If you are a ceiling contractor, you know what a lag pole is. This tool is used to fasten eye lags to metal deck and wood ceilings from the floor. At the same time, they tie the grid wire to the lag. While used mainly for suspended ceiling work, they are is becoming more common on job sites. Electricians are using them to support light fixtures. Low voltage contractors are using them to support cable runs, speakers and more. So if you want to suspend something from the ceiling with grid wire, read on.
The lag pole is telescopic so first, set the tool to a comfortable length. Once your have the right working length, attach a cordless drill to the end of the pole. Usually a good 1/2" cordless drill will work well. Insert the eye lag, self drilling for metal deck or sharp point for wood, into the end of the tool. Now take your ceiling grid wire and make a 90 degree bend about 6 inches down. Feed the long end of the wire into the oval slot cut into the pole and the short bend through the eye of the lag. Bend the short wire down to a make a 180 degree bend out of the 90 degree bend. Your are ready to install.
Drills Cordless
Now lift the lag pole to the ceiling, and start drilling until the screw is set. The metal screws have a shoulder on them, so spin until that snuggs up. The wood screw has no shoulder, drill in at least an inch. At this point, the screw is set. Now pull down about an inch on the lag pole, just enough to release the screw from the pole head. You will still have the wire trapped in the end of the pole. Pulse the drill a couple of times and the wire will twist on to the lag. Your done!
This tool makes hanging grid wire from the ceiling a breeze. They can be cumbersome at first, but if you have ever been on a site and seen an experienced installer using a lag pole, you will see what a time saver they are.
A couple of pointers. The oval slot in the lag pole will hold up to about 10 grid wires so bend up a few extra and let it serve as a "quiver". Make sure you have the long end of the wire in the slot or it will whip around. Wear safety glasses any time you are working with grid wire. Shop for a pole with interchangeable ends to make it more versatile.