tools to drill through noggins part way up an enclosed stud

[Mr.Si]

Hi Chaps,

I need to get a cable from a loft to a light switch in a cupboard but sadly there seem to be a couple of blockages in the way in the form of noggins, which I was not aware of.

What is the best tool for drilling through awkward spaces such as these when removing plasterboard is not practicable?

I've seen that there is a super rod drill for such things, in the latest edition of PE Magazine, but just wondering what you would use?

Ta,
Si

 

[VoltzElectrical]

auger bit on extension bar, on an extension bar if necessary. tighten up them grub screws mind!

 

[ash_s3]

As Voltz said really, if not you'll need to drill them from the side then patch up the wall afterwards

 

[Mr.Si]

Thanks guys

 

[sparkiegaz]

if its in a cupboard cant you do switch drop on the surface , mini trunking ,20mm plastic conduit..save lot time farting about fishing through noggings

 

[SirKit Breaker]

As Voltz said really, if not you'll need to drill them from the side then patch up the wall afterwards

Thats the only way i have ever managed to do it. It reminds me of the time, when a woman once asked me to put a light switch at the opposite side of the dining room, to the one she had, so she could switch the light on at either side of the room (one way to two way) but she didnt want any mess, she also didnt realise that i had to put a cable in the switch to make it work. Her words were, I would have done it myself, but i dont have a drill to fix the switch to the wall. I bet she would have rung me up if she had fixed the switch herself to fix the light that doesnt work.

Cheers............Howard

 

[spark 68]

A wireless switch then Howard, I could do with some of them, and some wireless sockets and showers to go with them.

 

[Geordie Spark]

You could use a long SDS drill bit.

I know they're not designed to drill wood, but they will do it. The hole won't be very tidy - especially where the drill breaks through the other side, but if it isn't seen does it matter ??

 

[UNG]

I use a 6ft long 3/4in flexi drill can't find a UK supplier at the moment though. They are manufactured by a Canadian company and I have had mine for years, they are great for getting cables down stud walls. I'm trying to find a UK or European supplier or as an alternative the logistics and costs of importing from Canada in small quantities for resale

 

[Guest111]

I use a 6ft long 3/4in flexi drill can't find a UK supplier at the moment though. They are manufactured by a Canadian company and I have had mine for years, they are great for getting cables down stud walls. I'm trying to find a UK or European supplier or as an alternative the logistics and costs of importing from Canada in small quantities for resale

now thats a piece of kit I,d like to see.

 

[AP Electrical]

now thats a piece of kit I,d like to see.

super rod were doing something similar at elex show.

 

[UNG]

now thats a piece of kit I,d like to see.

Your not that far away if you want to meet up I'll pm my number and we can arrange something

 

[Mr.Si]

How much did it cost and where do they sell them?

got a photo?

 

[Silly Sausage]

I use a 6ft long 3/4in flexi drill can't find a UK supplier at the moment though. They are manufactured by a Canadian company and I have had mine for years, they are great for getting cables down stud walls. I'm trying to find a UK or European supplier or as an alternative the logistics and costs of importing from Canada in small quantities for resale

Is this the beastie...

1/2in X 72in Freeform Drill Bit

or this

GREENLEE | Flexible Drill Bit,9/16 x 54 In

 

[UNG]

Is this the beastie...

1/2in X 72in Freeform Drill Bit

or this

GREENLEE | Flexible Drill Bit,9/16 x 54 In

No it's one of these Canadian Flexi Drills | Flexible Drill Bits | Flexible Auger | Masonry Drills Bits | Bell Hangers

Was bought from a company in Stoke but they stopped importing them around 10 years ago, cost me about £70 can't remember if that was inc or ex VAT though

Have been trying to make contact with the manufacturers but had no response to my enquires as to whether there is a UK distributor or the possibilities of importing direct from them

 

[firemanowl]

Put a search on internet for Super Rod Flexi Drill Kit, only seen a picture but looks a useful addition to the tool box not sure the cost though.

 

[UNG]

Just cant see the point of the ball, more trouble than it's worth especially drilling stud walls

 

[firemanowl]

I think it keeps the drill in the middle of the joist, uses the plasterboards as a guide. Would need to see a demo to be convinced they are any good.

 

[UNG]

I know what it supposed to do but as the ball doesn't follow the bit through the first hole it has no purpose IMO, having used these long drills for many years it takes a bit of skill and practice to hit the right spot in the second and subsequent joists also care has to be taken to avoid cables clipped to the side of the joists. The nightmare is when it picks up insulation and it wraps round the shank making it extremely difficult to get the drill back out

 

[alarm man]

all you need is a 16/20mm wood bit welded on a length of threaded bar to what length you need,just as your local meccy fitter or metal works co he will have it knocked up in seconds for the price of a pint..they work as good as anything and you dont cry if you have to abandon it in the wall..