Securing buss wires under layout

[Bayfield Transfer Railway]

I bought a cable staple gun and use cable staples that have a U bend in them.  Available at almost any hardware store.

 

[cowman]

Going along with Space Mouse and Mr B with the cuphooks, however, I would add to get the ones with the tab that keeps the  wires from falling off the hook.  If removal is needed, just slip the wire out under the tab.

Good luck,

Richard

[Paul3]

I would never use big staples for wiring.  They can damage the wire, they can damage the wood, they can damage you if you stick them in too far (or miss) and you run your fingers into the ends, etc.  They also are a pain in the butt to remove, and hammering them in can cause problems (I've hit my own fingers too many times using them on Romex).

I also don't like putting them through holes in the joists.  Moving joists or wires becomes a chore, either pulling all the wire back through (and disconnecting all the feeders) or cutting out the hole(s) in the joists.

At my club (and on my old layout), we use plastic loops like this: 

I think these plastic loops are the best solution for stringing wire.  They won't scuff the wire, they are easily installed/removed, they are available in a large number of sizes, and once screwed in they won't fall off or allow the wire to fall out.  They are also available in black or white, and at my club the 1/4" black loops are for the track bus while the white loops are for power feeds and other things.

[bearman]

That plastic loop is similar to the cable clamps I mentioned.  They work great.

[kasskaboose]

Thanks for the picture of the helpful clamp.  I purchased something similar that's used for securing telephone wires.  Avoiding pinching them or running a nail through wires is always a good thing!