Up until 3 weeks ago, my 1965 detached garage had a single outlet that was daisy chained off a house circuit.

In the process of adding 3 new circuits to the garage, last night I began drilling holes in the studs to run my romex from junction box to junction box. However, after I got finished with a wall and a half of holes (1 hole per 2x4 stud), I realize I had dropped my 1inch spade bit into my drill rather than my 3/4 inch. Crap.

From what I read online, I think my 1 inch holes are over-sized. Given that the garage is open framing with no storage above the joists and a relatively shallow pitch roof, can I leave these holes as is? Or, do I need to go back and double up my studs that now have 1inch holes in them?

• Holes in bearing wall studs (exterior and interior walls that bear the weight of the roof and/or other stories above) may not exceed 40 percent of the width of the stud.
• Notches in bearing wall studs may not exceed 25 percent of the stud's width.
• Holes in non-bearing walls can't exceed 60 percent of their width.
• Notches in non-bearing walls can't exceed 40 percent of their width.
• The edge of a hole must be at least 5/8 in. from the edge of a stud.

HTH.

I know on those. In real life, am I screwed? Do I need to go to the trouble of doubling up the studs?

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However, after I got finished with a wall and a half of holes (1 hole per 2x4 stud), I realize I had dropped my 1inch spade bit into my drill rather than my 3/4 inch.

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I can't imagine the flurry of expletives that would come out of my mouth at that very moment, if I were in your shoes.

On second review...for a standard 2x4, under the 40% code provision mentioned above, I think my hole is allowable (in fact, it looks like a hole up to 1-7/16 would be ok). Can anyone confirm that to be true?

I wouldn't worry about it if it were my house.

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On second review...for a standard 2x4, under the 40% code provision mentioned above, I think my hole is allowable (in fact, it looks like a hole up to 1-7/16 would be ok). Can anyone confirm that to be true?

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40% of 3.5" = 1.4" so basically a hole size of 1-3/8" would be acceptable, however 1-7/16" (1.4375") would exceed the code provision.

And as schmelba noted above, I too wouldn't worry about it either!

You are good to go. Your holes are well under the minimum structural requirement. Ive used 1" holes when doing wiring in the past over and entire house.

Thanks, guys. Sorry for the fire drill.

You are good if the studs are not finger jointed. Double up a few studs if greater that 16 feet between doors or windows.

You also have to have nail plates if the edge of the hole is less than 1-1/4" from the edge of the stud.

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You also have to have nail plates if the edge of the hole is less than 1-1/4" from the edge of the stud.

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I'd put in nail plates regardless as that $0.22 per nail plate, or maybe cheaper via contractor packs, are way better insurance wise than a unluckily placed nail or screw that may exceed 1-1/4" just enough to pierce an electrical wire or a plumbing line!

Been there, done that!

Thanks. The walls are going to remain unfinished, so no problem on having a visual of where wires are when driving nails/screws.

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Thanks. The walls are going to remain unfinished, so no problem on having a visual of where wires are when driving nails/screws.

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Make sure local codes allow the walls to remain open.

In Houston. Garage was built open stud in 1965, so I assume it is grandfathered....though I haven't checked to confirm.

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In Houston. Garage was built open stud in 1965, so I assume it is grandfathered....though I haven't checked to confirm.

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The work you are doing requires permits, btw, so make sure your neighbors like you. I'll get you an answer about the walls.

I know on the permitting....gotta love COH. I'm making sure everything is otherwise done to code. Good thing the neighbors call me for their DIY help. And thanks for the help on the wall issue too. I was curious.

I've tried to push for some limited homeowner permitting for electrical work, and the City has tried it on several occasions, but it has to be approved by City Council and the electricians lobby/IBEW killed it every time.

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I've tried to push for some limited homeowner permitting for electrical work, and the City has tried it on several occasions, but it has to be approved by City Council and the electricians lobby/IBEW killed it every time.

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I wonder why...$$$$$$$$

I called the chief of inspections and you're fine leaving the walls open on a detached garage.

Be safe, and don't get caught bootlegging.

Yep, it's detached. Thanks, RTT!