****HOME DIY thread****

[athithi]

Interesting thread, for a change. I just hope the Mods don't start a new Home DIY forum now

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: LordSnailz
Thanks BigJ and iamwiz -

I'm planning on checking out the ceiling tonight, I know we have the sprayed on insulation, so it'll be a pain to move around up there.

I'll know about the spacing once I'm up there, any suggestions on what's better/more popular, 4" or 6" cans?

I'm planning on putting 8-10 in the living room on two different switches, and another 6 in the kitchen on another switch. It should be okay, but I'll have to make sure the outlets I planned to use are not tied together. What's the typical wattage on one can, 40W?

Yup, I plan to grab a box of wire nuts from homedepot.

What do you mean by fishing wire?

Yup, I'm borrowing a hole saw from one of my co-workers.

Stupid question, but regarding the wire, anything that matches the gauge from the line I'm tapping from should be okay right?

I used 6". I picked up a contractor pack at HD that came with IC cans that were remodel, not new build. Remodel cans have metal clips that hold the cans in place. New build cans are screwed to the joists. Some people don't like the remodel cans, but they worked really well for me and after more than a year no issues.

 

[pmoa]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: LordSnailz
Thanks BigJ and iamwiz -

I'm planning on checking out the ceiling tonight, I know we have the sprayed on insulation, so it'll be a pain to move around up there.

I'll know about the spacing once I'm up there, any suggestions on what's better/more popular, 4" or 6" cans?

I'm planning on putting 8-10 in the living room on two different switches, and another 6 in the kitchen on another switch. It should be okay, but I'll have to make sure the outlets I planned to use are not tied together. What's the typical wattage on one can, 40W?

Yup, I plan to grab a box of wire nuts from homedepot.

What do you mean by fishing wire?

Yup, I'm borrowing a hole saw from one of my co-workers.

Stupid question, but regarding the wire, anything that matches the gauge from the line I'm tapping from should be okay right?</end quote></div>

I used 6". I picked up a contractor pack at HD that came with IC cans that were remodel, not new build. Remodel cans have metal clips that hold the cans in place. New build cans are screwed to the joists. Some people don't like the remodel cans, but they worked really well for me and after more than a year no issues.

I would definitely like to see how this is done. Would you mind posting the pics and step by step instructions? I will collect them all in this thread and put them in the original post. I know there are some handy people in ATOT. well done.

 

[iamwiz82]

I dont have any pics of the work, but it's fairly easy.

1. Remove the old light.

3. Cut holes for the new lights. Measure 8 times, cut once! You mentioned having blown insulation, it will be messy.

2. I have an attic that is accessible, so I put in a junction box where the old light was, in the attic. From there I ran power to the lights. My lights were 3-way(two switches in different spots for the same lights), so the wiring was kind of crazy.

3. Wire the cans up, then place them in the holes. Push the clips in to secure it to the ceiling. the clips put pressure pushing down on the drywall, suspending the cans. I also got IC cans, since I have blown-in insulation, it's easier.

4. Install the lightbulbs.

5. Test.

6. Install trim rings to hide the cut drywall.

 

[TallBill]

Pretty much anything thats broken
Duct Tape
Victory!

 

[Greenman]

Unless you plan on pulling down the drywall, remodel cans are the only choice. When you find the wire you plan on grabbing power from, turn of that breaker to determine what else is on the circuit before you cut into it, you might find it's already at or near it's limit. In most homes, it's very rare to find circuit that isn't at capacity. For lights it's easy to figure out, just use the listed max wattage. For the load on wall plugs (even the ones that aren't used) figure an amp and a half per outlet and only use 80% of the breaker capacity. Don't use any power from the kitchen circuits.

 

[Preyhunter]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I dont have any pics of the work, but it's fairly easy.

1. Remove the old light.

3. Cut holes for the new lights. Measure 8 times, cut once! You mentioned having blown insulation, it will be messy.

2. I have an attic that is accessible, so I put in a junction box where the old light was, in the attic. From there I ran power to the lights. My lights were 3-way(two switches in different spots for the same lights), so the wiring was kind of crazy.

3. Wire the cans up, then place them in the holes. Push the clips in to secure it to the ceiling. the clips put pressure pushing down on the drywall, suspending the cans. I also got IC cans, since I have blown-in insulation, it's easier.

4. Install the lightbulbs.

5. Test.

6. Install trim rings to hide the cut drywall.

So you AND the wife got remodel cans installed? Sweet.

 

[eplebnista]

Graphite is the best thing to use on doorknob locks & keys.