" or smaller bit and drill multiple holes if necessary. 3/4' holes can only be off of the center of the studs width by 1/8" before you will be closer than 1&1/4" to the face of the stud.
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Tom H
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Tom H
