Staples and Romex
#1
10-07-15, 08:46 PM
Join Date: Oct 2015
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Staples and Romex
I am having trouble stapling romex to the running boards that I installed under my floor joists. Nailing staples upside down sucks. My goggles get fogged and when I take them offf I keep getting dirt in my eyes. If I leave them on I can't see what I'm doing. That leads me to my two questions:
1) Can I use brackets on screws to secure the romex instead of staples?
2) I drove a staple through a piece of romex. I was able to remove the staple fairly easily, but how do I know if I can use the wire still? Should I just scrap it and pull another wire? It will take a fair amount of work, but I don't want to burn down my house.
1) Can I use brackets on screws to secure the romex instead of staples?
2) I drove a staple through a piece of romex. I was able to remove the staple fairly easily, but how do I know if I can use the wire still? Should I just scrap it and pull another wire? It will take a fair amount of work, but I don't want to burn down my house.
#2
10-07-15, 09:00 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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1) Can I use brackets on screws to secure the romex instead of staples?
2) I drove a staple through a piece of romex. I was able to remove the staple fairly easily, but how do I know if I can use the wire still?
#4
10-07-15, 09:08 PM
Group Moderator
I use one hole plastic straps for fastening wiring where I can't reach or see it. I put an extension on my impact gun to make it easier to put the screws in. The clips come in many different sizes/diameters.
Gardner Bender 3/8 x 1/4 in. One Hole Plastic Cable Clamp (18-Pack)-PPC-1525 - The Home Depot
Gardner Bender 3/8 x 1/4 in. One Hole Plastic Cable Clamp (18-Pack)-PPC-1525 - The Home Depot
#6
10-07-15, 09:35 PM
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Thanks for the quick replies. I'll replace the cable. Any opinions on whether I can use screw-based brackets? I think it would be easier and my hand will be a lot less tired driving screws upside down than nails.
#7
10-07-15, 09:57 PM
Group Moderator
The clip I illustrated is held in place with a single screw. I use a 12" 1/4" quick release extension in my impact gun so I don't have to put the gun/drill up to the ceiling.
If you're running more than one cable.... use stackits. Replace the nail with a screw.
If you're running more than one cable.... use stackits. Replace the nail with a screw.
#8
10-08-15, 05:47 AM
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I like these:
#10
10-08-15, 12:20 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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I also prefer the plastic "bridge" staples that Ray illustrated. Plain round wire staples almost always bend on me. I did find a brand many years ago (Thiel or Theil) that were advertised not to bend, their slogan was "Hit 'em hard!" and they were good but I don't think I have seen the brand in decades...not that I actually look for them. 
I also have found that the outer jacket on today's NM cable is nowhere near as thick or as tough as it was in the past and using staples it if far easier to damage the jacket. That problem disappears when using the plastic bridge staples. Plus, the much smaller diameter of the nails on the plastic bridges makes it much easier to nail than the larger staples.
I also have found that the outer jacket on today's NM cable is nowhere near as thick or as tough as it was in the past and using staples it if far easier to damage the jacket. That problem disappears when using the plastic bridge staples. Plus, the much smaller diameter of the nails on the plastic bridges makes it much easier to nail than the larger staples.
