The crawl space in that old house on Elm Street was a total nightmare

Last week I had to run wire through a space that was maybe 18 inches high and full of cobwebs and old pipes. The homeowner swore it was 'easy access' but I was on my stomach for two hours. Anyone have a go-to method for tight spaces that doesn't wreck your back?

3 comments

3 Comments

caleb_bell3mo ago

Feel my back seize up just reading that. My go-to method is a lot of groaning and promising myself I'll stretch more. I mean, I've tried those little knee pads and a headlamp, but honestly I just end up crawling like a sad turtle. Maybe it's just me but I always come out looking like I lost a fight with a dust bunny. The real trick is having a good story to tell after, makes the back pain feel almost worth it.

dianab683mo ago

Wait, you actually own a headlamp for this? @caleb_bell, that's a level of commitment I can't even imagine. I picture you in full spelunking gear just to find a lost sock under the bed. My version of a headlamp is just holding my phone in my mouth and hoping I don't drool on it.

nathan_foster602mo ago

Oh man, I feel this in my SOUL. I've convinced myself that if I just grunt loud enough, the back pain won't count as real pain. I've tried the kneeling pads too, and they just slide around on the floor and make me look like I'm ice skating while trying to fix the sink drain. The headlamp thing is a total lie too - I always end up with it crooked and blinding myself in one eye, then I have to squint and still can't see what I'm doing. But here's the REAL kicker: I'll finish the job, stand up slowly, and realize I did more damage than good because I forgot what I was even looking for. At least the story is good though. "Yeah I spent twenty minutes under there for a penny that wasn't even mine.