How to drop a wire in an outer wall of my house?

Question

i know in the inner wall i can just drill through the top of the frame, but on the outer, how do i get around the insulation in the walls? are there any special tools for this?

Answer 1

Locate the box opening in the wall. Cut it out, and using a long, flexible drill bit with a handle (called a “placement tool”), drill up through the top plates (Greenlee makes these with different length shafts & interchangable drill heads - they call the "D'vers-a-bits" or something close). The bit will have a hole in the tip, tie a pulling line onto it and withdraw the bit. Use the pulling line to pull a fish tape up into the attic area.

This is a dirty, hot job, with very little working room in the eaves. Wear a long sleeve shirt to keep as much insulation off of your arms as possible.

I have painted the tips of my bits with reflective paint, to make them easier to spot with a flashlight. Have someone down below run the drill while you are looking for it, let the sound guide you as much as it can. By leaving the light off, the reflective paint will be easier to see.

Learning to properly "steer" one of these bits takes a "bit" of practice. Between that, the heat, discomfort, and prolonged itching afterwards; it is probably best to hire a qualified, licensed electrician. He (she) will also know whether your local Code allows the use of "Romex" (Really, it is Type NM Cable - Romex is a Brand Name, like IBM). Some municipalities do not allow NM Cable to be fished, they may require another wiring method be used.

Answer 2

Where is the wire going?  They make a tool called a fish tape which works well for pulling wires.  Cut the hole where the box is going, and have someone there to catch the end of the tape.  Go in the attic and feed the fish tape down,  When they catch the end of the tape, attach the Romex to it and pull it back up.  Hope this helps.