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General: Hole in plasterboard

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorRex
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2026
     
    What ho one and all,

    Continuing with a different topic but still related to my CAT6 cable saga, I think I am planning to cut at least one hole, and maybe two 10 cms holes into the plasterboard ceiling.

    My wife wiggled the fish rod (oven sized earth wire) and I can clearly hear that it is kinda where I want it, but nevertheless, still around 10 cms+ away from where I can grab hold. The option is to drill an access hole ito the plasterboard ceiling, behind which is the Warmcel!!!

    On the destination side, it is not a major issue as we have emptied the wardrobe and the dust can fall onto the shelf. But the office side (which is where the wire is at the moment, has all the office equipment below.

    Apart from removing, disconnecting everything, dust sheets, etc, is there a way to drill a hole in plasterboard that does not send dust everywhere? I've seen vids on a small, drill-bit hole but not 10cms. Of course, I would use a vac but that is challenging with 10 cms. Perhaps a padsaw?

    Your thoughts appreciated.

    Thanks

    Rex
  2.  
    Use a Stanley knife.

    But first think about how you will patch the hole afterwards, make the hole big enough to insert any backer piece you'll need to fasten your patch to.

    With care, the piece you cut out can be used as the patch, but if you need a new piece then adjust the hole size to fit the patch not vv

    Are you sure there isn't a stud or a cable or something that has blocked your fish rod?
    • CommentAuthorMike1
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2026
     
    Posted By: Rexis there a way to drill a hole in plasterboard that does not send dust everywhere?
    One of these, or similar: https://www.amazon.co.uk/hsawbit-Collector-Holesaw-Recessed-Drilling/dp/B0DNYNY829
    • CommentAuthorRex
    • CommentTimeJul 27th 2026
     
    The best photo I have from when the house was built. It is only in retrospect that one wish one had taken a lot more photos.

    The yellow line is the sewer; the silver pipe is the ventilation. Red vertical arrow is the approx entry point. Trying to take the fish rod ((then CAT cable) somehow between the two pipes, to the other side of the wall with the left pointing red arrow.

    Pretty much am at the wall based upon the length of the rod and sound from the left of this photo. The new challenge is to get to the other side of the wall. the build-up is below the joists, scrim, the 4x1 timber at 90 degrees to the joists, the void was filled with Warmcel then plasterboard screwed up.

    The rod will not go any further and not sure what it can could hitting. The plan is (if motivated enough) to drill 100mm hole is pb ceiling on the other side of the wall (which is inside a wardrobe) and hopefully, reach around to find the fish rod. Theoretically, only about 15cms with a bit of up-and-over the lower beam of the joist. but easier said than done with a good chance of not finding a solution.

    Now to find the motivation.
      CAT6 (Medium).jpg
  5.  
    In that situation I would lbe tempted to remove a piece of plasterboard big enough to get my head shoulder and arm in. It takes about the same effort as a smaller hole to make good afterwards , much easier than trying to fish with fingertips through a jungle of pipes, and you can make the edges of the patch line up with existing joists instead of having to make backer pieces to support it


    Are you trying to run the wire through the 1" void between the scrim and the plasterboard?
    • CommentAuthorRex
    • CommentTimeJul 28th 2026 edited
     
    Head, no way, full of Warmcel! Also, joist spacing is only 30 cms.

    I can hear the end of the rod rubbing on something pretty much around the left pointing red arrow. Unfortunately, this are is the office and below is my computer, files and film scanner. OK, can all be removed but quite a hassle. on the other hand, the other side of that wall is a wardrobe so am intending to cut a section of ceiling away and reach inside, hopefully, to get my whole arm inside an hope to find the end. The wall is only 9 cms thick so should be able to reach sufficiently far.

    Currently suffering LoMS (Lack of Motivation Syndrome)

    Looking at the photo reminds me of some of the build problems. Posi-joists are great but unless all pipework is planned from day one, and the piping can be installed as the joists are fitted, once in place, there is no way to get long lengths through. Hence, the MVHR ducting should have been a plastic pipe rather than flexible but no way to install it, likewise that 1.3m length of sewer piping, hence all the joins. Copper piping slightly less of a problem due to its diameter, but nevertheless, not easy.

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