1

Trying to hook up a coax port that the builders didn't finish. House built last year. They finished one coax port and left the other three with the wire ran but not capped. This box has the wire going straight through it. Foamed at the top and going out the bottom. This is on an exterior wall and there's nothing it would be going to inside or out. I've confirmed the other end is just open ended. I expected to be able to pull the wire out of the bottom of the box but it's not coming. Any ideas what is going on here? Should I just cut it so I can use it?

enter image description here

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    Coax doesn’t require a sealed box, I might break the back of the box out especially if the line is tight as this is they may have planned a distribution point here but accidentally pulled the loop tight. Pulling on the cable may damage it.
    – Ed Beal
    Nov 4, 2019 at 3:25

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0

Yep, especially if you can see the end is free. If you think there's enough in the box to get a connector on, then just cut it and activate the box.

If you'd like to try and get more wire, then use pliers with their teeth wrapped a couple of times with electrical or duct tape. As long as you don't try too hard and rip the wire open, you won't damage anything.

Likely, you just need to break the foam's initial sticky area to slide the wire. Go straight in at the top or bottom of the box (top if pulling down and bottom if you're pulling up).

Use the outer edge of the box as your lever's (pliers) folcrum and pull up or push down (see above) the plier handles while gripping the wire tightly. This will usually provide much greater power and pop the foam's seal.

Improve this answer
2
  • Never could pull it through the bottom. I was able to push it up through the top about an inch. Guess they stapled top and bottom. But I cut it and had more than enough to put an end on it.
    – Kberry97
    Nov 17, 2019 at 16:15
  • That's great and great job, I'm glad it worked out! It's always nice to find something useful and finally finish it off and get it complete.
    – Iggy
    Nov 18, 2019 at 13:15

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.