Do you have to fish a wire through a wall? Well, we know that it can be tricky, but here's the good news – you can definitely do it yourself!

You just need to have the right tools and knowledge of what needs to be done. Don't forget to add in some patience and time as well in the mix. Trying to rush through the job will lead to errors that may damage walls or some electrical wire.

But before you start, ensure you have the necessary permits to install new circuitry.

Tools required to Fish Wire Through a Wall

So, let's get started. Here are the tools and materials you need.

  • Pencil
  • Stud finder
  • Drill with a flexible shaft or auger bit
  • Wire strippers
  • Electrician's fish tape
  • Cable ripper
  • Drywall saw or jigsaw
  • NM cable
  • Electrical tape

Once these are in place, you can start prepping the area. Carry out the following steps.

How to To Prep the Area

  1. Turn off the Power

    2. Never start any electrical work without turning off the power. Use a multimeter or current tester to double-check that the power is turned off.

    Ideally, work during the day when there is natural sunlight to work with ease, even with the power turned off.

  2. Identify Free Space and Obstacles

    3. Use a stud finder to check for studs at the place where you want the wire to exit. Ensure there are no crossbeams or any kind of ductwork along the path of the wire.

    If there are obstacles like pipes or studs that may block the wires, drill a small hole for the wire to pass.

  3. Go Above and Below the Spot

    4. Whichever spot you choose to run the wire through the wall, confirm you have a clear path from above and below the spot. To do this, you need to check the basement, attic, or crawlspace and check for beams. Measure the beam that runs along the wall and find the correct spot.

    If there are no beams, find a visible feature on both sides of the spot and measure the distance of the spot.

    Don't have any features? Drill a small hole, thread a thin object and locate it on the other side and measure the distance.

  4. Cut the Drywall

    5. Go back to the main spot and cut out a piece of drywall where the wire will exit.

    Draw a rectangle, drill two holes in the opposite corners, and slowly cut the outline using a keyhole saw from one hole to another.

  5. Drill on the other side

    6. Go back to the basement, crawlspace, or attic and drill right through the wall plate. Keep the drilled hole at least 1¼" from the edge. If this isn't possible, make smaller holes that are spaced apart so that the wires can be inserted through.

How to Fish Wire Through a Wall

  1. Use fish tape to pull cable

    2. Extend the fish tape from one opening to another carefully. Use electrical tape and tape the end of the fish tape onto the cable. It should be smooth so that the cable can slide through the opening.

    Move the cable slowly so that it doesn't get stuck or damaged due to friction. Preferably, ask someone to be on the other end who can guide the cable carefully.

  2. Drop a string from above

    3. If you want to bring up the wire to a surface above, you can do some reverse work. First, tie something to a string and drop it through the hole. Next, go down, tie the cable to the string, and pull up the string from above.

  3. Use a magnet

    4. If you have tricky corners or long distances to fish the wire, you can put a magnet to use. Place the magnet at a stationary end, as this will ensure that the magnet doesn't get attracted to a metal object along the wall.

Final Words

Now, that you know how to fish wire through a wall, you can do it confidently. But make sure you have quality electrical materials and tools. You can get the necessary electrical materials from D&F Liquidators. Reach out to us for quotes.