Terrible cable stapling job

[Knocks]

So I tried experimenting with stapling network cables today. As you can see, it didn't work out too well. The white cable was done by the Verizon FIOS guy and is perfect. The gray cable was done by me and is completely botched (even though my network still works). What should I have done differently?

The stapler used was a DeWalt "4 in 1" model DWHTTR410 from Home Depot. It has a high-power and low-power setting. It takes Light duty, Heavy Duty, 18G brad, and Cable staples. I believe Cable staples are the ones currently loaded (they are horseshoe-shaped).

By the way, I am just practicing before I install a new Cat6 cable. The current cable is a 19-year old Cat5 that will be discarded.

P.S. No, I did not paint this place. It came like that.

 

[Dahak]

I would say either

1) the staple is too short - most likley
2) the stapler is to power full and driving the staple in to far

Off the top of my head I do not recall what size staples you should use

 

[bruceb]

First be sure the staple has the correct inside width. Check an new staple by placing it over the cable in question. It should fit with a bit of play. Next, when you do the stapling, use the lowest setting on a power stapler that will work on the wall. Or use a manual staple gun, from Arrow. Also do not press down too hard on the gun when you pull the trigger. As an aside, it is not considered best practice to staple Cat 5 / 6 or Fiber cables. Better to just use cable hangers (made of plastic that you just pop the cable into)

 

[imagoon]

Staples = auto fail on the low voltage union testings so take that as you will. You really shouldn't staple cables as it crushes them.

 

[drebo]

There's a specific kind of staple and staple gun to use that's made specifically for low voltage cable.

http://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Voltage-...bxgy_hi_text_y

There are a couple different sizes.

Use one of these and it'll end up looking more like the Verizon job.

 

[seepy83]

There are also Round Crown staples (looks like what Verizon used). Looks like the ones you used are regular flat ones. But I agree...never staple low voltage cable if you can avoid it.

 

[azazel1024]

Yup, don't staple. Use cable hangers. A few quick taps with the hammer and they are in and they hold the cable properly (IE loosely). It makes it possible to repull the cable (in most cases) if you need to and supports it enough that it doesn't just dangle around. The ones I have work great with cat6 and RG6. A little loose, but fine with cat5e.

 

[Elixer]

Something like that is best, as was mentioned.

 

[bruceb]

Those nail in clips are ok if the cable is being run along baseboard molding. If in the wall, I prefer something more along these lines (they come in various sizes)

http://www.cableorganizer.com/adhesive-cord-clip/

These are also very good:

http://www.alliedelec.com/search/pr...=18584040739&gclid=CMeOv5zZ274CFaYF7Aod1A4A0Q

Or these:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Adhesi...t_1.r_IF1003?gclid=CPGnxZ7Z274CFeMF7AodM0UAmQ

 

[seepy83]

These are also very good:

http://www.alliedelec.com/search/pr...=18584040739&gclid=CMeOv5zZ274CFaYF7Aod1A4A0Q

Just to add to the available options for not stapling - I've made my own version of what's shown above in the past by using a roll of velcro. Just cut the velcro to size so it can wrap around the cable with a little extra on the end that can be stapled/nailed to whatever you're trying to fasten it to. Monoprice has rolls of "hook and loop tape" (aka velcro) in all kinds of colors, including white which might help if you're trying to blend in to molding (http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Fast.../dp/B004AFCVDA).

Don't get me wrong, the other fasteners that were posted are great, too. But I tend to have a roll or two of the velcro around that I use for keeping other things tidy, so I've used it for this out of convenience.

 

[Elixer]

True... I know some people who used just generic cable ties and pins... and others have used velcro.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Those nail in clips are ok if the cable is being run along baseboard molding. If in the wall, I prefer something more along these lines (they come in various sizes)

http://www.cableorganizer.com/adhesive-cord-clip/

These are also very good:

http://www.alliedelec.com/search/pr...=18584040739&gclid=CMeOv5zZ274CFaYF7Aod1A4A0Q

Or these:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Adhesi...t_1.r_IF1003?gclid=CPGnxZ7Z274CFeMF7AodM0UAmQ

This is exactly what i was going to recommend

http://www.globalindustrial.com/g/electrical/race-ways/cables-and-ties/nylon-cable-clamps

 

[alkemyst]

Those nail in clips are ok if the cable is being run along baseboard molding. If in the wall, I prefer something more along these lines (they come in various sizes)

http://www.cableorganizer.com/adhesive-cord-clip/

These are also very good:

http://www.alliedelec.com/search/pr...=18584040739&gclid=CMeOv5zZ274CFaYF7Aod1A4A0Q

Or these:
http://www.delcity.net/store/Adhesi...t_1.r_IF1003?gclid=CPGnxZ7Z274CFeMF7AodM0UAmQ

Very good point...those nail ins don't do well in drywall IMHO. Into wood and even concrete (if you don't pulverize them with the hammer) work very well.

I had some that had little drywall screws at one point that works excellent.