Fish tape, also known as draw wire or draw tape, is a tool used in electrical work to route new wiring through walls, conduits, or other enclosed spaces. It typically consists of a long, flat, narrow strip of spring steel, fiberglass, or nylon material, often with a hooked or rounded end for threading wires. Fish tape is flexible yet sturdy enough to navigate bends, corners, and obstacles within walls or conduits.
The primary purpose of fish tape is to facilitate the installation of electrical wiring without the need to tear down walls or make significant alterations to existing structures. Electricians and other professionals use fish tape to guide wires through tight spaces, inaccessible areas, or conduits with multiple bends.
To use fish tape, an electrician typically feeds one end of the tape into the entry point of the wall or conduit and then pushes or pulls it through until it reaches the desired destination. Once the tape emerges from the other end, wires can be attached to the tape and pulled back through the wall or conduit, effectively “fishing” them into place.
Fish tape comes in various lengths and thicknesses to accommodate different types of wiring installations and the specific requirements of each job. Some models feature built-in mechanisms for retracting or extending the tape, while others require manual manipulation.
In summary, fish tape is an essential tool for electricians and other professionals involved in wiring installations, providing a versatile and efficient means of routing wires through confined spaces and conduits.
