Can I Drill a Hole for a Wire Through a Ceiling Stud?

A stud, known as a joist, is the wooden framework of a house. Studs run throughout the walls, ceilings and in the floors of most homes. When you are running wires through a house, it is common to drill up through a stud, especially a basement ceiling stud, to get to the floor above. Drilling through a ceiling stud requires the same process as drilling through a floor or wall stud but with a larger bit so the wires will go through the stud easily.

Measuring tape
1/2-inch drill bit
Electric drill

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the spot on the ceiling stud where you want to drill. If you want to drill close to the wall, measure at least 6 inches from the wall. Do not drill closer than 6 inches from the end of a ceiling stud.
- 2
  Equip a hand-held drill with a 1/2-inch bit or a 1/2-inch paddle bit. Press the end of the bit onto the stud that you marked.
- 3
  Turn on the drill. Press the drill firmly into the wood so the bit goes through to the stud. Continue until you feel the bit penetrate the floor above or into the wall space.
- 4
  Continue pressing the trigger on the drill as you pull the bit back. This will drag out any sawdust caught in the hole.

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