What tool do i need?

Mason64

Mason64

Mason64

Associate
Joined
16 Jan 2006
Posts
986
Location
Internet
I am looking to drill a few holes and gonna maybe start using it for my work what is the tool called,

i can put a tool to the wall and see if any electric mains cables are there so i know not to drill there?

whats it called and anyone know where to get them from?

thanks
 
A stud finder will find the wooden studs as it detects the change in density of the wall.

A mains/pipe detector will find wires and pipes as they detect the metal

and as Keyser Soze rightly says a comination detector will find everything.

If you are going to be using to often it's worth the extra money to get a good combination detector.

The only thing they won't find is plastic plumbing pipes unless they have updated them to find those too.

Cheap combi detector:

http://XXX.amazon.co.uk/Rapitest-Wire-Pipe-Stud-Detector/dp/B0001NPZ8I

Good combi detector:

http://XXX.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=133565
 
Last edited:
Don't do the stupid thing I did one Christmas Eve. My lass was at work and asked me to put the curtain pole up so we could have curtains up for Christmas.

I measured up, marked where to drill the holes, plugged in my drill and started drilling.

BANG! Drilled straight through the electric mains.

Worst of it was, I was plugged into the plug 4 foot directly below where I was drilling so why it never crossed my mind that there might be the electric cable there, I never know.

Cost me £220 on Christmas Eve to get a sparky to come and fix it so we could have electric over Christmas.
 
TIP : As with any below surface detectors they give a good indication but you should never rely on them 100%.

always look at socket locations/ plumbing fittings in the vacinity too determine pipe cable runs behind walls.

expect the unexpected ;)
 
I rely on luck, generally mains cables buried in the wall run in straight lines so don't drill holes where there is the possibility of one, plumbing tends not to be burried in plaster as the temperature changes crack the plaster so just be carefull around skirting boards, cavity walls and sud walls.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom