15
c.
To cut the hole you may use a drywall saw
(figure 16)
or a razor
utility knife
(figure 18)
, whichever is more comfortable for you.
It is usually easier and safer to use a drywall saw.
For round speakers drill one hole
(figure 9)
along the inside of
the pencil tracing, preferably with a 1 inch “paddle bit”
(figure
17)
. Then carefully saw around the pencil tracing.
For rectangular speakers drill two holes, one in the top right
corner and the other in the bottom left corner. From the top
hole, saw across the top pencil tracing to the left and then down
the right pencil tracing. From the bottom hole, saw up along the
left tracing and then right across the bottom tracing
(figure 9)
.
For the head-out “old work” J-box and the “old work” single
gang mounting rings, use the same technique as for the
rectangular speakers.
If you choose the razor knife, begin by scoring the drywall
lightly using very little force. Slowly trace the pencil tracing
with a fresh sharp blade. Apply only enough force to cut into
the paper face of the drywall. After completing the entire trace
with a precise shallow cut, repeat it over and over, deeper and
deeper. As the cut gets deeper and well defined you may use
more pressure. Continue this patiently until you cut all the way
through the drywall. If you are not careful, you may slip and cut
a score across the drywall that will require cosmetic repair.
6.
Once you complete cutting the holes in the drywall for the head-out,
volume controls and speakers, you will need to drill either the top
plates or the sole plate/sub floor for the wire paths.
Earlier in
Section 1 of Existing Construction
(surveying for access), you
were advised to locate any wires, plumbing, ducting, etc. that could
complicate or impact the wire paths.
We also covered methods of finding
walls from below the floor in the basement crawl space and from above
the ceiling in the attic crawl space. Before you do any drilling
whatsoever, you must be certain that you will not drill into any wires,
plumbing, ducting, etc.
OEM Systems Company, Inc. assumes absolutely no responsibility
for accidental damage or bodily harm connected in any way with
installations of these products.
PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
