Spent 4 hours on a simple coax run because of a hidden nail plate

Had a job in a 1920s house yesterday, just a basic line to a new TV spot. Drilled up from the basement, hit what felt like solid wood and couldn't push the bit through. Turned out there was a steel nail plate protecting an old gas line, completely hidden behind the plaster. Had to cut a small access hole, notch the plate with my rotary tool, and patch it after. What's the weirdest hidden thing you've ever drilled into?

2 comments

2 Comments

juliaa2525d ago

Wait a 1920s house with a hidden gas line? That's terrifying. I've seen some old plumbing but a live gas pipe just chilling behind the plaster is a whole other level. You must have been sweating when you saw that plate.

richard_shah25d ago

My old place in Philly had the same thing. You need to call the gas company right away, they'll cap it at the meter for free. Then get a plumber to remove the old line inside the walls. Don't just cover it up.