Hey all,

I have a dilemma that I cannot figure out an attractive solution for...

I need to run 12/2 NM-B to my garage. Something that should have been a simple task, especially since I have a drop ceiling in my basement (my Panel is in my basement). I have easily run the NM-B from the panel location, through the joists, and am now at one of the basement wall. I need to drop the wire down the wall, into a crawl space which leads to the garage. My problem is, the header of the wall that I need to drill through for the penetration is being blocked by a floor joist. The face of the floor joist is lined up near perfectly with the front edge of the wall header. Therefore, the floor joist is literally covering (thus blocking) the first 1.5" of the wall header.

What is the best way to deal with something like this? I do have ~2.5-3ft of no sheetrock to the same wall in the crawl space. I've thought about using one of those 54" flexible drill bits to pop through the header from the bottom, but that means I'm drilling blind which I am *not* a fan of.

Do you guys have any suggestions on any other solution which would allow me to bore a code-compliant hole in the joist *and* allow me to get a hole through the header?

Thank you!

 

I can't picture exactly what you're describing, but for running a single 12/2 cable you only need to get a 1/2" bit through the framing somewhere. A flexible bit might help but those are pretty unwieldy for a "short" run. I usually have good luck just with my standard speedbore augers or spades and a 12" hex head extension rod.

There are various levels of drilling blind. If you know there's other wiring or plumbing right nearby it's not worth the risk without a better plan. However if you don't see other utilities right in that area, it's worth a shot.

 

Here's a quick picture describing the scenario:

https://imgur.com/hATD80V

Basically the Joist and the Header creates a "L" with the vertical piece being the joist that's in the way.

 

Yep, I see the problem, thanks. I would drill this from the top down at about a 30 degree angle from vertical starting about 2" up the floor joist. A right angle drill and/or a stubby auger bit will make it easier to do. This will end up with the hole through the wall header with a reasonable set-back from the face.

If you can't quite get the drill at the correct angle, you do a similar solution the plumber did. Drill straight into the joist about half way through and use that as a starter hole to get as close to vertical as you can down through the header.

 

Drill up through the header. Drill through the joist inline and fish a cord through the two holes using wires etc.

 

Drill as IBpooks posted and add a nail plate if you get too close to the edge of the top plate.