HVAC - Pulling a Thermostat Wire

Pulling a new 18/8 thermostat wire isn't difficult. Having a few specialty tools makes it almost hassle-free. Six foot fiberglass leader: $20. Twelve inch extension bit: $10. Five-eigths paddle bit: $4. Wire digger-outter: free w/ 5 gallon paint bucket. Easy stat wire pull: Priceless.

The leader is invaluable if you have to pull a wire through an insulated wallspace. It's rigid, unlike a fish tape, but still somewhat flexible.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• HVAC

[fart1fart1]

where did you get the drill extension?

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

@fart1fart1 I bought my extension bits at Home Depot. The 12" was about $10. The six-inchers were about $6 or $7 each.

[Nutintoitbut2doit]

You make it look easy my friend. Nice work as always sir 5tank.

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

@Nutintoitbut2doit It IS easy! The most difficulty I've had is actually finding the wire after dropping it into the wall. At most, it takes 3 minutes to dig it out.

[cameron030362]

Whats your opinion on the use of butt connectors when having to splice on to a tsat wire?..I end of having to replace (update) many ot the tstats at the apt complex I work at...The residents want the digital tstats over the older mercury ones...The wires only stick out 1 inch from the wall and are too short to manuever on to the connections...I splice about a foot on and stuff the extra in the wall...butt connectors a "skinnier" than wire nuts and easier to get back in the drywall hole..

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

@cameron030362 I've seen those barrel connectors in walls and never saw a problem with'em. I have seen loose wire nut splices that came apart. I'd prefer to always run a new thermostat wire but that can get expensive and time-consuming.

[OcRefrigeration]

@cameron030362

if u use the smaller pink butt connectors you get a better grip than the blues if u are using t-stat wire.

Make sure u get a good crimp on that solid t-stat wire. i'll even strip the t-stat wire and double it back before sticking it into a butt connector, so it's like 2 pieces of stat wire in the butt connector and crimp it down good.

Although, it's allways better to Not Connect wires---Running a New wire is allways Better.

[tstatech]

The bucket handle is a great idea. Another almost free specialty tool is a drop chain. I prefer forester bits over paddle bits these days. With three wire and wireless thermostats I am pulling fewer thermostat wires than ever.

Hey has anyone tried the new color touchscreen thermostat from Venstar? $150.

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

@fritzhvac I don't think I own a single T-handle tool. I hear ya on the 'hard to reach' spots. It's a pain in the rear to get at'em. For me, it's quicker to disassemble a burner tray to access some igniters and flame sensors. Most are easily gotten to with a flexible extension bit.

[PutSome5tankOnIt]

@ibunregistered I've thought of trying a ring magnet tied to some string and a larger magnet to bring it to the hole drilled in the wall. This method is incredibly simple and it works really well for me. It can get 'iffy' when pulling a new stat wire in a stud bay that has romex in it... but I've learned to 'feel' my way around the line voltage wires.