|   staple guns | clockwatcher
Oct 24, 2002 5:32 PM | | i need to staple speaker wires against the wall for my surround speakers and wondering if there are special staple gun i should be using. I just bought a Stanley "Pro Sharpshooter" staple gun and 3/8" staple, and it's not working out. I understand from looking at my cable tv cables the staples for wires are curved. But there weren't any available for sale where I bought the gun. Also the gun came with a "wire guide" attachment so I thought it was ok to use. |
| re: staple guns | pinetop
Oct 24, 2002 6:12 PM | | I use the hammer in insulated wire staples maybe there are 15 in a package for about a dollar. They are used mainly for lamp cord wire. And for staple guns i still like the Swingline T150 model with 1/2inch staples but you do need a strong grip to use this gun but it works good. Forgot to mention you can get the hammer in ones at most hardware stores or Home Depot they are called insulated staples,the package is about half the size of a pack of ciggs. bob d |
| re: staple guns | clockwatcher
Oct 25, 2002 6:33 PM | | I tried the insulated staples today, it didnt work. I live in apartment buildings where the walls are not made of wood. Especially hard to hammer it in corners. So on to the the other options. Thanks for all the help everybody. |
| re: staple guns | arc_light
Oct 24, 2002 6:49 PM | | An alternative that offers an improvement visually providing your cables are not too heavy, is using a hot glue gun. In the locations where tension load is too high for the glue to hold you can use the staples.
Clear silicon can also be effective but the long curing time means you'll have to use tape to hold your wires in place until it's done. The silicone is more effective than the glue but much more difficult to work with. It's also way less friendly when you go to remove it later on. |
| re: staple guns | _Luke_
Oct 24, 2002 9:36 PM | | I agree with arc about the staples that you hammer. I've used them before for running wire and they work well. I'm not sure that a staple gun is the tool to be using unless you are able to adjust the force so it doesn't break the insulator and expose the wire.
Another option would be wire covers or whatever they are called. They are small square tubes that you run the wires through and hammer to the wall. They are paintable to match your wall and a cleaner look, especially if you run them up the corners.
Another option still is to run the wire up unside the wall. If you start at the bottom of the wall, punch a hole in the drywall and fish the wire up to another hole in the drywall near where you've placed the speaks. Finish the holes with a box that allows you put it up after the drywall is hanging, then get those Niles connectors and the whole thing looks really good. My dad (who is no electrician) fished his wires like that by himself. I use the Niles connectors for my rears and it looks good. This is the most expensive option, but by far the most aesthetically pleasing. |
| Couple of other options | JDaniel
Oct 25, 2002 12:22 PM | | I have a Craftsman electric stapler/nailer, that has an adjustable clutch. You can adjust the pressure so the staple doesn't damage the wire. A variety of staple sizes/types are available.
Also, as someone else suggested (sort of), you can buy at Home Depot or Lowes some tracks/tubing to run your wires in. I used this for mine. It has a peel/stick adhesive on the back. It comes in white or cream color, and is paintable. It comes in various sizes. Cheap too - less than $5 for a 6' run. It has all types of elbows/connectors for running along baseboards etc.
Good luck.
JDaniel |
| Yes JD the tracks are very good but | pinetop
Oct 26, 2002 5:29 AM | | i will be damned if i know what they call them.I have seen them at electrical supply houses but realy never paid much attention to them. But yes a good way to run wires and looks nice and neat. By the way i have even seen them in light and dark wood grain. bob d |
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