Many of you have pointed out that the wire should actually be half of the diagonal of what you're cutting in and not necessarily half of the width... and you're absolutely right! Thanks for pointing this out. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss more quick tips! Also, make sure to check out my Electrician Quick Tips playlist for the prior 18 tips! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
@@Squidwardonewheel Taking 30 extra seconds on the front end to ensure you don’t need to possibly move the whole box isn’t quite adding 30 minutes. It is almost guaranteed to save time, result in a happier customer, which ultimately could result in more work in the future.
@@MadElectrician lol if I see an apprentice do this on my job I will just show him the right way to do a cut box. It’s about knowing what you are looking at and knowing where and how to make your first cut so that you are able to adjust the hole to make it work for you. And the whole check the depth of the wall give me a break if you can not figure out how deep a wall is without this then stay out of construction.
@@MadElectrician this will take a guy 3 to 5 minutes at least. The problem with this is relying on this trick alone will hurt you. How about teaching someone how to look at a wall and what is going through/into the wall. Show them how it looks when a pipe 90s down a wall. Or if there is pluming entering the wall and the sink is 10 feet down teach them how they run the plumbing pipe so they are aware and not just poking holes
A guy that worked for DirecTV showed me a trick with a wire to locate the wall and ceiling where to put and drop the wire down so it doesn't hurt to have one in your toolbox
Over the years I've done many ceiling speaker installations. Use the same trick in drywall ceilings. well we're talking about tricks of the trade. Those magnetic wall fishers they work great for finding rebar in concrete wall. Making it an effective way to avoid hitting rebar.
I didn't realise the magnet was able to pick up through concrete, infact I'd never even considered it might work 😂 I'll give it ago next time I need to drill concrete. Thanks bud.
@@carlstanton2550 keep in mind if you're trying to drill through a wall it probably will not work for that. However if you're drilling anchors it will typically pick up rebar within two to three inches depending on the strength of the magnetic Fisher you have.
Learned this doing electrical. We called it a feeler bit. Also works when drilling through outside siding, feeler bit from the inside out and you have a small hole dead center of where you need to cut
That’s a pretty good idea about a week ago I was putting in a low voltage box to run some hdmi wires for a TV in the wall so they were hidden. I wanted to put it in a little bit off the stud and so thinking it was good cut the whole only to find out that it was a double stud for some reason so I had to move it again and patch that hole which was a huge pain being behind the tv. I’ll have to keep this hack in mind next time woulda saved a ton of hassle.
They have a different process, he's just the box guy. Next they'll send the wire guy and he'll run the wire, then they'll send a socket guy who installs the outlet, next comes the plate guy who puts the front plate on and usually the same day they have the screw guy out to secure it.
This 60 second video was only focused on showing the trick. Wires can be fished down the wall to a cut in box either using flex or MC (given that this is a commercial installation and not residential).
Well done, dude. I’ve always used my twirly for this same type of investigating. Works great for recessed cans too. I absolutely love my twirly and it’s one of my favorite tools of all time.
@@joshfixall7938 Yep! Just work the screwdriver through the drywall, past the offset. Now your handle is almost flat on the wall and you can spin it wherever you want to feel around.
As an HVAC guy, this is how I "test" behind drywall. I use silphos sticks that are about the same thickness To patch the "tiny harmless hole" i always keep white silicone in my van, cut away a tiny amount of the paper of the drywall, push the silicone in while slowly pulling back, use a straight edge to match the paint. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Been doing this with 14 or 12 guage solid copper wire for last 50 years. Another great trick is to tape newspaper to a wall maybe 6" below the hole you are cutting out . Before removing paper I use a baby wipe to remove dust in cut edges and wall. This leaves the area cleaner then before you started.
I have a custom-made one of these for doing 4-inch & 6-inch Can installations. Not only can you check to see if you have clearance, but you can see exactly how much you need to offset something to bypass a random joist ir block without having to recut a hole
Before I retired, I did this when installing can lights in drywall ceilings. I’d bend the 90 a little more than half the diameter of the can light, drill the small hole and after inserting the wire, I’d spin it going up and down.
I use something similar but they hold insulation. Also, you can send them through the ceiling where you need to drill down to fish wire as spotters in the attic
I always used my twirly screwdriver for this but I like the idea of this being more accurate if you do hit something. There is a little bit of guesswork if you are clear if you do hit something with the twirly because it's longer than the box usually
I always just used the wobbly screwdriver. It works perfectly for cutting in recess cans. Except that time there was hvac equip 6" above just out of detection range. Thus it is.
Great trick for when you can't pop a ceiling tile or have access to the other side of the wall. Just don't forget about fire blocking. You might want to run a glow stick or fish tape up the stud bay before cutting the big hole.
Could have used this trick a couple of years ago when I needed to move an outlet. Ended up having a water pipe in the area I had planned to move it to … THANKFULLY I didn’t damage the pipe, but I did have a large opening in the sheetrock that I had to patched.
"Drilling" with a rod from a hanger is an easy way to find studs and feel for pipes. Been doing it for decades...don't remember if I read about it or came to the same conclusion. Another way is to use a blunt masonry bit...won't poke as much as deflect.
You need more than half the box width for the length of the wire you are rotating behind the wall.... Your wire makes a circle that would be inscribed in the square shape of your box; so you're not actually checking if anything is in the area of the four corners of the box. You need to make that wire the length from the center of the box to a corner. Also there might be a horizontal 2x4 fire stop just above the box that would prevent you from feeding wires from above. Careful for those fire stops on outside walls about half-way up the wall.
Many of you have pointed out that the wire should actually be half of the diagonal of what you're cutting in and not necessarily half of the width... and you're absolutely right! Thanks for pointing this out.
Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss more quick tips! Also, make sure to check out my Electrician Quick Tips playlist for the prior 18 tips! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
just get a wirley bird screw driver
This must have been a union guy. lol making a 5 minute job 30 minutes
@@Squidwardonewheel Taking 30 extra seconds on the front end to ensure you don’t need to possibly move the whole box isn’t quite adding 30 minutes. It is almost guaranteed to save time, result in a happier customer, which ultimately could result in more work in the future.
@@MadElectrician lol if I see an apprentice do this on my job I will just show him the right way to do a cut box. It’s about knowing what you are looking at and knowing where and how to make your first cut so that you are able to adjust the hole to make it work for you.
And the whole check the depth of the wall give me a break if you can not figure out how deep a wall is without this then stay out of construction.
@@MadElectrician this will take a guy 3 to 5 minutes at least. The problem with this is relying on this trick alone will hurt you.
How about teaching someone how to look at a wall and what is going through/into the wall. Show them how it looks when a pipe 90s down a wall. Or if there is pluming entering the wall and the sink is 10 feet down teach them how they run the plumbing pipe so they are aware and not just poking holes
With my luck I'd miss the pex water pipe with the wire and nail it with the hand saw.
Use an oscillating tool simple and clean
You’ve got mad skills if you’re driving nails with a saw. Respect!
@@benoithudson7235by nail it he meant hit the pex with a hand saw
@@benoithudson7235🤣🤣🤣🤣
I would hit an ungrounded wire and shock myself
Been doing electrical for 7 years, mainly new construction, this is a great tip for the future.
@@Lucidbkeo I’m glad you like it! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
A twirly screwdriver (for putting on covers) does the same, though it leaves a slightly bigger hole than wire
My Dad showed me this trick about 25 years ago. So handy!
It’s a good one!
A guy that worked for DirecTV showed me a trick with a wire to locate the wall and ceiling where to put and drop the wire down so it doesn't hurt to have one in your toolbox
I’ve always used my 3/16 Klein swivel screwdriver.. works like a charm.
This is the way. Works just as well for checking for obstructions for 6" recessed lights
The twirly screwdriver is just the ticket. Usually...
Yep this one. Close enough for jazz baby.
Exactly the way to do it
This. And it's already in the tool belt.
Over the years I've done many ceiling speaker installations. Use the same trick in drywall ceilings. well we're talking about tricks of the trade. Those magnetic wall fishers they work great for finding rebar in concrete wall. Making it an effective way to avoid hitting rebar.
I didn't realise the magnet was able to pick up through concrete, infact I'd never even considered it might work 😂 I'll give it ago next time I need to drill concrete. Thanks bud.
@@carlstanton2550 keep in mind if you're trying to drill through a wall it probably will not work for that.
However if you're drilling anchors it will typically pick up rebar within two to three inches depending on the strength of the magnetic Fisher you have.
Cool.. 40 yrs ago I installed hot water heating systems.., back then it was metal clothes hangers!! To spot holes.. thanks for sharing!
Learned this doing electrical. We called it a feeler bit. Also works when drilling through outside siding, feeler bit from the inside out and you have a small hole dead center of where you need to cut
My cabinet tip twirly has served me well for this. Same principle, less fuss.
Old metal coat hanger is what I use , mainly to check for timbers on downlights !
That’s a pretty good idea about a week ago I was putting in a low voltage box to run some hdmi wires for a TV in the wall so they were hidden. I wanted to put it in a little bit off the stud and so thinking it was good cut the whole only to find out that it was a double stud for some reason so I had to move it again and patch that hole which was a huge pain being behind the tv. I’ll have to keep this hack in mind next time woulda saved a ton of hassle.
good tip for those rookies thanks for sharing.
Good advice thanks mate😅 I'm not a professional technician but I'm preparing to build a school bus into a tiny home so every little tidbit helps hey😂
Genius!!
Good idea 😊
Klein Offset flathead - best thing for covers, old machine screws, and this
Really nifty idea. Thank you. You think it would be better to do it from center to corner? As these would be the widest dimension of the box..
This was my exact thought.
very smart! thank you!
Great video great knowledge.📡🇺🇸👽
That's almost exactly how I've done it before. Great job!
Right on! It works great! Thanks! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
Great tip. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this. 👍
That is absolutely genius. Simple but highly precise.👏👏👏👏👏👏
I thought so too when I learned it! Glad you like it! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
That is clever.
Also, I like those wireless boxes. 🤠
They have a different process, he's just the box guy. Next they'll send the wire guy and he'll run the wire, then they'll send a socket guy who installs the outlet, next comes the plate guy who puts the front plate on and usually the same day they have the screw guy out to secure it.
This 60 second video was only focused on showing the trick. Wires can be fished down the wall to a cut in box either using flex or MC (given that this is a commercial installation and not residential).
Hes just messing with ya@@MadElectrician
@@MadElectrician commercial? Guh!! the fire stop!!
It ain't a circle make it half the diagonal
Very good point
Primo advice
Just the comment I was looking for. :)
I was looking for someone else that understands
I'm glad someone else also noticed this flaw
Cool trick and nice attention to detail with the notches in the sheetrock for the outlet screws
⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
Well done, dude. I’ve always used my twirly for this same type of investigating. Works great for recessed cans too. I absolutely love my twirly and it’s one of my favorite tools of all time.
How do u use a twirly for that ? And u mean like a rapi drive ?
@@joshfixall7938 Yep! Just work the screwdriver through the drywall, past the offset. Now your handle is almost flat on the wall and you can spin it wherever you want to feel around.
That’s what I just posted.
Love this!
Slick. I like it
As an HVAC guy, this is how I "test" behind drywall.
I use silphos sticks that are about the same thickness
To patch the "tiny harmless hole" i always keep white silicone in my van, cut away a tiny amount of the paper of the drywall, push the silicone in while slowly pulling back, use a straight edge to match the paint. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Great simple hack.
Thanks!
Glad you like it!
Great tip . thank you
Been doing this with 14 or 12 guage solid copper wire for last 50 years. Another great trick is to tape newspaper to a wall maybe 6" below the hole you are cutting out . Before removing paper I use a baby wipe to remove dust in cut edges and wall. This leaves the area cleaner then before you started.
Love it! No surprises
Ngl this one was good man!
Yeah it's a mad trick alright. Great for ceilings & paper walls
This is a great tip
I have a custom-made one of these for doing 4-inch & 6-inch Can installations. Not only can you check to see if you have clearance, but you can see exactly how much you need to offset something to bypass a random joist ir block without having to recut a hole
Haven't had to use grid wire yet, pretty cool 😂
Good quality work
Twirlie screwdriver works great as well.
Brilliant, love it!
I’m happy to hear that!
Before I retired, I did this when installing can lights in drywall ceilings. I’d bend the 90 a little more than half the diameter of the can light, drill the small hole and after inserting the wire, I’d spin it going up and down.
The swivel works pretty good to
Nice gloves! Maxicut Utra DT are my favorite followed closely by Endurance to save a few bucks.
Thanks! I’m a big fan of these! I’ll have to check those ones out too! ⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
I genuinely might be able to use this next week on a project!
Right on!
I will try to remember this.
That's sick
Pretty clever drywall technique, good post finish electrical
Thanks!
Nice. I just saw this same trick on the StudPack 2 channel.
Nice trick man thanks!
Glad you like it! ⚡️
I use something similar but they hold insulation. Also, you can send them through the ceiling where you need to drill down to fish wire as spotters in the attic
Ive always thought about doing this to find studs
I always used my twirly screwdriver for this but I like the idea of this being more accurate if you do hit something. There is a little bit of guesswork if you are clear if you do hit something with the twirly because it's longer than the box usually
That stud finder is adorable and small 😂 did u jsut repurpose something else or is that a product i can fine?
It’s from Rack-a-Tiers! It’s their studball stud finder ⚡️
I always just used the wobbly screwdriver. It works perfectly for cutting in recess cans. Except that time there was hvac equip 6" above just out of detection range. Thus it is.
I dig it! ⚡️
Solid tip, especially for us home gamers.
Still do this anytime in cutting old works in
I've been in the same direction so it looks like a U but this is a useful tip for sure. .
That works too!
good tip!
Good tip. Im sure i could gave used it a few times
Thats awesome
Man, I have done that in the ceilings, and where I am uncertain. That sunshine is standard practice.
Great trick for when you can't pop a ceiling tile or have access to the other side of the wall. Just don't forget about fire blocking. You might want to run a glow stick or fish tape up the stud bay before cutting the big hole.
Golden 👍
That's great! But what's a ceiling wire? It looks a bit like a welding electrode, given how soft it is...
wow that is a great trick
Glad you like it! ⚡️
Very cool to see you and here you speak today at NECA.
Ive done something similar using Simpson insulation supports. Very useful
Genious! Please keep these tips coming🙏 I am a newly educated electrician aprentice and have so much to learn!
Will do! Check out the other tips in this playlist! There are 18 others 👍🏼
@@MadElectrician For sure!
just use a long twilly flathead screwdriver great for finding out if your ok to install a 6inch can or smaller in the ceiling as well
SOLID!
Good tip.
I've used a metal clothes hanger.
That works too!
Nice 👍
Great idea 👍
Curious if this trick works as well for lathe and plaster walls.
Nice
⚡️🤘🏼⚡️
But do you have to pull out the wall to install the wiring after that?
I did the same thing with a wiggle screwdriver that's how I could lay out in retrofit recessed cans before they made wafers
Could have used this trick a couple of years ago when I needed to move an outlet. Ended up having a water pipe in the area I had planned to move it to … THANKFULLY I didn’t damage the pipe, but I did have a large opening in the sheetrock that I had to patched.
I do that for remodel recessed lights
Use the trim screwdriver you used to stab the hole and push it side to side then up and down
In Australia no boxes used or needed.😊
Finally a good tip on shorts
lol no
"Drilling" with a rod from a hanger is an easy way to find studs and feel for pipes. Been doing it for decades...don't remember if I read about it or came to the same conclusion. Another way is to use a blunt masonry bit...won't poke as much as deflect.
That’s funny my first boss also showed me that trick years ago too 😊
Speedy screwdriver is slightly bent I just stabs the wall looking for studs
Yup just what i was thinking 👌
🤣🤣
You need more than half the box width for the length of the wire you are rotating behind the wall.... Your wire makes a circle that would be inscribed in the square shape of your box; so you're not actually checking if anything is in the area of the four corners of the box. You need to make that wire the length from the center of the box to a corner. Also there might be a horizontal 2x4 fire stop just above the box that would prevent you from feeding wires from above. Careful for those fire stops on outside walls about half-way up the wall.
Offset screwdriver works also
Nice song, what is the name of it?
Use a twirly screwdriver it works way more effectively and you should always have one for doing finish work anyway
I could have used this trick at my home when adding a new box. Had to move the hole because there was a stud in the space in the wall.
Genius
Dang that is Legit
Glad you like it!
This is cool.
It’s a great little trick for sure ⚡️
Wow, soft houses!
This is actually a hospital 🫣
Im curious: Why do you use metal cut-ins over plastic cut-ins?
In commercial settings you use metal, and in residential you use plastic.
He sounds like a good guy
The best 😘
I saw insulation, don’t need a vapour hood?
As soon as this started i imagined this same tip but with a bigger bend in the wire and still attached to the drill. Imagine the ball of wiring 🤣