Fixing twin and earth when you're no good at using a hammer?

[chris765]

Has anyone for any solution for clipping direct twin and earth to masonary when the surface is too hard to get a nail in cleanly?
Now it's probably half to do with my striking of the hammer. I try and go in the mortar but still can't get it neat.

I've read something about using clip plugs, drill the hole, put the plug in and hammer the nail into the plug but I've never seen these?

Has anyone any solutions (apart from trunking/conduit) that will help me?

Thanks.
Chris.

 

[Iggifer]

you could use something like this if you can find them in stock somewhere

http://www.screwfix.com/p/clip-fix-plus-single-clamp-es10-3-12mm-pack-of-100/30667

never used them myself as £2 for a box of clips or £16 for these, plus the effort of drilling and plugging seems like a waste of time

 

[bernardgreen]

For a long run it can be worth fixing a length of 1 by 1 softwood to the masonary and then pin the cable to that. Putting the cable on top of the 1 by 1 offers the cable a bit of protection from impact from objects thrown at the wall.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

The method I use when fixing T&E to hard masonry where the mortar joint is not offering a secure fixing is use plastic/nylon dowels, you do require to drill the wall to insert dowels, then the cables clips hammer as normal.
Cheaper solution than the clip fix clamps. You can get them at about a penny a dowel.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Is the cable going to remain exposed, or is this just to hold it to the wall before being plastered over?

 

[chris765]

The cable is to remain exposed. I have been tinkering around with it and it fits perfectly with a 5mm plug and a 3.0 x 30 screw.
So a little long winded but at least I can get some neat clips in. It's not a long run, maybe 2-3m.
Thanks all.