Installation of Brackets, Frames and Grilles in Existing Walls
Installation of
Brackets, Frames
and Grilles in
Existing Walls
Important: Before you cut into any wall, review the sections on running wire and speaker placement.
1.Drill a 1/8” pilot hole just barely through the wallboard or dry wall (1/2” to 5/8” deep in most homes) about an inch below the center of your proposed speaker location (an inch to the side if you are mounting the speaker horizon- tally). BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DRILL THROUGH EXISTING WIRES, PIPES, OR STRUCTURE. If you feel any extra resistance as you are drilling, STOP. Cut a piece of coat hanger equal to the width of the bracket. Bend the wire in half creating a right angle. Poke the “L- shaped” wire into the pilot hole and turn it in a complete circle. If it turns freely, repeat the procedure from a hole about an inch above the center of your pro- posed speaker location (See Figure 11).
If the wire's movement is obstructed by a pipe or cable, fill the hole (s) with spackle or other patching compound and try another location.
2.When determining the final location of the cutout, keep in mind that the frame and bracket will extend beyond the cutout. Make sure that you do not place the edge of the cutout directly next to a stud. Locate the studs using a stud sensor or
Figure 11
3.If you are cutting painted or wall papered drywall, use a sheetrock or key- hole saw. Cut the hole with the saw at a 45 degree angle. That way, the drywall section can be replaced cleanly if there is an unseen obstruction behind the wall. BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO SAW THROUGH EXISTING WIRES, PIPES, OR STRUCTURE. If you feel any extra resistance as you are cutting, STOP.
4.If you are cutting into lath and plaster walls, use masking tape to outline your penciled marks, drill the four corners with a 1/4” bit and use a razor to score the plaster down to the lath beneath. Then use a chisel to remove all of the plaster within the taped outline. Finally, insert a metal cutting blade into a sabre saw and very slowly and carefully saw the lath. Sawing the lath can easily vibrate plaster off the wall. If you have the patience, use a pair of tin snips to slowly nip away at the lath instead. There is no risk with this method, it is just time consuming.
5.Fill the wall cavity with insulation at this point. Remember to use equal amounts of insulation for each speaker.
6.Slip the mounting bracket through the hole and pull it toward you so that its front edge slides into the hole and stops in place.
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