DIY ineptitude...
Discussion
Recently made a mess of the plasterwork in my new porch by trying to put up a couple of coathooks. Overtightened the screws and pulled the plasterboard fixings out of the plasterboard (and the skimming of plaster from an inch around each hole.
Filled, sanded and painted each hole, measured carefully, and drilled 3/4 in above each hole, and... BANG. No lights
Are there no limits to my ineptitude?
All I want is somewhere to hang my F'ing coats and to get rid of the tools from the porch.
Any way of fixing without ripping all the plasterboard off?
Just posted out of frustration really.
Filled, sanded and painted each hole, measured carefully, and drilled 3/4 in above each hole, and... BANG. No lights
Are there no limits to my ineptitude?
All I want is somewhere to hang my F'ing coats and to get rid of the tools from the porch.
Any way of fixing without ripping all the plasterboard off?
Just posted out of frustration really.
Just had two 
I know, I checked with one of those electronic cable/stud detector the first time I drilled so thought I would be fine this time. Think the cable must be at an angle. Trouble is, the masonry is a good inch and a half behind the plasterboard so not sure if it would have picked it up...
So angry with myself
I know, I checked with one of those electronic cable/stud detector the first time I drilled so thought I would be fine this time. Think the cable must be at an angle. Trouble is, the masonry is a good inch and a half behind the plasterboard so not sure if it would have picked it up...
So angry with myself
Ooops!
Well first of all you should have used the plasterboard fixings that I recommended, rather than those daft ones
But I don't think you have any choice but to rip off the plasterboard. Do you know where the cable runs to/from? For preference I like to replace a whole run rather than just put a junction box in (But I use conduit rather than plastering cables into a wall) but that isnt always possible if the last person to touch stuff fixed things in place.
Still, if you get started now you could have it fixed for xmas!
Well first of all you should have used the plasterboard fixings that I recommended, rather than those daft ones
But I don't think you have any choice but to rip off the plasterboard. Do you know where the cable runs to/from? For preference I like to replace a whole run rather than just put a junction box in (But I use conduit rather than plastering cables into a wall) but that isnt always possible if the last person to touch stuff fixed things in place.
Still, if you get started now you could have it fixed for xmas!
NiceCupOfTea said:
Just had two
I know, I checked with one of those electronic cable/stud detector the first time I drilled so thought I would be fine this time. Think the cable must be at an angle. Trouble is, the masonry is a good inch and a half behind the plasterboard so not sure if it would have picked it up...
So angry with myself
I've tried several of these over the years, ranging in price, and found them them to be about as reliable as using a mystic to tell you whats behind the plaster. They can give clues and hints but should never be depended on, best way to check for a cable is to carefully dig a little hole with a 10mm screwdriver, dig to the brick then drill/ use a long screw.I know, I checked with one of those electronic cable/stud detector the first time I drilled so thought I would be fine this time. Think the cable must be at an angle. Trouble is, the masonry is a good inch and a half behind the plasterboard so not sure if it would have picked it up...
So angry with myself
PS you said "new" porch- if wiring is "new" it should NOT be "run at an angle".
Tried the stud detector afterwards and it didn't pick up anything so would have been a waste of time anyway!
TooLate - I know, I have bought some and was about to use them! Unfortunately they are longer than the cavity so needed to drill into the masonry behind and that's when I hit the wire.
Thank God for RCCBs
TooLate - I know, I have bought some and was about to use them! Unfortunately they are longer than the cavity so needed to drill into the masonry behind and that's when I hit the wire.
Thank God for RCCBs
You need to use these:
When the cavity is too shallow, I start off by screwing in the fixing about half way, then wind it back, chop the end off and then screw the rest into the board.
I've also found for heavier things when there is a block wall behind the plasterboard, that these hammer-in fixings are the way forward:
When the cavity is too shallow, I start off by screwing in the fixing about half way, then wind it back, chop the end off and then screw the rest into the board.
I've also found for heavier things when there is a block wall behind the plasterboard, that these hammer-in fixings are the way forward:
All a bit moot since when NCOT strips the plasterboard off to fix the cable, he can stick a suitable batten behind and fasten it to the wall then screw through with anything.
I wouldnt hammer those hammer fixings through plasterboard with a cavity behind. They are brilliant for fixing battens though.
I wouldnt hammer those hammer fixings through plasterboard with a cavity behind. They are brilliant for fixing battens though.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff