A few Knob & Tube pics

[e57]

You calling us old? What you talking about Willis???

Well according to that little history I found they have been shaving off 32nds of an inch since 1900 or so.... :grin: Although I have seen rough 2X lumber used clear until the 50's it seems - which would coincide with the death of the smaller lumber mills.

Back to K&T and gas lights - last week I had to wait around for a plumber to remove a gas line for a light originally served by both. Turned out dead... Sure I could cut it out myself as most of them have been off since 1906 - but occassionally I find a live one and have to go looking for my pipe dope which is usually dried out and a shut-off valve will start leaking the moment I touch it - it seems. So yes - I gave up taking them out myself a while back - even if someone says they're dead. The occassions where I have found ones live were pretty hairy - now I just get a plumber out.

 

[jrannis]

You're that old?????

Found a neat history on the topic.
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/misc/miscpub_6409.pdf

Thanks, that was pretty cool, killed my morning reading over it.

 

[ceknight]

So yes - I gave up taking them out myself a while back - even if someone says they're dead. The occassions where I have found ones live were pretty hairy - now I just get a plumber out.

When I was a bit younger and bolder I didn't mind cutting them out and/or capping them off. A lunchtime chat with my insurance agent a few years ago cured me of my boldness, now I call in a plumber whether the line's dead or live.