Why does nobody talk about using a small binder clip for coax in tight spaces?

Was doing a retrofit in a 1920s house in Portland and the wall cavity behind the outlet was maybe an inch deep. Couldn't get a proper strap in there, so I clipped a small binder clip onto the stud and fed the cable through the metal arms. Held it perfect for the drywall crew. Anyone have a better trick for zero-clearance spots?

3 comments

3 Comments

anthony1291d ago

That duct tape trick from @the_jennifer is clever for a quick hold, but the adhesive can dry out and fail over time. A binder clip gives a more solid, permanent grip on the cable without that risk. It's a small detail that just holds up better.

the_jennifer1d ago

Saw a video once where a guy used a loop of duct tape, sticky side out, and just stuck the cable to the side of the stud. It sounds janky but in a pinch it actually works... the drywall pushes it flat and it holds. Your binder clip idea is way smarter though, that's a solid fix. Sometimes the old houses just don't give you any room to work with.

carter.casey1d ago

Wait, are we really over here engineering solutions for a cable touching drywall? It's not a water pipe, it's just some low voltage wire. I've seen cables just loose in walls for 20 years with zero issues. Unless you're hanging a picture right on that spot, it's probably fine to just leave it alone.