What tools &/or gadgets will I need to run the wires across the ceiling to hook up a 5 speker surround sound?

Question

speaker system

Answer 1

Some tools for installing across a ceiling may include but are not limited to fish tapes, fish sticks, string, and sling shot devices. Wires should never be stapled for support due to the risk of puncturing the cable shiething. They should be supported off of any attic surfaces or floors, due to foot traffic or anything that could eventually rub or nick the cable. Use cable support rings or "J" hooks, usually available at your local electrical supply house. Wires should also be routed as to avoid crossing 120V lines (to avoid 60hz "hum"). If crossing is inevitable, be sure to cross as perpendicular as possible. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

That depends on the accessibility of the room. If you have access to the room from the attic or the basement, your job will be much easier. If you don't, then running the speaker cable along the baseboards and trim may be the best solution.

If you do have access and you want a professional looking job, you'll need a drill, fish tape, electrical tape, drywall saw and some other tools depending on your house construction. You will also need drywall repair kit and paint to fix the damage. There are also differences between "fishing" the speaker wire through an exterior wall versus and interior wall. This job requires some skill, hopefully you are very handy. You also have to be careful about gas, water and electrical connections behind the walls and in the ceiling. Below is a link with pictures on fishing cable through walls. http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/learningcenter/home/inwall_retrofit.html?page=3

Alternatively, Best Buy will come out and do it for $500.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you're in a one story house, you should have access to the attic.
String the wires through the attic and down through the ceiling sheetrock.

Otherwise, I wouldn't string "across the ceiling", I would use extra wire and string along the corners of ceiling.

Answer 4

all you really need is to decided how you will attach the wires to the ceiling. you can staple them or ect... My recommendation is to staple them into the corners and maybe paint over them.