TIL about fish tape technique from a random electrician at lunch

I was grabbing a sandwich at a deli in Austin and this old electrician next to me said he tapes his fish tape head to the cable instead of hooking it. Tried it on a 60 foot run through conduit with three 90 degree bends and it pulled through way smoother without snagging. Anyone else do this or is it just a weird old timer thing?

2 comments

2 Comments

adam_robinson1mo ago

I've been taping my fish tape heads for about five years now after a buddy showed me the same trick. That old timer is absolutely right, it stops the hook from catching on every little burr inside the conduit. I used to wrestle with 100 foot runs all the time but now they slide through like butter. The trick is to wrap the tape tight and smooth so there's no lump or gap for stuff to grab onto. Just make sure you use good electrical tape so it doesn't peel off halfway through the pull.

barbarac951mo ago

3 years ago I taped a fish tape head for the first time and forgot to check the tape before pulling. Got about 30 feet in and heard that sickening rip sound. Had to yank the whole thing back and start over looking like a total goof in front of my buddy. Now I use the 3M super 88 and wrap it like I'm mummifying a tiny pharaoh. Your mileage may vary but that tape never comes loose on me.