Running wire thru T-Top/Hard Top aluminum tubing - The Hull Truth

Jonafare · 05-22-2005, 08:29 PM

I am installing a CD/Stereo in my electronics box and want to run the speaker wires through the aluminum tube structure. it means I've got to drill holes through the tubing to feed the wires... I know someone else has beeen throgh this... How do you feed the wire and get it out through the small holes???

Thanks for any advise.

Frank

chriscalabro · 05-22-2005, 08:37 PM

Get yourself a fiberglass snake @ Home Depot and run it down the tube. Once you arrive at the other end connect you speaker wires and also an extra piece of cord so you will be able to pull future items if needed. Then pull it back out. You may want to use wire pulling lubricant or dish washing detergent to allow the wires to slip through the tube with minimum resistance

witchcraft · 05-22-2005, 09:30 PM

hold a shop vac on one end and feed string into the hole you want to feed the wire into. Go from string to a pull wire, then the wires you want to pull. When your done leave the pull wire in place for the next time.

DarthBaiter · 05-23-2005, 01:41 PM

I second the Shop vac Idea. I had holes in my t-top that wasn't wired. I tried with a plumers snakes and also the mono from my weedwhacker, but the aluminum tube had twist and turns and did not work. I then used 80lb test power pro braided line with a small washer tied at one end. I dropped it down as far as it went and then I vaccumed it and it came out in a flash.

Nimrod · 05-23-2005, 01:45 PM

Shop Vac. That's an excellent idea.

Jonafare · 05-23-2005, 03:47 PM

SUPER... Hell of an Idea...

Never thought about using a vac.

I'll let ya know.

Thanks Guys

Gil Morgan · 05-23-2005, 05:40 PM

If the shop vac doesn't work, try a steel (not stainless) nut or washer on the end of the string and use a magnet to guide the nut/washer down the aluminum tubing.

FireFly · 05-23-2005, 05:47 PM

Just remember to run a piece of string through there as well for future expansion...

katkt · 05-23-2005, 06:16 PM

That little vaccum idea is worth the price of a wheel all by itself.

Thanks witchcraft

saltwaters · 05-23-2005, 09:25 PM

For runs that have no existing wires installed, I've used single strand shark wire for years with a lot of success. I put a small hook in the end that goes in the tube and push it where I think the exit hole is. I use another piece with a hook in it to catch the first hook.

For runs that are already colgged with existing wire I use the wire that is inside an old shift or throttle cable. I get them cheap at the used marine hardware store. The good thing about these wires is they are strong enough to push over or around the existing wire.

The vacuum trick is a good one. Heard about it but never used it.

sea draggin · 05-24-2005, 01:05 PM

You can tie a small piece of tissue onto the leading edge of the sting when vaccumming and sometimes that will help pull the sting on through.

Jonafare · 05-24-2005, 03:44 PM

All great ideas... I'm running it tonight and will let you know.

I just love this web site!!!

Frank

popl · 05-25-2005, 08:14 AM

Vac

+ cotton ball from your wife's makeup table = quick wire pull. Be sure to leave an extra heavy nylon line in the tube for later pull like stated above. The pros use a line about twice the size of standard nylon construction line, a little extra strength to resist sharp edges at tubing welds.

rwidman · 05-25-2005, 08:35 AM

Quote:

katkt - 5/23/2005 6:16 PM

That little vaccum idea is worth the price of a wheel all by itself.

Thanks witchcraft

Electricians use this technique all the time for running wire in long conduits. They have a special vacuum with fittings for the pull string (you have a choice of blowing or sucking) and a foam rubber plug (mouse) that the pull string is connected to. You can go to an electrical supply house and get the correct sized mouse for your tubing.

Jonafare · 05-25-2005, 11:46 AM

Sorry to report the vacumn idea didn't work. I guess there were too many obstructions. BUT, the good old standby coat hanger did work... got it wired!

Again, thanks for the help

Frank

itsmeagain5789 · 11-17-2008, 01:35 PM

I want to bring this discussion back to life. I'm tryin to figure out how to run my gps antenna for my hardtop down the tubing. I'm gonna try the magnet idea and the vacuum idea, but are there any others that u guys have thought of?

Glen E · 11-17-2008, 02:02 PM

try 150 # fishing leader or weedeater filament...works everytime for me....

nc_fishguy · 03-05-2009, 10:06 PM

I've used the string trimmer filament several times for running wires through the t-top and back to the transom for the depth sounder. A good rule of thumb (that others have mentioned here) is to always leave another pull wire for when something needs added or replaced in the future. I just hate it when you have an antenna with an internally fixed coax on one end and a fixed connection on the other. Haven't mastered that one yet, especially when it comes to getting a BNC connector around already existing wires within the tubing of the t-top.

pbr streetgang · 03-06-2009, 05:30 PM

don't use soap for a lubricant. it may break down the insulation on the wires. there is a lubricant made specifically for this purpose.

kingair · 03-06-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbr streetgang

don't use soap for a lubricant. it may break down the insulation on the wires. there is a lubricant made specifically for this purpose.