Bulletproof Wiring

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Hi,

I was just watching the “how to” video on “Bulletproof Wiring” Has anyone ever attempted to attach feeder wires this way? More specifically, Andy Sperandeo suggests drilling the hole through the railroad tie, roadbed and plywood using a piece of music wire in his electric drill. Has anyone ever used a piece of music wire for a drill bit? Any info will help.

Thanks, Mark

2

Mark

Call me old fashion. I drill with a drill bit next to the tie. I strip about 1/4 inch off the wire and tin it. Bend a 90 degree in one direction then bend it again and solder to the inside of the rail.

Pete

3

Hi!

I’m with Pete! Let’s face it, much of our layout wiring is done where it is difficult to get to it, and my use of a super long 1/8 inch drill bit makes it easier. The fact is, with the hookups 3 feet or so from the viewer, a bit of rust/black paint for the wire and ground cover at the hole will hide it beautifully. And, you will have a relatively fast and solid hook-up.

Mobilman44

4

I haven’t seen the video, but was he really drilling through the plywood, roadbed, and tie, or was he drilling through foam? I can see this working with foam, but I can’t see music wire “drilling” through anything solid.

5

FOr small diameter holes, the music wire will work. I believe the end is cut off at an angle, not flat. That makes it work sort of liek a drill bit (more like twirling a knife), and music wire is hard enough to cut into wood.

–Randy

6

retired carpenter here , we use to predrill hard wood oak useing a finish nail cut w/dykes (side cutters ) all the time for pickup work on capenets and such. makes a hole perfect to fit the nail… no bend ing and tearing up the face of cabinets and faster than getting a compressor out and nail gun … no doubt in my mind of the use of music wire cut on a angle w/dykes ,cut a pcs and push your finger against it … it would drill and cheap in a pinch…just dont force it let it do the work.