Tips for pulling 2.5mm T&E under galvanised metal capping

[RobMark]

I have a two metre length of 2.5mm T&E running from the loft to a spur under galvanised metal capping (installed during building). Its needs replacing with some new cable ( long story).

As the cable is buggered, I decided to see how much force it would take to budge it, and it appears to be around three elephants worth. I really don't want to remove plaster and capping, refit etc.

Tips would be welcome !

 

[RobMark]

Where is the cable damaged.

Unsure exactly where in the run, buts it has a break somewhere.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Unsure exactly where in the run, buts it has a break somewhere.

If the cable won't pull out then I reckon a nail could have gone through the cable as they tried to nail the capping on the wall

 

[Mike Johnson]

The cable is going to be replaced so it does not matter if you destroy the existing, try using the bare core earth as a saw from both ends back and forth, then try pulling one of the cores then the other, then the sheath, you never know you may be able to get 1mm or 1.5mm single cores in the 2.5mm T&E space, check the loading on the spur.

To minimise the repair work try cutting through the capping and cable at a mid way point and then pull from both ends. Good Luck.

 

[Dustydazzler]

The cable is going to be replaced so it does not matter if you destroy the existing, try using the bare core earth as a saw from both ends back and forth, then try pulling one of the cores then the other, then the sheath, you never know you may be able to get 1mm or 1.5mm single cores in the 2.5mm T&E space, check the loading on the spur.

To minimise the repair work try cutting through the capping and cable at a mid way point and then pull from both ends. Good Luck.

An old boy once showed me that trick and it works like 90% of the time

 

[Mike Johnson]

I very much do resemble that remark.

 

[RobMark]

If you can't yank it out then you will have little chance pulling a fresh cable down it

Get the 4 inch bolster out and club hammer , time to mash off the plaster and see whats under neath

Remember to post a photo once you have mashed off all the plaster

Out and replaced, capping was crushed.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Looks like 2 pieces of capping butted up to each other?

Did you find the fault with the cable underneath >?

 

[RobMark]

Looks like 2 pieces of capping butted up to each other?

Did you find the fault with the cable underneath >?

There was a break in the neutral, although could have been me yanking the hell out of it to free it. Capping was crushed, plaster over top was good.

 

[DPG]

Thanks for letting us know.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Looks like two different size and type of trunking? The top section looks a lot different.

 

[RobMark]

Looks like two different size and type of trunking? The top section looks a lot different.

Its flattened out at the top where its been crushed. The plaster looks original, so appears to have been applied over the damage. Rest of the exposed capping in the kitchen is in good condition.