Moving a light fitting - tell me why I'm being stupid.

[ban-all-sheds]

I won't buy a tool if I don't think it will get regular use

Same here, at least in terms of intent - but I sometimes over-estimate how much use a particular tool is going to get

I have bought tools which I know won't get a lot of use, but where improvisation is hard. For instance I have a conduit bender, pipe vice and stock & die set. OK - There are alternatives for bending, but they take a lot more practice to learn, and no sensible alternative for threading.

I've also bought a joistripper, pot crimper and wrench because I fancy having a go, but I'll probably have to install pyro unnecessarily.

 

[Iggifer]

So my conclusion now is that I should work from above rather than struggle from below and risk potential death by asbestos and rather than buy a hole cutter, I should use the multi-tool that I currently have borrowed from a friend or my circular saw set to the correct depth

Choice is yours. Circular saw will be much quicker. If you set it as shallow as possible (cables may be notched into the joists) and just run it down the joint of the T&G you will be able to remove the board without having to add a noggin afterwards (assuming you're removing the entire board)

If you don't want to remove the entire board, cut across a joist (lookout for nails) and if you manage to get it close enough to the joist centre you should be able to refix without too much bother

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I thought it was just me.

So did I.

Make that at least three of us!

Maybe we are all of a certain age.

 

[JohnW2]

Maybe we are all of a certain age.

I certainly am Howver, having said that, I think I've been subject to the behaviour in question for decades, so I'm not sure age is the issue!

Kind Regards, John

 

[EFLImpudence]

I'm convinced tools move on their own. It wasn't there a moment ago.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It's only the ones you kneel on that weren't there a moment ago.

 

[333rocky333]

I've also bought a joistripper, pot crimper and wrench because I fancy having a go, but I'll probably have to install pyro unnecessarily.

Still awaiting your verdict, every time I strip some out and bin it, I always think, oh ban would love this to practise on, when im in london i will stash some in a tesco car park for you to pick up

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Jolly decent of you, but I'm OK for cable.

Any 4L1.5 pots/glands/clips gleefully received though....

 

[333rocky333]

you know what, i done about 5 years doing fire alarms, and a couple of years ago i cleared garage and scrapped all except the 2 core terms, thinking no one would ever want them, 4 core was used often for that one off extra smoke head.

 

[Twin Dad]

If I go for the hole saw option and work from above, how do I pass the ceiling joists? From below I can continue to cut out the plasterboard where needed and then notch/drill the joists to thread the cable. From above I'd need a series of holes in the floor? I can't see a way bring a spade bit or auger bit to bear on the joist otherwise?

The original reason I was inserting this junction box was to relocate a ceiling mounted light fitting to a wall mounted fitting.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

you know what, i done about 5 years doing fire alarms, and a couple of years ago i cleared garage and scrapped all except the 2 core terms, thinking no one would ever want them, 4 core was used often for that one off extra smoke head.

It just happened that the bargain cable I got on Ebay was that.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

If I go for the hole saw option and work from above, how do I pass the ceiling joists? From below I can continue to cut out the plasterboard where needed and then notch/drill the joists to thread the cable.

You mustn't notch joists on the underside, only the top.

From above I'd need a series of holes in the floor?

Yes.

 

[Twin Dad]

If I go for the hole saw option and work from above, how do I pass the ceiling joists? From below I can continue to cut out the plasterboard where needed and then notch/drill the joists to thread the cable.

You mustn't notch joists on the underside, only the top.

From above I'd need a series of holes in the floor?

Yes.

Of course. Good point. Was thinking about drilling/notching joists and forgot I couldn't work from below like that. Makes the decision easy. Since I will need a series of holes in the chipboard i may as well cut a strip out and then secure it back in with noggins. Easier that a series of holes. Cheers.

 

[Twin Dad]

Guys, Thanks for the all the advice. Just wanted to let you know that I've done the work and all went well thanks to the advice from here.

Worked from above and cut strips out of the chipboard using a circular saw and multitool I had borrowed. Lights re-positioned, tested and working fine. Happy days.