Hit a live 240v line in a ceiling yesterday and my drill melted

Working a new build in Austin, running cat6 through some drop ceilings. Didn't double check above the grid, just sent a 3 inch screw right through a romex bundle. Drill sparked, smoked, and the bit literally fused to the wire. Got thrown back a step but luckily no real injury. Had to call the sparky in to rewire that whole run. Anyone else ever clip a line and have the tool just die instantly?

2 comments

2 Comments

stone.evan1mo ago

Roll up in there with a 3 inch screw and expect a gentle tap on the wrist? Nah, 240v doesn't mess around, it'll cook your drill and call you a rookie in the same second.

susanh461mo ago

Hard to believe a 3 inch screw through romex would cause that much drama... sounds more like you hit something already damaged or wet in that ceiling. A little spark and a fried bit maybe, but a fused weld and throwing you back feels like you're telling it bigger than it was.