Capping installation methods

[gazdkw82]

I know it's the basic of questions but I'm starting to question how I install capping.

I do much work with it as most work that involes domestic work is usually just for friends or family.

However, Everytime I do it I always think there must be an easier way. I've tried mortar nails through the capping and in the mortar, screws through the capping into plugs and screws just to the side into plugs. All seem to have benefits and negatives.

Any other methods?

 

[rapparee]

Do please more expand.

I was on a rant a few weeks ago proclaiming the greatness of screwlux/Robertson screws and I've mentioned it before a year or so ago.

 

[Midwest]

I was on a rant a few weeks ago proclaiming the greatness of screwlux/Robertson screws and I've mentioned it before a year or so ago.

Ohhh, thought you were going to answer my question about the isle of Ireland using metal conduit, in preference to other products.

 

[rapparee]

Ohhh, thought you were going to answer my question about the isle of Ireland using metal conduit, in preference to other products.

That's not true

We have no problem using pvc conduit in tracked walls.

We just don't use capping. I think it is seen as cowboyish (rightly or wrongly)

 

[davesparks]

You know you tinker; only to protect from a plasterers trowel, bit plastic capping can do that. And imo, any ingredients in the wall covering.

So why metal conduit?

I think they use PVC not metal

 

[Midwest]

I think they use PVC not metal

My memory is a bit hazy, but I'm sure metal conduit has been mentioned before.

 

[Midwest]

That's not true

We have no problem using pvc conduit in tracked walls.

We just don't use capping. I think it is seen as cowboyish (rightly or wrongly)

I'm not convinced myself, but hey hoe, who am I to say.

Must get slightly difficult at switch drops, with a few multi ganged switches?

 

[123]

My memory is a bit hazy, but I'm sure metal conduit has been mentioned before.

Not sure where? PVC Light Gauge Conduit tracked into walls is generally what we use.

I'm not convinced myself, but hey hoe, who am I to say.

Must get slightly difficult at switch drops, with a few multi ganged switches?

Not really, a 3 gang switch could have as little as 1 Twin & Earth and 2 PVC/PVC Single Browns at it.

 

[Midwest]

Ok I misconstrued you.

Still wouldn't faff around using plastic conduit in dwelling

 

[123]

Ok I misconstrued you.

Still wouldn't faff around using plastic conduit in dwelling

And I wouldn't faff around filling the chases after a rewire, that's what a plasterer is for lol.

I don't see how it takes any longer - on a new build I'll have subbed in a wall tracking company to do the donkey work. The wall's are floated out then skimmed no dot and dab here really. On a rewire, refurb or kitchen etc, the wall's would need tracked wider for capping and there is no faffing in trying to get screws or nails in for conduit

 

[davesparks]

The way I was taught is capping for unplastered walls and oval conduit for chases.

 

[davesparks]

On a rewire, refurb or kitchen etc, the wall's would need tracked wider for capping and there is no faffing in trying to get screws or nails in for conduit

That’s where we’d normally use oval conduit.

 

[Midwest]

And I wouldn't faff around filling the chases after a rewire, that's what a plasterer is for lol.

I don't see how it takes any longer - on a new build I'll have subbed in a wall tracking company to do the donkey work. The wall's are floated out then skimmed no dot and dab here really. On a rewire, refurb or kitchen etc, the wall's would need tracked wider for capping and there is no faffing in trying to get screws or nails in for conduit

The chases have to be deeper, fixings for the conduit (instead of bag of nails), accessories are required for the back boxes & conduit is more expensive than capping.

Seems to me it takes more time & is more expensive.

 

[123]

The chases have to be deeper, fixings for the conduit (instead of bag of nails), accessories are required for the back boxes & conduit is more expensive than capping.

Seems to me it takes more time & is more expensive.

A bundle (30 lengths @3m) of PVC Light gauge conduit is approx £17+VAT. Looking at Screwfix capping is more expensive. (£12.50+VAT for 20 lengths @2m)
Securing conduit into the wall materials - I don't spend anything lol.

One run with the grinder set deeper would take seconds longer, same with chipping it out.

 

[Midwest]

A bundle (30 lengths @3m) of PVC Light gauge conduit is approx £17+VAT. Looking at Screwfix capping is more expensive. (£12.50+VAT for 20 lengths @2m)
Securing conduit into the wall materials - I don't spend anything lol.

One run with the grinder set deeper would take seconds longer, same with chipping it out.

I don't buy much stuff from Screwfix, but I know that metal capping is cheaper than plastic conduit and male/female adaptors etc from my wholesalers.

123 I don't think your argument about costs, holds any water. You could argue it provides a better finish (I don't agree, have to say), but its certainly more expensive way to do it. But thats what you do there, so we'll have to agree to disagree. I was just interested as to why it was done.

PS In a new build, the walls will need deeper plaster, or chasing in, so more expense

 

[123]

I don't buy much stuff from Screwfix, but I know that metal capping is cheaper than plastic conduit and male/female adaptors etc from my wholesalers.

123 I don't think your argument about costs, holds any water. You could argue it provides a better finish (I don't agree, have to say), but its certainly more expensive way to do it. But thats what you do there, so we'll have to agree to disagree. I was just interested as to why it was done.

PS In a new build, the walls will need deeper plaster, or chasing in, so more expense

It's you that's arguing about costs lol. I think it's all much of a muchness cost wise. You don't need adaptors, you can get bang in clips for it if you wish but I don't.

The biggest cost is labour, and if a spark does the tracking, what a waste of money. I can get a decent sized new build 4 bed property tracked by a tracking firm for around £200.