Use Fish Tape: The Definitive Guide

In fact, it is subtly simple tool, which is well known as drawing tape or drawing wire, widely used by an electrician to route through electrical conduit or walls for wires. Fish tape is made of narrow spring steel strips or fiberglass rods,or nylon rods in 3-5 mm diameter.

 

1. Fish tape definitions

 

You may have heard about the WORD FISH TAPE many times, but what on earth is that? In fact, it is subtly simple tool, which is well known as drawing tape or drawing wire, widely used by an electrician to route through electrical conduit or walls for wires. Fish tape is made of narrow spring steel strips or fiberglass rods,or nylon rods in 3-5 mm diameter. The tape can be guided through these cavities by careful operation.

 

Steel fish tape is typically available in fixed lengths, such as 15–100 meters. It features a flat, thin steel wire belt wound onto a reel, enclosed in a durable housing with a handle. The term “fish tape” comes from its usage—it resembles fishing as the tape is pushed through an electrical conduit. At the opposite end, the electrical wire is secured to the tape's tip and then pulled back through the conduit. The conduit, either plastic or metal, serves solely to protect electrical wiring, functioning similarly to a plumbing pipe but for cable routing.

 

2. Overview of Main fish tape Parts

 

  ♦  Tape length: 10-50m

  ♦  Diameter: 3 mm, 4 mm for durable fiberglass material

  ♦  Tips: cooper tips with eye

  ♦  Housing: ABS plastic

  ♦  Color: can be customized to blue, red, orange

  ♦  Application: To pull Wire and Cable in conduit

 

 

3. Fish Tape Types

 

Fish tapes are commonly classified into three types: fiberglass fish tape, nylon fish tape, and steel fish tape.

 

Long Zhuo offers high-quality fish tapes at competitive prices. Feel free to contact us for more information.

 

4. How Does Fish Tape Work

 

Fish tapes are typically available in fixed lengths ranging from 15 m to 100 m. To operate, simply press the release button or trigger near the handle to pull the tape out of the reel housing. This mechanism allows smooth release of the tape belt for easy deployment.

 

As the tape is fed into the conduit, it continues until it reaches the opposite end. There, an auxiliary tool secures the wire to the hook eye at the tip of the tape. The wire is then pulled back through the conduit.

 

To retract the tape, hold the wheel's center with one hand and rotate the handle. This action rewinds the tape into the reel efficiently.

 

♦ Attach the Wires  

When connecting multiple wires to a fish tape, strip the outer insulation and wrap the exposed conductors around the eye at the end of the fish tape. Then, twist the wire ends together with all wires to be pulled and secure the connection using electrical tape to cover the entire head. Applying wire-pulling lubricant can make the process smoother.  

 

For large-gauge wires, electricians may first use the fish tape to pull a rope through the conduit, then use the rope to pull the wires. Although fish tape is durable and flexible, it is not suitable for pulling heavy loads directly.

 

♦ Tips for Pulling Wires via Fish Tape  

When feeding wires into a conduit, apply consistent tension from the wire spool and untangle the wire while feeding. One hand should apply lubricant to the wire as it enters the conduit, while the other pulls from the spool.  

 

If you're pulling wire from the other end, do so in 2 to 3 foot intervals. Pause briefly—count to four—before each pull and confirm readiness with the feeder. Pulling too quickly may damage the wire or injure the feeder's fingers. Allow time for proper lubrication and feeding. A simple signal—like tapping the conduit with a metal tool—can indicate you're ready for the next pull.

 

♦ Can We Fish the Wire Alone?  

It is possible to run wire through short conduits alone, but having an assistant is recommended to guide the wire and apply lubricant as needed. This ensures smoother feeding and reduces the risk of damage.  

 

Avoid excessive pulling force, as it may damage the insulation—a serious safety hazard, especially inside metal conduits. Extra care is essential to maintain wire integrity.

 

5. What Is Fish Tape Used For

 

Fish tape is a practical tool used by electricians to route new wiring through walls and electrical conduits.

 

Steel fish tapes are typically made of narrow spring steel strips, commonly sized at 3.2 × 1.6 mm. Fiberglass or nylon fish tapes are produced using 3 mm or 4 mm diameter rods. With precise handling, fish tape can be fed through tight spaces such as wall cavities.

 

Available in lengths from 10 to 100 meters, fish tapes are commonly used to push through a confined space where a guide string has been positioned. Once pulled through, the guide string is then used to draw various types of wiring, including telephone lines, network cables, or speaker wires.

 

Fish tape is intended for pulling guide string only. Using it to pull heavy wiring directly may cause deformation or damage to the tape.

 

6. How to Choose the Best Fish Tape  

 

♦ For Length:  

Fish tapes are available in various lengths, commonly starting from 25 feet. A 50-foot tape is ideal for routing alarm wires, as it offers better flexibility and control when navigating spaces like attics.  

 

Longer fish tapes can be heavy and harder to handle, and in many cases, such extended lengths are unnecessary. It's advisable to reserve longer tapes for specific tasks like pulling wire over long conduit runs.  

 

Shorter tapes, such as 25 feet, leave minimal margin for error. If the tape becomes kinked or damaged—an eventual likelihood—it must be cut, and a 25-foot tape may then become too short for practical use.

 

♦ For Material:  

For non-conductive applications, fiberglass or nylon fish tape should be selected. Fiberglass offers higher tensile strength and greater flexibility.  

 

Material choice may also depend on cost considerations. Nylon fish tape is the most economical option. When a plastic reel is not needed, many customers opt to purchase nylon tape in bulk rolls.  

 

The optimal fish tape should be chosen based on the specific requirements of your operating environment and application needs.

 

7. How to Fix a Fish Tape

 

Fish tapes may occasionally jam or break during use.

 

To repair fiberglass fish tape, it's recommended to use a dedicated repair kit, which typically includes a multi-function ratcheting tool, replacement eyelets, and adhesive. If the eyelet or tip is damaged, replace it directly. If the fiberglass rod breaks, attach a new eyelet to the remaining rod using glue to restore functionality.

 

For steel fish tape, jamming is a common issue. In such cases, disassemble the reel housing by removing the bolts or screws at four points to separate the casing. Carefully untangle the coiled steel tape inside—this process may take about 20 minutes. Straighten the kinked or jammed section, then use pliers to crimp the end of the tape securely to the connection point. Reassemble the housing and feed the tape back into the reel cavity.

 

To prevent jams, regularly apply lubricant during use. This ensures smoother operation and reduces friction while feeding or pulling the tape through conduits.

 

8. Steel vs. Fiberglass vs. Nylon Fish Tapes

 

Fish tapes are typically categorized by material into three types: steel, fiberglass, and nylon.

 

Steel fish tape is made of spring steel with high tensile strength, making it ideal for long cable runs and heavy-duty applications. It is conductive and best suited for empty conduit.

 

Nylon fish tape is non-conductive, has a smaller bend radius, and usually comes in lengths from 10 to 40 meters. It is more economical than fiberglass and suitable for conduits with existing wires or obstructions. Without a reel, nylon tape is available in 3 mm, 4 mm, or 6 mm diameters.

 

Fiberglass fish tape is also non-conductive and offers greater flexibility than nylon. It typically requires gloves during use. Common rod diameters are 3 mm and 4 mm.

 

9. Where to Buy Fish Tape

 

Whether you're an end user, wholesaler, or retailer, Long Zhuo is your ideal supplier for fish tapes. As both a manufacturer and trading company, Long Zhuo offers competitive pricing and a wide range of products, including custom options.

 

Logo, color, and packaging can all be tailored to your specific needs. The Long Zhuo team is ready to support your next project with reliable solutions.