Fish tape (also known aselectric fish tape,pull wire,film design, theshoot a movie) it is oneelectricians toolused to pull wire through walls or electrical conduits. Fish tape is a flat, thin, long wire wrapped around a doughnut-shaped wheel.
The wire is usually made of steel or nylon - although thebest fish movieBrands use fiberglass wire for its superior performance and durability. The wheel usually has a handle to make it easier for an electrician to carry it around.
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What is Fish Tape used for?
Fish tape is commonly used to traverse pipelines in inaccessible areas. A conduit is a tube that protects electrical wires from exposure, making them safe from interference. Fish tape is similar to a rod. It works as a piece of steel or fiberglass that is folded over and pushed through a length of conduit. At the other end, the wires are attached as soon as it comes out and then pulled back.
It is then secured and pulled back lengthwise and connected to aelectrical boxor conductor. Fish tape is commonly used in areas where there are exposed wires, such as narrow spaces, the lowest and highest level of houses and other areas.
No matter what it is made of, the fish tape must be flexible enough to pass through the conduit, but must be stiff enough to guide it to the other end. Durability is also essential in fish tape, as it must be able to pass through a conduit without ending up deformed or frayed.
Types of Fish Tape
The fish tape used in home and commercial products differs in the amount of damage it can deal with as well as the amount you will have to pay for it. As you might expect, a home-made fish tape is the best choice for quick jobs around the house, while commercial fish tape is used by electricians and other professionals.
There are three different materials that fish tape is usually made from:
- Steel
- Fiberglass
- Nylon
Nylon is the most flexible material that fish tape is usually made from, so it is the best choice for twisting or coiling conduit. Despite its excellent degree of flexibility, nylon fish tape easily maintains its stiffness and you won't have to worry about it bending out of shape as easily as steel.
Fiberglass vs Steel Fish Tape
The two most common options are fiberglass and steel fish tape. These different fish tapes have very distinct uses. If you are looking for an affordable option for a small residential project, then you will probably choose steel fish tape because it is more affordable than fiberglass, which is usuallygood enough.
However, fiberglass offers superior performance and durability at a higher price, so it is a popular choice for those looking for quality fish tape. Electricians and other professionals will usually have fiberglass tape because it will last longer and give them a better return on their investment.
For those deciding on the right hardware for their needs, it's important to consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and how often. It is also wise to use agood pair of electrical glovesto protect your hands during your work.
How to use Fish Tape through the duct
Start by examining your ductwork before using duct tape. Inspect the conduit from its near end to its far end to find the length. Unroll about 4 feet (or more depending on how much you need) and feed it to one end of the pipe.
Use a vacuum cleaner and attach it to the other end. Be sure to seal the connection to the vacuum cleaner to prevent the string from falling off.
- Pay attention to where your cord feeds the tube and make sure it doesn't stop or get caught.
- Watch how your vacuum cleaner pulls the cord. If you are not careful, most of the cord can get stuck inside the vacuum cleaner.
Once you've pulled the light string around the tube, you'll need a piece of heavier string to keep it attached. Attach a heavier string and manually pull it through the pipe. After pulling it, attach your fish tape and pull the line manually.
The flexibility and strength that fish tape offers will make it easier to push the wire through it. Often, fish tape can be used to push new wire directly through the conduit, which saves a lot of time. If you need to strip the wire insulation before placing it in the conduit, you can strip the insulation with a good setwire stripperstheelectrical pliers.
Using an existing tape
To use an existing cable for your conduit, make sure the cable is disconnected and free in the conduit nearest you.
Take the cable box to the end of your conduit. If your pull cable is attached to anything, you will need to remove it. Make a small loop so it fits in the duct. Then secure the loop by wrapping tape around the base of the wire.
Why is my Fish Tape blocking?
Fish tape regularly jams at work. Many decide to skip paying for a durable fish tape option because they imagine they are always destined to snap. The most modern options are specially designed to reduce the stress damage that occurs during regular use in more strenuous tasks.
- Fish tape can become blocked by mishandling the crank mechanism due to excessive pressure or failure to maintain a steady flow while retrieving.
- Switching to more reliable forms of steel, such as blue steel, results in fewer locks and breakages.
Alternative Fish Tape
- Choose a single-stranded cable with a fixed gauge. Values around 8 AWG have worked best for me. The goal here is to use a wire that will bend without permanently retaining these distortions.
- Allow about 3 extra feet based on the length of your run. Cut this distance with a wire cutter.
- Create a hook by bending about 2 inches into the wire. Wrap electrical tape around the tip to create a smooth head that will guide the conductor easily.
- To increase rigidity, insert the solid wire into the pneumatic tube. This allowed the core to be extremely stiff, while the outer shell provided a way to bend back into shape and avoid sharp bends.
By following the steps above, you will be able to make your own fish tape substitute.
Additional tips for using fish tape
Protect the end of the movie
The end of a fishing line is a dangerous thing, so make sure it's not exposed. If it ever pops, it can leave a nasty explosion.
Take the end of your fish tape and use a pair of pliers – Pinch the fish tape down so that the sharp tip is no longer exposed.
Slight bends at the end
When applying masking tape to walls, a slight bend in the tape prevents it from sticking to the wall. Also, turning the fish tape (at 180 or 360 degrees) back and forth prevents the tape from self-winding.
You can have a lot of control over how your fish tape slides over your wall or ceiling.
Experiment with different turns and see what works!
Use markers to track your distance
Measure how far you will extend your fish tape, then mark it by wrapping electrical tape around it. This will determine if your fish tape goes off course or hits an unexpected object.
Turn the fish tape clockwise and counterclockwise. This prevents it from placing a helical twist in the tape, making it easier to apply wire across the wall.
conclusion
Running a wire or guide cord through a wall or conduit without duct tape is nearly impossible, so it accomplishes an essential task for wiring professionals. While it may not be the most exciting tool in an electrician's tool kit (not as exciting as aelectricians multimeter), fish tape is still one of the most versatile and useful tools an electrician has.
FAQs
What is Fish Tape? | Electrical Knowledge? ›
What Is
A fish tape (also called a draw wire, draw tape, or an electrician's snake) is a tool used by electricians to route new wiring through walls and electrical conduit.
Why is it called fish tape? ›It's a thin length of nylon, steel or fiberglass wire designed to be fed through confined spaces and wall cavities, to pull the guide string of cables through pipes and cable runs. Why is it called "fish tape"? Well, apparently you have to "fish" the tape through the run first before running the cables.
Why use fish tape? ›You probably find fish tape useful for any situation in which you need to route conductors through a hard-to-access area, and of course are particularly useful through plastic or metal conduit. Commercial and industrial electricians use them to tackle long conductor runs through pre-bent conduit.
What kind of fish tape to use? ›“Steel tape is durable, low-cost, and known for its push and pull strength. There have also been improvements in steel quality, such as moving to blue steel, which is rust-resistant, more durable and less likely to kink.
What does tapes mean in slang? ›to understand someone or something perfectly and to know how to deal with them effectively. You can't fool me. I've got you taped. Synonyms and related words. To understand something.
What is the meanings of tape? ›: to fasten, tie, bind, cover, or support with tape. : to record (something, such as sound or video) on magnetic tape. tape an interview. The show was taped before a live audience. broadly : record sense transitive 3.
Why do people say duck tape? ›Duck tape is a name brand of duct tape. The company history states that this tape was originally manufactured as a waterproof tape for the American military in WWII. Because of this tape's ability to allow water to run off of it “like a duck's back”, military personnel referred to it as duck tape.
What do Americans call duck tape? ›Duct tape (also called duck tape, from the cotton duck cloth it was originally made of) is cloth- or scrim-backed pressure-sensitive tape, often coated with polyethylene.
What does pull tape mean? ›Pull tape, also called mule tape, is used for the routing of wires through walls and electrical conduits. It's made of polyester or yarn fibers that are flattened into a ribbon-like shape to disperse pull load. This tool has useful features, such as measurement markings, that facilitate the routing process.
How do you maintain fish tape? ›
Keep fish tape clean of dirt and built-up lubricant by washing it with a gentle detergent and warm water. Dirty tape can be difficult to play out and retrieve. Inspect fish tapes and leaders for corrosion, cracks, or other wear that may lead to it breaking during pulling.
How can you avoid accidents while using fishing tape? ›Wear heady-duty gloves when fishing tape. Sharp edges or burrs can cut bare hands. While feeding wire, coordinate with the worker pulling the wire so you can develop a steady tempo of pulling just a few feet at a time.
How long is standard fish tape? ›The most common size of fish tape in use is 50 and 100 feet in length, however it does come in longer varieties up to 200 or even 500 feet!
Can you use fish tape to unclog drain? ›Use a plumber's snake of electricians fish tape to unclog the stoppage. If you can't entirely remove the clog with your “snake,” use a garden hose to flush out remaining debris.
What are fish tapes most commonly made out of? ›“Steel and stainless steel fish tapes are the most popular materials. Stainless steel tapes resist rust and corrosion, allowing for longer tool life. Suitable for a wide range of applications, the standard, flat steel fish tapes continue to be popular.
What does it mean to yellow tape someone? ›Yellow tape can mean, “Enter, but proceed with caution.”
What does green police tape mean? ›Green / white for Safety and First Aid. Blue / white for Defective Machinery. Orange / white for Traffic and Caution Warning. Black / yellow for Physical Hazards.
What were old tapes called? ›The earliest type of video cassette was an analog format called ¾ -inch or U-matic. These cassettes came in two sizes- regular and small or 'S' cassettes. U-matic tapes were a common broadcast or edit mastering format in the 1970s-1980s; they were also used in the educational and industrial markets.
What are 4 types of tape? ›The most common types of tape include masking tape, flooring tape, duct tape, electrical tape, packing tape, painter's tape and double sided or mounting tape. Other types of tape have specialized applications, such as surgical tape, hazard tape and gaffer's tape.
What is the synonym of tape? ›synonyms for tape
On this page you'll find 63 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to tape, such as: line, rope, band, braid, edging, and strip.
What does tape on fingers mean? ›
Finger taping is popular in grappling sports, climbing and martial arts. It is used to increase your grip strength and prevent injured figures from moving laterally. Discover WHY, and HOW athletes all over the world use SPORTTAPE FINGER TAPE to improve their performance and protect their fingers from further injury.
Why do Americans call it Scotch tape? ›In 1925, 3M released Drew's invention: the Scotch-brand masking tape. While there is some uncertainty about why the line of tape was dubbed Scotch, company legend says that the name came about during the tape's testing phase. Scotch was a pejorative meaning cheap or stingy.
What is a duck in American slang? ›The prison slang term for a prison staff member that has been manipulated is a "duck". Ducking occurs when a prisoner becomes friendly with a prison staff member and then persuades the employee to break prison rules and laws.
What is rubber duck slang for? ›Have you ever had a eureka moment while explaining something to someone? That's what rubber ducking seeks to replicate. Essentially, rubber ducking is about talking through your coding problems with a friendly duck that won't judge you.
What do British people call sticky tape? ›People often use the trade names Sellotape in British English, or Scotch tape in American English.
What is military slang for duct tape? ›Oddly enough, duct tape was originally a military item that the troops called "duck tape" for its ability to repel water. But, since "Duck tape" is now a brand name and duct tape was trademarked, the military calls its tape 100 mph tape.
What is the American word for cello tape? ›(North American English Scotch tape™) [uncountable] enlarge image. clear plastic tape that is sticky on one side, used for sticking things together. a roll of Sellotape.
What is a mule tape? ›Muletape is a unique pull tape designed to reduce damage to the underground plant. Resulting in improved efficiency, and enhanced worker safety. Our tapes are manufactured with a low stretch polyester material that distributes heat across its wide, flat profile.
What is 1800 lb mule tape used for? ›Description. Polyester MULETAPE; 1,800 lbs Strength; 3000' reel Flat, woven, polyester tape used for installing fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cables in underground conduit.
What is the difference between rope and mule tape? ›A round rope will concentrate all heat and energy on the small area where the rope comes in contact with the innerduct. MULETAPE is flat, and therefore spreads this heat and energy across a wider area, reducing the chance of burn through.
Why do electricians use fish tape? ›
Fish tape is a tool used by electricians primarily for pulling electrical or other wires through conduits. It's also used for pulling NM wire through walls, ceilings, floors, and other enclosed spaces. The fish tape itself is a long, stiff, flat steel wire.
What is a Milwaukee fish tape? ›The M18 FUEL™ Fish Tape is the world's first professional battery powered cable pulling solution. POWERSTATE™ brushless motor that provides the ability to pull a maximum length of 72 m wire. AUTO-RUN™ powered feeding and cable pulling is a fast and efficient solution providing higher productivity vs other solutions.
What are the most likely hazards while fishing? ›Most fishing injuries are due to cutting or piercing objects, or falls. Fishing hooks and rods can be dangerous if not handled with care, and there is a risk of lead poisoning for anglers who make their own lead sinkers. Drowning and accidents are a risk when rock and ledge fishing, boat fishing or surf fishing.
What are five safety practices you should always follow while fishing? ›- Always wear your U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket when you are on, in, or near the water. ...
- Designate a Water Watcher. ...
- Use sunscreen and wear your sun protection gear. ...
- Don't get hooked, prevent and treat fishing hook related injuries.
Something as ordinary as a backlash on a baitcasting reel can crease a clear line (i.e., monofilament or fluorocarbon) and weaken it. Wind knots on spinning reels can cause the same damage. Improper knot tying, whether to the lure, hook, swivel, and/or leader can damage line, too.
Which is better fiberglass or steel fish tape? ›The fiberglass fish tape feeds easier in tight conduit or conduits with a lot of bends. This is generally much easier to use than the steel equivalent. I have always relied on Klein tools and this is just another great product.
Is steel or nylon fish tape better? ›However, consider that high-friction steel and even thicker poly tapes would have a tougher time fishing in conduit that already contains wire. The thin, low-friction nylon has the best chance of making its way to the other end. This tape works great for straight runs and can handle several 90°s at a shorter distance.
What are the three types of fish? ›Fishes are typically divided into three groups: superclass Agnatha (jawless fishes), class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes), and superclass Osteichthyes (bony fishes).
Does pouring vinegar down the drain unclog it? ›Vinegar. Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
Does pouring bleach down the drain unclog it? ›It is not a great drain clog remover. Bleach has no effect in dissolving the common culprits of household drain clogs, like hair, food scraps and grease. Also, pouring bleach can harm the integrity of your drains and pipes. It's a lose-lose scenario.
Does vinegar and salt unclog drains? ›
For stubborn clogs: baking soda, salt, and vinegar
To clean your drain with baking soda, salt and vinegar, mix half a cup of baking soda with half a cup of salt and pour the mixture down the drain. Boil 1 cup of vinegar and pour it down the drain — the combination will cause a fizzy and bubbly chemical reaction.
Fish tapes come in a variety of materials, including steel, stainless steel, stranded steel and fiberglass.
What is the primary use for fish tape? ›A fish tape (also called a draw wire, draw tape, or an electrician's snake) is a tool used by electricians to route new wiring through walls and electrical conduit.
What is the function of fish tape? ›Draw Wires (also commonly known as fish tapes or drawing tape) is an essential hand tool found in many electrician's tool bags. The purpose of the tool is simple, to carefully guide wiring through confined spaces, typically, wall cavities, electrical conduits pipes and cable run.
What is the meaning of breasted the tape? ›(UK, athletics) To win a race by hitting the tape with the chest synonym ▲ Synonym: hit the tape.
What is the meaning of fish wire? ›noun. variants or fish wire. : a flat tempered spring-steel tape or wire used in pulling electric wire and cables (as into conduit runs)
What is the best length fish tape? ›If you love doing DIY projects, we would recommend you go for a fish tape that is about 25-50 feet in length as it's completely manageable. However, if you want a fish tape for professional work, you should carry a fish tape at least 100 feet in length.
What does pigeon breast mean? ›Pectus carinatum is when the ribs and the breastbone (sternum) grow outward and make the chest jut out. This gives the chest a birdlike appearance. That's why the condition is sometimes called pigeon breast or pigeon chest.
Why is it called double-breasted? ›A double-breasted garment is a coat, jacket, waistcoat, or dress with wide, overlapping front flaps which has on its front two symmetrical columns of buttons; by contrast, a single-breasted item has a narrow overlap and only one column of buttons.
Where did the meaning of breast come from? ›Etymology. From Middle English brest, from Old English brēost, from Proto-West Germanic *breust, from Proto-Germanic *breustą, from Proto-Indo-European *bʰrews- (“to swell”).
What does fishing mean in love? ›
Fishing describes the act of reaching out to multiple people on dating apps that you think you could have a chance with and waiting to see who will respond.
What does fish mean in idioms? ›'A big fish' can be used to talk about an important person. 'A small fish' means the opposite. It's usually used to talk about an unimportant person. 'A cold fish' refers to a person who does not seem very friendly and does not show their emotions.
What is the meaning of box fish? ›boxfish, also called trunkfish, or cowfish, any of a small group of shallow-water marine fishes of the family Ostraciontidae (or Ostraciidae), distinguished by a hard, boxlike, protective carapace covering most of the body. The alternative name cowfish refers to the hornlike projections on the heads of some species.