sundance-communications.com/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Cabling Telephones Systems Wiring Tools to locate wire - HELP

I am in a pickle. A year and a half ago I wired my basement for a home theatre 7.1 surround sound system. In the meantime, the basement has been drywalled and finished and I am now ready to install the speakers and surround system. The problem is that my wife threw away my schematic drawing which told me exactly where all my wires were located (z-ed in ceiling and stud cavities).

Is there any type of wire detection device that would tell me exactly where I could find the wires? I have an idea where some are, but being a do-it-myselfer, I can't remember where they all are. Most of you are probably laughing at this point, but I am pretty desperate. Any help would be appreciated.

A tone and probe, available to the DIY'er at your local home store.

Something like this will work for you:
https://www.tempo-textron.com/prod_detail.cfm?cat=800&subcat=803&pid=10427

Home Depot and Lowes sell something similer that should work for you

Tone and probe won't work here guys. He can't find the other end of his wires, they were drywalled over. You will have to get a drywall saw.

good luck

ohhh...did not relize both sides were covered up.

yep good drywall saw, if you can get to one end you can tone back the other

Like others I though he had access to one end of the wires, but you are correct if he can't get to one end he's out of luck.

Yeah sure, blame the wife.

If you are fairly certain where to look get a stud finder and find the stud. Cut a square hole but only left side, right side and top. Fold the sheetrock down and the paper will act as a hinge. Make it big enough to get your hand in and feel around. If you find the wires your good to go if not then close it up mud & tape. Try next stud left or right till you find them. When you make the cuts don't make it to small or thats when your really gonna booger things up. Good Luck!

Your just going to have to cut a hole and try to snag the wires with a hook.

Go to the local HD and get a dry wall saw, fish tape (old metal hanger)and the toner/tracer set when you find one end you can attach the tone and locate the other end with tracer then make small hole to fish out wire


Have fun fishing

It's copper wire, right??? how about a metal detector