Best tool(s) for drilling plasterboard / Pipe detector?

Pulsedriver · 30 Jul 2008 at 18:57

Hey folks,

I am running a telephone cable through to another room soon, so will need to drill through the wall at the bottom (near skirting board).

What I am after is;

a) A tool to scan if there is electric cables/ gas/water pipes etc behind the plasterboard.

b) a drillbit long enough to drill through to the other end, it's about 15-18" ish i'd say.

Anyone recommend any particular brands?

Ben M · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:03

1) just have a look for a handheld metal detector designed for the task. it's not a complicated thing really; just get the cheapest one.

Pulsedriver · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:07

I've heard some are rubbish though, they go off randomly etc!

Cyanide · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:07

Pulsedriver said:
I've heard some are rubbish though, they go off randomly etc!

most are rubbish tbh...

Ben M · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:10

Years ago we went out and bought the chepeast one we could, and it was fine.

Pot luck I guess. That said, you could always ask at a local hardware store what they think of a couple of their cheap ones.

Hedge · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:13

cables shouldnt be a problem if the house has been wired properly. Cables should always run vertically sockets, but i think horizontal is allowed too, but they "shouldnt" run at any other mad angles from a socket or light

JBuk · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:14

Pulsedriver said:
a) A tool to scan if there is electric cables/ gas/water pipes etc behind the plasterboard.

you need a cable/pipe scanner available at most d.i.y. stores

Pulsedriver said:
b) a drillbit long enough to drill through to the other end, it's about 15-18" ish i'd say.

a long series masonry drill at least 18" long, again a d.i.y. shop will have them or order online

Lopéz · 30 Jul 2008 at 19:15

Hedge said:
cables shouldnt be a problem if the house has been wired properly. Cables should always run vertically sockets, but i think horizontal is allowed too, but they "shouldnt" run at any other mad angles from a socket or light

That's a massive chance to take, you have no idea how the house has been wired or modified in the past.

My cable detector works just fine, you just need to adjust them properly.