OK, I don't like stapling anything ever but understand in some situations it has to be done. Under what conditions do you guys staple your wiring during prewire and which staples do you use to do it? (not guns - just staples, tie wraps, whatever.)

I like the idea of being able to remove my cabling if it gets damaged and therefore not stapling anything is nice but struggle with that and knowing that maybe stapling it will prevent it getting damaged in the first place.

My sub-c, who does all my pre-wiring, staples everything. Every two inches. Or less.

T

I mostly use zip ties ( I prefer the type with the hole in them) to secure prewire. The only time I ever use staples is when we (or should I say the salesman) didn't spec in preconstruction brackets for the speakers.

The only thing that I actually use staples on is I staple the wire in a loop across the bay where the speaker is going to be installed, then turn the end down and staple it facing downward about an inch from the bottom edge of the ceiling joist (to make it easier to tone out later).

It has been my experience that if you do not secure your wire it looks sloppy and is more prone to being moved or damaged by other trades.

RR

I just couldn't resist, if your sub-c does all your prewires..who cares, just make him come back at his expense if your wires don't work at finish.

Man, I need to get me one of those sub-c's to do all my pre-wires. Maybe that's the key to this whole custom audio thing.

staples dont short cables....... installers with staplers do!!!
there is nothing wrong with staples. romex staples are fine for speaker wire and coax so long as you dont drive them in to the point where the cable is pinched. dont drive it in all the way you should be able to slide it under the staple to allow for expansion in the wood. for cat 5 and line level i prefer arrow t37 with 9/16" staples or t 59 for a single cable. The t 59 is foolproof as it is an insulated staple and wont damage your cables. give this to the rookies over the t37. But any time you have multiple cables tie wrap you stuff to a romex staple or strip some cat 5 ant use it like garbage bag ties. save your t25 for crafts.

first staple the ziptie to the wood with 9/16 staple then ziptie the wires. slick, clean, and your not stapling the wire at all. makes for a quick install. AND CLEAN.

I think that statement would increase the chances of error... I sure hope they use a powered gun... Thats gotta be hell on the hands....every 2 inches or less!!!!

That wasn't meant to be literal, but bless your little cotton socks for thinking so.

If you place the staples side-by-side so they's touching, you won't have to worry about cable damage during construction.

Seriously, I like using the 3M Stackers for data and coax, as well as NM electrical cables (not in the same stacker, of course!)



You can easily fit 3 RG-x or 4 CAT-5 cables in each slot. I have some pix of a new-construction whole-house install we did.

Im always up for some good pix! I alsp use the zip tie stapled to the 2x4.

The GB plastic staples are purrfect.

and if you use LV1 / 2 boxes for new construction - You can pull the nails outta the staples and use them to attach the boxes ..... I also use the little nails to attach mud rings ... etc..... but for the most part staple , then zip tie yer wires ... and if ya wanna be able to pull more wires through just leave the zip ties loose.

The thing about staplers I hate is that they just dont last, They work great for a few jobs and then they always start mis-firing. I use lag hoops, screw down wire-ties, and rubber isulated horse shoe nails.

Thought it was just me. I cant seem to get them to last for more than a month or so before I have to start picking at them w a small pick or coat hanger to get them un-jambed