Fish tape has nothing to do with fishing and is only thus labeled as a tool used in the electrical wiring process. This tape is made from steel, specifically spring steel although other materials like fiberglass and nylon are used in their manufacture. The tape is normally narrow in width and positioned in coil format within a compact plastic encasing which prevents it from damage and allows the tool an amount of durability. This casing is in turn fitted with an integrated handle that manipulates the reeling and unreeling of the tape. The fish tape is not a heavy tool and its weight ranges between 3Lbs to 9Lbs. It can therefore be fitted into any toolkit and is easy to carry around.
To give you a broader understanding of how a fish tape works the tape’s end is designed with a hook or any other fastener that allows the electrical wiring to attach itself to it before it is pulled. The wiring is stripped of its outer insulation then tied into this hook. Electrical tape can be used to secure the wiring in place and electrical pulling lubricant applied to make the pulling process easier. Once the wiring has been guided through the wall or wherever the wiring is being done, the tape is then wound back into the plastic casing. Because of its steel makeup, the tape is sturdy enough to be guided through empty cavities with ease.
In the instances where the installation area is very long, two instead of one fish tape can be used. The two fish tapes will have to be linked together for this to happen. Fortunately, commercially available fish tapes come in varied lengths ranging between 50 and 100 inches. Because of the challenge it takes to master this tool, it is best left to the use of professionals like electricians. You can however practice independently using tubes or other materials with similar flexibility before taking up the fish tape.
The cost of fish tapes depend on the length and the nature of the wiring project. Not all fish tapes are multipurpose enough to be used for all wiring projects as the cavities of conduits vary in thickness. Typically, fish tape prices range between $15.00 and $40.00.
Fish tapes can be purchased from any electrical or hardware store. They are also available in most hypermarkets. Some popular online stores also carry this stock and include shipping charges to the overall cost of the tool. Brand names to look out for are the Steren 204-045 100' Fish tape with a dispenser. This goes for around $20.00. The Gardner Bender Cable Snake 25-Foot Fish tape with comfort grip is another popular brand. Although it does perform the basic functions of a fish tape, it is more suited to doorbell and security system wirings. Klein Tools also offer a variety of fish tape