Directly drilling a hole in a TV cable is not the correct procedure and will damage the cable, making it unusable or significantly degrading the signal quality. TV cables, like coaxial cables, are precisely constructed with layers of insulation, shielding, and conductors that are vital for transmitting signals. Piercing these layers destroys the cable's integrity.
People typically drill holes for TV cables, usually through walls, floors, or furniture, to route and hide the cables neatly. Once the holes are drilled, the challenge is getting the cable through them, especially in tight or concealed spaces.
How to Route a TV Cable Through Drilled Holes (Based on Reference)
While the question asks about drilling in the cable, the provided reference illustrates the process of passing a TV cable through holes that have already been drilled, often for the purpose of concealing the cable behind a wall or within furniture. This is a common and practical step when managing TV cables.
According to the reference, the technique described is called fishing the wire. This method helps guide the cable through the drilled openings.
Here are the steps involved in fishing the cable through holes, as described in the reference:
- Prepare the Holes: Ensure you have drilled the necessary entry and exit holes in the wall or surface where you want to route the cable. The reference specifically mentions a "top hole" and a "bottom hole," suggesting routing through a vertical space like inside a wall.
- Fish the Wire: "Center fish your wire through the top hole and out through the bottom hole." This involves using a specialized tool (like a fish tape or simply a stiff wire) and pushing it down from the upper hole until you can retrieve it from the lower hole.
- Attach the Cable: "Attach your cables to the wire using electrical tape." Securely tape the end of your TV cable (and any other cables you need to route simultaneously) to the wire you just fished through the holes. Ensure the connection is smooth so it doesn't snag.
- Pull the Cable Through: "pull the wire and the cables" back up or across, depending on your routing direction. Gently but firmly pull the fishing wire from the starting point (in the reference's example, pulling upwards from the top hole) to draw the attached TV cable through the hidden space between the holes.
Using this fishing technique allows you to guide cables through concealed areas like wall cavities without needing to make large, unsightly openings. Remember, the drilling is for creating the path for the cable, not damaging the cable itself.
Following these steps, derived from common cable routing practices like the one shown in the reference, helps you manage TV cables effectively and aesthetically after you have prepared the necessary openings.
