Fish Tape recos

[Castello_V]

My old steel fish tape finally gave out mid pull today right in the middle of a nightmare drop ceiling run, of course. I've used mostly steel over the years, but I'm starting to consider switching it up. I've heard some guys talk about fiberglass or even those newer polymer ones for less memory and better handling.

But before I throw cash at a new one, figured I'd ask, I need recos for something durable, easy to reel in, and not a total pain for longer commercial runs. Bonus if it doesn't slice up my hands like my last one. Thanks

 

[ShockSurge]

Switching to fiberglass or polymer fish tape is a great idea for easier handling and less strain on your hands. Fiberglass options like the Klein 56059 are tough and don't conduct electricity, making them good for long, straight pulls. On the other hand, polymer ones like the Jameson Flex Buddy or Southwire SIMpull are lighter and more flexible, which is perfect for runs that have twists and turns

For long commercial jobs, I'd go with polymer for smoother pulls. Have you used either type before?

 

[PGB1]

Personally, I'm a fan of steel tapes in round conduits as well as rectangular ducts. They are easier to force past bends and force past where the pipe installer didn't take time to ream the cut ends or tighten a coupling with IMC or RMC. They are easier to force past the box connector for EMT, too. In bus duct, they jump over connectors. If the tape jams in round, a quick twist of the reel makes the end jump past the trouble spot.

But, that's just me. (All industrial work in my career. Mostly IMC and RMC. EMT might act differently with glass tapes.)

Certainly steel is easier to feed into pipe that already has conductors. But ALWAYS de-energize every conductor in the pipe whether using a steel or even a non-conductive fish tape.

Note that some tapes are inch-marked for convenience.
For low voltage conductors (non piped) over drop ceilings, I like my string shooters and fish sticks.There is no way to make a steel fish tape not try to curl and no way to send a non-steel one straight across a ceiling. For wall fishing, again with the fish sticks- or a light chain with a nut on the end to drop down the wall.

Hint For Over Dropped Ceilings-
A radio control 4 x 4 truck with the wire tied to the bumper makes an easy job of sending low voltage cable miles across a drop ceiling. They climb right over the grids.

Paul