Can you pull Ethernet cable through wall?

Pulling Ethernet cable through walls is a common task when installing wired home networks or upgrading older homes with Cat5 or Cat5e cabling to newer Cat6 or Cat6a standards. With proper planning and the right tools, it is certainly possible for a homeowner to pull Ethernet cable through walls on their own. There are a few key factors to consider first.

What kind of walls are involved?

The type of interior walls that the Ethernet cable needs to pass through is an important consideration. Drywall walls are the easiest to work with – simple holes can be cut out for access and then patched up neatly once the cables are pulled. Solid walls like brick, concrete, or plaster will take more effort and special tools may be required. Attempting to pull cables through exterior walls can get complicated with insulation and vapor barriers – it’s best to avoid this if possible.

What tools will you need?

Basic tools like a drill, drywall saw, fish tape, and cable puller are must-haves. You may also need a wall scanner to detect studs and wires hidden behind drywall if you want to avoid unnecessary damage. For solid walls, a hammer drill and masonry bits will be required. Other specialized tools like flexible drill bits or fiberglass push rods can be useful for tricky situations like going around corners or between floors.

Where will the cable enter and exit?

Carefully plan out where the Ethernet cable will enter and exit the wall for the cleanest, most discreet installation. Entry and exit points should line up vertically when possible.Outlet or switch boxes make ideal entry/exit points since cables can be fished directly into them. Limit transitions between walls whenever possible.

What’s the maximum length?

The length of cable run through the walls is an important factor. Ethernet cables have maximum recommended lengths of 100 meters (about 328 feet) for Cat6 and 55 meters (about 180 feet) for Cat6a. Excessive length or tight pulls can damage the wiring – use caution and allow some slack.

How will you fish the cables?

There are several techniques to fish cables through walls and select the right approach for each situation:

• Use fish tape that can push through flexibly and grab onto the end.
• Attach a pull string and vacuum at the other end to suck through.
• Use rigid fiberglass rods to push cables through straight runs.
• Use gripper rods that can grab cables and pull back.
• Try flexible drill bits to navigate around corners.

How will you protect the cables?

Cables pulled through walls should be protected from damage. Conduit provides the best protection, or plastic cable raceways can be attached. Metal junction boxes give cables more protection when entering/exiting walls. Avoid stapling cables directly to studs or joists.

Conclusion

Pulling Ethernet cables through interior walls is perfectly doable for DIYers with the right planning and tools. Focus on choosing accessible entry/exit points, using the optimal fishing techniques, watching cable lengths, and protecting the finished product. Exterior or brick walls often require professional help to neatly drill openings and restore them. With some care and patience, Ethernet cables can be smoothly integrated into home walls and ceilings.

Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Things to Consider Before You Get Started

Here are some important things to think through before you start pulling Ethernet cable through walls:

Existing Wiring and Obstacles

Use a stud finder or cable locator to detect any existing wires, pipes, or other obstacles hidden behind your walls. You want to avoid drilling into anything hazardous. Map out safe routes where you know cables can pass freely.

Cable Type and Length

Choose the appropriate Ethernet cable type for your needs – Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a. Ensure you have enough length to comfortably reach between entry/exit points with some slack. Don’t try to pull more than 100 meters of Cat6.

Entry and Exit Points

Carefully choose your cable entry and exit points to create the cleanest path. Outlet and switch boxes work well. Align them vertically between floors if you can. Consider how visible the locations will be.

Tools Needed

Assemble tools like fish tape, cable puller, wall scanner, coaxial puller, drill, drywall saw, router, etc. Anything specialized for your wall type like a hammer drill for masonry. Rent tools if needed.

Safety Gear

Wear safety goggles, dust mask, work gloves, ear protection, and anything else needed for protection during the installation. Have a first aid kit available just in case.

Step 1: Cut Openings in Walls

Use a drywall saw to cut openings about 1 foot square where cables will pass through. Cut along stud lines for easier patching later. For solid walls, use a hammer drill with a masonry bit to create openings. Make openings as small and neat as possible.

Step 2: Drill Entry and Exit Holes

At your planned entry and exit points, drill a hole just large enough to accommodate your cables. Having a friend to coordinate drilling both holes simultaneously on opposite wall sides makes this easier.

Step 3: Feed the Fish Tape

Feed your fish tape into one opening and out the other drilled hole. Keep pressure on the tape and have your helper grab it when it exits. Tie a strong pull string to the end of the tape. Duct tape helps secure it.

Step 4: Pull Through String

Have your helper gently pull the fish tape back, bringing the string along through the drilled path. Leave at least 2 feet of extra string at both ends. Repeat to install multiple pull strings if needed.

Step 5: Attach Cables

Tape your Ethernet cable ends securely to the pull string ends. Make sure no copper wiring is exposed. Leave 6-12 inches of slack cable at the ends before taping. Tape every 1-2 feet along the length as well for support.

Step 6: Pull Cables Through

Lubricate the cable with a wire pulling lubricant or baby powder to reduce friction. Carefully pull the string to bring the Ethernet cable along the path through the walls. Have a helper feed slack from the other end. Go slow to avoid snags.

Step 7: Seal Up Holes

Once cables are pulled, seal up all wall openings to restore it back to original condition. For drywall, use joint compound and drywall tape to patch holes. Use concrete mix for solid walls. Apply new paint/texture as needed to finish.

Final Steps

Here’s what to do once your Ethernet cable is successfully pulled:

Test Cable Connectivity

Test that your Ethernet cable still provides proper connectivity between endpoints after being pulled. Use a cable tester or temporarily connect devices to verify speeds.

Install Cable Jackets

For extra protection, install plastic cable jacketing around exposed cables. This prevents damage from nails or other hazards over time.

Label Cables

Label your Ethernet cables at both ends for easy identification. Include information like cable type, length, and endpoints.

Mount Hardware

Install wall plates, jacks, patch panels, or racks as needed for your wired network hardware to connect the new Ethernet runs.

Finish the Job

Complete the installation by reconnecting any devices, tidying up cables, restoring furniture, patching drywall, cleaning up, and testing network functionality.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips to make your Ethernet cable pulling easier:

• Only pull cables at full strength in straight runs. Keep tension to a minimum around corners.
• Make sure to drill entry and exit holes precisely aligned horizontally and vertically.
• Try to follow existing cable paths and openings where possible.
• Wrap cables in a figure-8 pattern when pulling to avoid tangling.
• Have a helper ready to loosen snags and provide slack from the far end.
• Ensure cables are supported every 4-5 feet when making long horizontal runs.
• Wear gloves to improve grip and avoid injury from sharp fish tape.
• Keep all cables at least 12 inches away from power lines for safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy for Ethernet cable pulls to go wrong. Here are some common mistakes:

• Failure to map out concealed wires and pipes before drilling.
• Attempting to pull too much cable at once leading to snags.
• Not lining up entry and exit holes properly.
• Rushing and using excessive force to pull cabling.
• Making holes bigger than necessary leading to complicated patching.
• Leaving cables loose and unsupported after installation.
• Inadequate sealing of wall openings and gaps.
• Failing to label cable ends to identify runs.
• Skipping steps like testing connectivity and installing jacks.

When to Call a Professional?

Although DIY Ethernet cable pulls are possible in many cases, some circumstances call for hiring a professional installer instead:

• Concrete, block, or brick walls requiring special tools.
• Cables spanning long distances between floors.
• Lots of right angle turns needed in the cable path.
• Running cables through finished spaces prone to visible damage.
• New home construction where walls are not yet finished.
• Upgrading entire network wiring for a large property.
• Overhead access between buildings or roof work needed.
• Electrical work required in addition to cable pulls.

The right pro installer will have the necessary equipment, experience, and skills to handle tricky Ethernet wiring projects smoothly.

Cost to Have Ethernet Cables Professionally Installed

Hiring an electrician or low-voltage wiring specialist to pull and install Ethernet cables typically costs $150 to $200 per drop. Factors affecting the price include:

Length of cable run	$3 to $7 per foot
Labor rate	$50 to $100 per hour
Wall material	Drywall is cheapest, masonry most expensive
Access difficulty	Easily accessible routes are cheaper
Additional hardware	$25 to $75 per wall plate
Warranty	1+ year workmanship warranty adds 10-20% typically

Many jobs cost $1,000 to $3,000 total depending on the number of Ethernet cable drops needed and complexity. Get quotes from multiple installers before hiring one.

Conclusion

Pulling Ethernet cable through walls as a DIY project can save on installation costs compared to hiring a professional. With the right planning, tools, and techniques, homeowners can accomplish simple through-wall cable runs themselves. Focus on safety, precision, and creating a clean cable pathway. Call in the experts for tricky whole home wiring jobs or specialty wall types. Follow best practices, watch your cable lengths, and take it slow to end up with a smooth, reliable Ethernet connectivity via your walls.