I'm replacing 2 aged smokes in a hallway. A year or two ago I replaced a fixture and added a second in the same hallway ceiling . I got 'em eventually but still didn't like how I got there.
The old smokes are lo-v -- they're stick-ups with just a lo-v wire penetrating the plaster.
Replacements will be 15-amp circuit interconnected with 14/3 wire.
Last time i tried using a sawzall to cut the lathe to the opening dia. of the box -- that shook and cracked alot of plaster I'd hoped to keep. So, I cut the lathe back to o.c. stud either side, installed bracket, box, wire and fixture, drywall etc.
In general, anybody got a better method? At that time I used a Dremel attachment (abrasive?) wheel to put a clean edge on the cut lathe. I remember the wood smelling of burning. I also bought some sort of proper (metal) dremel wood cutting wheel -- but realized I didn't have the proper attachment for that wheel, and that missing part was somewhat pricey or just not right for my model of Dremel, so put it aside. I muddled through but would prefer to not create even more work than I envision.
Since I've got two separate identical efforts-- I'll spring for the pricey part/tool barring any other ideas. I recently learned small sawzalls are made (compared to the whole house demolisher I have).
pros or cons besides price?
thanks
The old smokes are lo-v -- they're stick-ups with just a lo-v wire penetrating the plaster.
Replacements will be 15-amp circuit interconnected with 14/3 wire.
Last time i tried using a sawzall to cut the lathe to the opening dia. of the box -- that shook and cracked alot of plaster I'd hoped to keep. So, I cut the lathe back to o.c. stud either side, installed bracket, box, wire and fixture, drywall etc.
In general, anybody got a better method? At that time I used a Dremel attachment (abrasive?) wheel to put a clean edge on the cut lathe. I remember the wood smelling of burning. I also bought some sort of proper (metal) dremel wood cutting wheel -- but realized I didn't have the proper attachment for that wheel, and that missing part was somewhat pricey or just not right for my model of Dremel, so put it aside. I muddled through but would prefer to not create even more work than I envision.
Since I've got two separate identical efforts-- I'll spring for the pricey part/tool barring any other ideas. I recently learned small sawzalls are made (compared to the whole house demolisher I have).
pros or cons besides price?
thanks