recessed lights
#1
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recessed lights
I'm trying to install recessed lights in a kithen with no access from above.I have all the holes cut but am having trouble fishing the romex from hole to hole.In one spot I have to get through four beams to get from hole to hole.Other than destroying the ceiling does anyone have any ideas on how to get this job done? Thanks. Bernie
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wow never attempted that one. How would you get to the lights connector box or get the unit through the round hole in the first place? How could you secure the lights to the joist? I am having a hard time picturing how that job could be done at all with an existing ceiling in place. Only thing I see is to cut a strip out of the ceiling in line with your lights to give you work room. (I am assuming drywall here) Perhaps if I had a better picture I could come up with another suggestion
#3
With no access from above, you will have to use old work short can lights, and will have to cut a notch out of each ceiling joist where you will have the cable go, install a no-nail plate over where you cut your notch, and patch the ceiling. Not fun, but doable.
#4
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Would one of those 6' flexible wood boring drill bits work? Seems to me like it would. You can pretty much steer them by how you flex them on your side of the hole. Then BEFORE you pull the bit back out, you attach your cable to the nose and use it to fish the cable back when removing the bit.
#5
Originally Posted by bern
I'm trying to install recessed lights in a kithen with no access from above.I have all the holes cut but am having trouble fishing the romex from hole to hole.In one spot I have to get through four beams to get from hole to hole.Other than destroying the ceiling does anyone have any ideas on how to get this job done? Thanks. Bernie
I joists often have "knock-outs" partially cut or sometimes have actual holes pre-cut.
The other things would need to be drilled. It can be alot of fun and often requires special (right angle) drills or long flexi bits.
For an easier way but slightly more destructive method, you can cut away the sheetrock in a small area below the joist and groove the joist. If you use this method. be sure to use nailer plates to place over the wire before repairing the ceiling. You would simply fish the wire from hole to hole.
Sorry guys, didn't mean to sound like an echo. I was apparently typing while you were posting.
Last edited by nap; 05-20-06 at 01:34 PM.
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Is the ceiling strapped off? If so the only way is a small offset in the STEAL snake and alot of patience(some skill)!!!(!Wich equates to TIME.
But you will prevail !!!! Keep at it ! and don't complain when we must charge a "T& M" fee.
But you will prevail !!!! Keep at it ! and don't complain when we must charge a "T& M" fee.
#7
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Bern - Been there and done that and it sucked. I used old work cans - as you probably figured out the cans are not the problem.
I ended up running the wires between the ceiling joists to each row of cans, down through the interior walls in stud bays to a J box in the basement where I teid the rows together. From there I ran up into the switch. It actually waasn't too hard once I figured out that it was the way to go. That way I didn't have to drill joists, mess up my ceiling or tear my friggin' hair out trying to snake romex through blind holes.
I ended up running the wires between the ceiling joists to each row of cans, down through the interior walls in stud bays to a J box in the basement where I teid the rows together. From there I ran up into the switch. It actually waasn't too hard once I figured out that it was the way to go. That way I didn't have to drill joists, mess up my ceiling or tear my friggin' hair out trying to snake romex through blind holes.