How to Use the Weighted String Technique for Installing a Phone Jack

Connecting the wires for a telephone jack during a renovation can be difficult. When the drywall is in place, it is very difficult to run the wire up from the connection box to the location of the phone jack. This technique shows you how to run the cable down from the phone jack to the connection box using a weighted phone line.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Measure the distance from your telephone connection box to the location of the new phone jack. Add 4 feet to allow slack in the connection line. Purchase this length of telephone line.

2. Cut the hole in the drywall where you intend to install the phone jack. Measure it to make sure the hole is smaller than the jack cover to avoid an unsightly mess.

3. Locate a metal bar or ring small enough to fit through the hole, but big enough so that it won't get caught on other cables. Take one end of the phone line and secure it to the metal bar or ring. Make sure it is tied on tightly but can be untied.

4. Drop the weighted end down the hole in the wall and play with it until you have run almost all the wire down the hole. Attached the remaining end of the phone wire to the phone jack connections and secure it to the wall.

5. Go to where the rest of the phone line is and locate the weighted end. Remove the item by undoing the line. You are now free to run the cable to the phone box.