Best Fish Tape For Wiring This Year – Hand Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Fish Tape For Wiring this year are:
Introduction
When it comes to wiring projects, having the right tools can make all the difference. One such essential tool is fish tape. Fish tape is used by electricians to route new wiring through walls, ceilings, and conduits. The best fish tape for wiring can save you time and effort, ensuring a smooth and efficient wiring process.
In this article, we will explore the top fish tapes available on Amazon. We will also provide a comprehensive buying guide to help you choose the right fish tape for your needs, answer some frequently asked questions, and review ten of the most popular products on the market.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Klein Tools 56331 Fish Tape
The Klein Tools 56331 Fish Tape is made from high-quality steel and is designed for durability and strength. It is ideal for long runs and heavy-duty applications.
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Why we like it
We like the Klein Tools 56331 Fish Tape because of its durability and ease of use. The ergonomic handle and easy-rewind mechanism make it a convenient tool for any electrician.
Features
- High-quality steel construction
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy-rewind mechanism
- 50-foot length
- Durable and strong
Pros
- Durable material
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable price
- Strong pulling force
Cons
- Conductive material
- Heavier than other tapes
- Limited flexibility
- Can rust if not stored properly
- Not ideal for tight bends
Our Verdict
The Klein Tools 56331 Fish Tape is a reliable and durable option for electricians. Its strong construction and ease of use make it a great choice for long and straight runs.
2. Greenlee 438-5X Fish Tape
The Greenlee 438-5X Fish Tape is made from non-conductive fiberglass, making it safe to use around live circuits. It is ideal for both residential and commercial wiring projects.
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Why we like it
We appreciate the safety and flexibility of the Greenlee 438-5X Fish Tape. Its non-conductive material and ergonomic design make it a user-friendly option.
Features
- Non-conductive fiberglass construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 50-foot length
- Flexible and kink-resistant
- Safe for live circuits
Pros
- Non-conductive material
- Flexible and kink-resistant
- Ergonomic design
- Safe to use around live circuits
- Durable
Cons
- More expensive than steel tapes
- May not be as strong as steel
- Limited to 50 feet
- Requires careful handling
- Can be less durable if mishandled
Our Verdict
The Greenlee 438-5X Fish Tape is a safe and flexible option for wiring projects. Its non-conductive material makes it ideal for working around live circuits.
3. Southwire Tools & Equipment FTSP45-125NCT Fish Tape
The Southwire FTSP45-125NCT Fish Tape is made from spiral-wound stainless steel, providing excellent strength and durability. It is suitable for heavy-duty applications.
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Why we like it
We like the Southwire FTSP45-125NCT Fish Tape for its strength and reliability. The spiral-wound design adds extra durability and makes it ideal for tough jobs.
Features
- Spiral-wound stainless steel construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 45-foot length
- High tensile strength
- Durable and long-lasting
Pros
- Strong material
- Durable construction
- Ergonomic design
- High tensile strength
- Reliable for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Conductive material
- Heavier than fiberglass tapes
- Limited flexibility
- Can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
- More expensive than some other options
Our Verdict
The Southwire FTSP45-125NCT Fish Tape is a strong and reliable option for heavy-duty wiring projects. Its spiral-wound stainless steel construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance.
4. Gardner Bender EFT-21PN Fish Tape
The Gardner Bender EFT-21PN Fish Tape is made from nylon, making it flexible and resistant to kinks. It is an excellent choice for navigating tight bends and corners.
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Why we like it
We like the Gardner Bender EFT-21PN Fish Tape for its flexibility and ease of use. The nylon material makes it a versatile tool for various wiring projects.
Features
- Flexible nylon construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 25-foot length
- Kink-resistant
- Lightweight
Pros
- Flexible material
- Kink-resistant
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited to 25 feet
- Not as strong as steel
- May not be suitable for heavy-duty applications
- Requires careful handling
- Can be less durable if mishandled
Our Verdict
The Gardner Bender EFT-21PN Fish Tape is a flexible and lightweight option for wiring projects. Its nylon construction makes it ideal for navigating tight bends and corners.
5. Ideal Industries 31-057 Fish Tape
The Ideal Industries 31-057 Fish Tape is made from steel and features a high-impact case for durability. It is suitable for heavy-duty wiring projects.
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Why we like it
We appreciate the durability and strength of the Ideal Industries 31-057 Fish Tape. Its high-impact case adds extra protection and makes it a reliable tool for tough jobs.
Features
- Steel construction
- High-impact case
- 50-foot length
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable and strong
Pros
- Strong material
- Durable construction
- High-impact case
- Ergonomic design
- Reliable for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Conductive material
- Heavier than other tapes
- Limited flexibility
- Can rust if not stored properly
- More expensive than some other options
Our Verdict
The Ideal Industries 31-057 Fish Tape is a durable and strong option for heavy-duty wiring projects. Its high-impact case adds extra protection, making it a reliable tool for tough jobs.
6. Milwaukee 48-22-4166 Fish Tape
The Milwaukee 48-22-4166 Fish Tape is made from non-conductive polyester, making it safe to use around live circuits. It is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial wiring projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Milwaukee 48-22-4166 Fish Tape for its safety and flexibility. The non-conductive material and ergonomic design make it a user-friendly option for various wiring tasks.
Features
- Non-conductive polyester construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 60-foot length
- Flexible and kink-resistant
- Safe for live circuits
Pros
- Non-conductive material
- Flexible and kink-resistant
- Ergonomic design
- Safe to use around live circuits
- Durable
Cons
- More expensive than steel tapes
- May not be as strong as steel
- Requires careful handling
- Can be less durable if mishandled
- Limited to 60 feet
Our Verdict
The Milwaukee 48-22-4166 Fish Tape is a safe and flexible option for wiring projects. Its non-conductive material makes it ideal for working around live circuits.
7. Jonard Tools FT-6 Fish Tape
The Jonard Tools FT-6 Fish Tape is made from flexible fiberglass, making it easy to navigate through tight spaces. It is suitable for both residential and commercial wiring projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Jonard Tools FT-6 Fish Tape for its flexibility and ease of use. The fiberglass material makes it a versatile tool for various wiring tasks.
Features
- Flexible fiberglass construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 50-foot length
- Kink-resistant
- Lightweight
Pros
- Flexible material
- Kink-resistant
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited to 50 feet
- Not as strong as steel
- Requires careful handling
- Can be less durable if mishandled
- More expensive than nylon tapes
Our Verdict
The Jonard Tools FT-6 Fish Tape is a flexible and lightweight option for wiring projects. Its fiberglass construction makes it ideal for navigating tight spaces.
8. Maxis 56926301 Fish Tape
The Maxis 56926301 Fish Tape is made from durable steel and features a high-impact case for added protection. It is suitable for heavy-duty wiring projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the strength and durability of the Maxis 56926301 Fish Tape. Its high-impact case adds extra protection, making it a reliable tool for tough jobs.
Features
- Steel construction
- High-impact case
- 50-foot length
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable and strong
Pros
- Strong material
- Durable construction
- High-impact case
- Ergonomic design
- Reliable for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Conductive material
- Heavier than other tapes
- Limited flexibility
- Can rust if not stored properly
- More expensive than some other options
Our Verdict
The Maxis 56926301 Fish Tape is a durable and strong option for heavy-duty wiring projects. Its high-impact case adds extra protection, making it a reliable tool for tough jobs.
9. Tekton 3755 Fish Tape
The Tekton 3755 Fish Tape is made from non-conductive fiberglass, making it safe to use around live circuits. It is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial wiring projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Tekton 3755 Fish Tape for its safety and flexibility. The non-conductive material and ergonomic design make it a user-friendly option for various wiring tasks.
Features
- Non-conductive fiberglass construction
- Ergonomic handle
- 100-foot length
- Flexible and kink-resistant
- Safe for live circuits
Pros
- Non-conductive material
- Flexible and kink-resistant
- Ergonomic design
- Safe to use around live circuits
- Durable
Cons
- More expensive than steel tapes
- May not be as strong as steel
- Requires careful handling
- Can be less durable if mishandled
- Limited to 100 feet
Our Verdict
The Tekton 3755 Fish Tape is a safe and flexible option for wiring projects. Its non-conductive material makes it ideal for working around live circuits.
10. Klein Tools 56056 Fish Tape
The Klein Tools 56056 Fish Tape is made from durable steel and features a high-impact case for added protection. It is suitable for heavy-duty wiring projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the strength and durability of the Klein Tools 56056 Fish Tape. Its high-impact case adds extra protection, making it a reliable tool for tough jobs.
Features
- Steel construction
- High-impact case
- 50-foot length
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable and strong
Pros
- Strong material
- Durable construction
- High-impact case
- Ergonomic design
- Reliable for heavy-duty applications
Cons
- Conductive material
- Heavier than other tapes
- Limited flexibility
- Can rust if not stored properly
- More expensive than some other options
Our Verdict
The Klein Tools 56056 Fish Tape is a durable and strong option for heavy-duty wiring projects. Its high-impact case adds extra protection, making it a reliable tool for tough jobs.
Buying Guide
- Material: Fish tapes are made from various materials, including steel, fiberglass, and nylon. Steel fish tapes are durable and strong, making them ideal for long, straight runs. Fiberglass fish tapes are non-conductive, making them safer for working around live circuits. Nylon fish tapes are flexible and resistant to kinks, making them suitable for navigating tight bends and corners. Visit Family Handyman for an in-depth guide on materials.
- Length: Fish tapes come in different lengths, typically ranging from 25 to 200 feet. Choose a length based on the scope of your project. For home wiring, a 50-foot tape is usually sufficient, while larger projects may require a longer tape. Check out This Old House for more information on choosing the right length.
- Ease of Use: Look for fish tapes with ergonomic handles and easy-rewind mechanisms. These features can make the task more comfortable and less time-consuming. Additionally, some fish tapes have markings to help you measure the distance as you work.
- Strength and Durability: The strength of the fish tape is crucial, especially if you are working with heavy or stiff cables. Ensure that the tape can withstand the pulling force without breaking or kinking.
- Price: Fish tapes vary in price based on their material, length, and additional features. Set a budget and look for a fish tape that offers the best value for your money. Remember that investing in a high-quality fish tape can save you from frequent replacements and frustrations.
FAQs
What is fish tape used for?
Fish tape is used by electricians to route new wiring through walls, ceilings, and conduits. It helps in pulling wires through confined spaces, making the wiring process more efficient and less labor-intensive.
How do I choose the right length of fish tape?
The length of fish tape you need depends on the scope of your project. For home wiring projects, a 50-foot tape is generally sufficient. Larger commercial projects may require tapes up to 200 feet long.
What materials are fish tapes made from?
Fish tapes are commonly made from steel, fiberglass, and nylon. Steel tapes are durable and strong, fiberglass tapes are non-conductive and safe around live circuits, and nylon tapes are flexible and resistant to kinks.
Are all fish tapes non-conductive?
No, not all fish tapes are non-conductive. Fish tapes made from fiberglass and nylon are non-conductive and safer for use around live electrical circuits, while steel fish tapes are conductive.
How do I maintain my fish tape?
To maintain your fish tape, clean it after each use to remove any debris or moisture. Store it in a dry place to prevent rusting (for steel tapes) and inspect it regularly for any signs of wear or damage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best fish tape for wiring is crucial for the success of your electrical projects. By considering factors such as material, length, ease of use, strength, and price, you can find a fish tape that meets your needs. Our buying guide, FAQs, and product reviews are designed to help you make an informed decision.