Plaster Lath Wall Question

[ISAslot]

If someone wanted to cut a hole for an electrical box, what would they use? What did they use in the past when this type of wall was popular?

 

[Electric Amish]

I'd probably drill a hole and use a keyhole saw.

Keyhole saw

 

[DnetMHZ]

Reciprocating Saw with the proper blade. Drill a hole to get started.

Example

 

[DrPizza]

I've used a reciprocating saw, jig saw, and keyhole saw. Personally, while a keyhole saw takes a little longer, I prefer to use that as it decreases the vibration. Every once in a while while using a power saw, the blade might catch on the lathe, resulting in the loss of more plaster than you want to remove. While rewiring my house, this only happened once or twice out of however many outlets I put in... but I'd rather it hadn't happened at all. (and of course, drill a hole first to start the cutting from, or even 2 holes, in opposite corners.)

 

[TwoBills]

Cover the area you're going to cut with duct tape, and cut thru the tape. This'll help prevent the plaster from chipping. I'd use something like an 18tpi blade to do the cutting.

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: ISAslot
If someone wanted to cut a hole for an electrical box, what would they use? What did they use in the past when this type of wall was popular?

When that type of wall was popular, they used gas lights.

Paul is right. A keyhole saw is what was used, but a jig saw will make short work of it today.

 

[ISAslot]

Thanks for the info guys, was wondering how the saw would react with the lath now I know!