Silly question, perhaps, but I tend to overthink things. I'm replacing some oldish romex in a wall. Old romex was just held in by a staple near the box. I sometimes feel resistance as I pull the new romex. I go and pull back from the other end, but often feel resistance there too. These are in relatively short runs and probably from where there's a bend to go around something in the wall. Sometimes I feel like I pull too hard and fear that I've compromised the cable. I'm probably overthinking this, but what do you think?

Comments

ntyperteasy t1_ity4v94 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 3:52 AM

The jacket is easily damaged. The wire is pretty strong, but you will tear the jacket on any sort of edge.

You can get "wire pulling lubricant" which is some watery, waxy looking stuff, that is used to lubricate wires in long pulls in conduit. Electrical supply houses sell it, and you can find it in the electrical section of the big box stores. That might help.

The best thing is to cut another opening in the drywall (you have drywall?) where you think the bend is and guide the wire around it without damaging the jacket.

resjudicata1 OP t1_ity5sjh wrote on October 27, 2022 at 4:01 AM

Would you say that if the jacket isn't ripped or cut (but may have some scuffs) then it's ok? I'll sometimes pull more than necessary just to ensure it goes through all the way, then pull it back in from the other side.

ntyperteasy t1_ity612k wrote on October 27, 2022 at 4:04 AM

I would think so. It would be quite a feat to break those copper wires without damaging the jacket. And I think your "pull extra through to inspect it" strategy is a good idea. Again, the wire pulling lube will help - it is water based and made for this application.

resjudicata1 OP t1_ity63v1 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 4:04 AM

Great. Thanks for the input!

Adam2013 t1_ity5y85 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 4:03 AM

More to the OP:

Fun fact, it's usually easier to remove larger pieces of sheet rock in one go. That way you have a better chance of getting to screw it back to 2 studs, instead of having to worry about adding backing through a small hole. Plus a larger piece makes for a sturdier repair.

PerspectivePure2169 t1_iu2rz7h wrote on October 28, 2022 at 3:05 AM

I rewired my whole house and only had to cut about 3 holes into the walls, so let me share my tips:

First - get somebody to push wire in on one side so you can pull on the other.

When you pull with string, I trim the wires to leave a nice taper, and tape it all so it doesn't snag.

Get a borescope, you can drill a 1/4" hole in the wall cavity and see what's happening in there. That patch takes like 30 seconds.

I pull the electrical box out before cutting holes, as that's where you need to see.

Don't use a sawzall anywhere - holesaw and hand stab saw with drywall fleam teeth are your best tools. I use the hand saw to gently open around boxes so I can see where wire goes, and then remove box if needed.