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Steel Wool
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Posted by amysten (My Page) on Sun, Dec 16, 07 at 16:52
| This might be a stupid question but I am just trying to save myself. Me and my boyfriend recently found we have some critters getting in. We put some steel wool in the holes that we are assuming they are coming in through in the kitchen. I know you are not supposed use the steel wool near live wires. Ours is near a wire that goes to the microwave and then by a box we assume wires go to. Is this bad? Will it cause a fire? If anyone knows anything let me know!
Thanks everyone |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Steel Wool
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| I figured what the box is. It is a junction box. I do not see any exposed wires. I am just nervous that something will short out and the steel wool will be there. Thanks in advance for any help! |
RE: Steel Wool
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| That steel wool can be a short term solution but better is to get some caulk to fill that space. You are right to be concerned about that steel wool, often when much younger we would start fires by connecting a battery to a pad of steel wool. The high resistance of that product and the high volume of air inside work to make a very hat and fast fire. |
RE: Steel Wool
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| Thanks so much for your help! I am definitely going to consider the caulking method. Another concern is that some of the steel wool has dropped into the wall since we tried to stuff it. Do you think that would become hazardous!? I am just such a worry wart when it comes to fires. |
RE: Steel Wool
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If steel wool is not in contact with electricity it will not catch fire, just eventually rust away depending on how much moisture is present.
I ran across an old Popular Science magazine that had an article about using steel wool and a battery to start your charcoal grill. |
RE: Steel Wool
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| Well all of the holes had some sort of wiring running from them. We ended up going a little old school and covering one of the larger holes in the wall with duct tape to see if the little guy enters. I will have to be brave and check it this afternoon. The holes are just so large - whoever did the cabinet work did not think too well. We are going to see if they are still entering that way. The problem is the holes are just too big to caulk up - they need small pieces of sheet rock to finish the holes that were made. |
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