Re: Hole Diameter for running cable

["B Fuhrmann" <b-fuhrmann-usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I assume we're talking about a joist like this with O representing a hole:
>
> ________________________________________________________
>
>
>   O Here             O Not Here                O Here
>
>                      O Definitely not here!
> ________________________________________________________

Yes.

> There are knots on the top and bottom but I think I've mapped out a path
> that avoids any knots that are on the bottom of the joist.  As you point
> out, that's where a fault can produce the most structural weakness.

>> For strengthening the areas that you are unsure of, I would recommend the
>> spike plate material that is used in building truss framing.   It is
> strong
>> and does a good job of marying the stress to the area under it with many
>> "nails".
>
> That sounds like a good idea.  I am just not sure how easily I can punch a
> 2" hole in something like that.  I've got loads of plywood scraps, a hole
> saw and lots of woodscrews.

I wasn't thinking of having the plate through the hole.  For the same reason
that the hole along the centerline of the joist doesn't weaken the joist
much, the plate won't strengthen it much at that point.
I was thinking about putting it on the bottom edge below the hole.  I would
only do this if you needed to put a hole close to the bottom or really close
to a non-solid knot on the bottom edge.

Unless the plywood is really strong, my own feeling is that it won't help
much.