What is a fish tape?
What Does the Term Fish Tape Mean? OK, you’ve heard the term fish tape, but what in the world is that? Actually, it’s a great tool that electricians use to pull wire through electrical conduit. A fish tape is a thin piece of steel wire in a flat style that is coiled in predetermined lengths and is referred to as tape. That explains part of the name, but what about the fish part? Well, I’m glad you asked. You see, to be able to pull the wire through a pipe, you must first fish the tape through the pipe. At the other end, usually at a box, you attach the wires to the fish tape in order to pull them through the pipe. Fish Tape Anatomy Some fish tapes come in 50′ and 100′ lengths. The wire is coiled in a plastic housing with the assistance of a handle mounted on the housing. By gripping the inner center of the housing hole with one hand and turning the handle, you can wind up the fish tape. To release the fish tape from the housing, simply hold the handle and pull on the metal tape. On the
