Fish tape thickness

[branimal]

I need to run some MC lite cable around my condo. I tried using the Klein fish rod but I come in at an angle and end up hitting the joists above within 4 feet. I need to run about 15 feet.

I'm thinking fish tape. What thickness tape should I get. I noticed some tapes get very droopy after 4 feet is spin out.

I've seen 1/8" and 1/4" thickness. Are there other sizes?


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[Roobaix]

1/8" and 1/4" is the width of the tape, not the thickness. They're all going to droop at about the same place.

The 1/4" typically will ride straight up the wall and not curve to one side or the other, as long as you use it correctly.

1/8" is much more common and comes in much longer lengths to snake basically everything, but it's not as ridgid from side to side.

There is also fiberglass to snake greenfield.

 

[OCD]

You need rigid fish sticks,

 

[Thumper68]

Just stick your fingers through the hole and bend the rod down, takes a bit of pressure but I do it all the time.

If you cant do it with fingers I use the tool for directing a flexable drill bit to guide the rod.

This tool.

 

[branimal]

I made a 5" hole at the new installation spot and tried to run my Klein Fiberglas rods from there. I get stuck at 4'. Took a pic and it seems like it shouldn't be this tough. Kind of embarrassed.

I'll look into the tool thumper suggested.

Does fish tape make sense in this situation?





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[branimal]

Found the placement tool.

Wonder if I should get the whole kit.... drill bit and cable puller.





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[Thumper68]

Don't get the kit unless you really need the other parts

With a 6 inch hole you should be able to guise it with your fingers.

 

[branimal]

Jeremy -Got about 7' using the weight at the end technique. My weight was a bit clumsy - a big *** 32mm socket. I'll try a lighter socket.

What do you mean by feed back the rod tip to the hole entrance and remove the weight? You mean my destination hole?


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[branimal]

Tried a few times with different sockets. Not working. Got 9 1/2 feet.

Think the 1/8" thick fish tape will make the trip?


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[PoorOwner]

Have you tried a stiff tape measure to see if it makes it thru?

How big opening is your receiving end? You may be able to get a magnet and get the socket/nut from that end after making most of the way.

 

[branimal]

Have you tried a stiff tape measure to see if it makes it thru?

How big opening is your receiving end? You may be able to get a magnet and get the socket/nut from that end after making most of the way.

Yeah measuring tape was the first thing I tried.

Receiving end opening is maybe 3 1/2".

The problem with the magnet idea is all the ceiling nailers are metal studs. The magnet will grab onto everything.




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[branimal]

I just realized a mistake I've made in my design. Im tapping power from a closet light to run to the ceiling fan.

But the closet light needs to be on for the ceiling fan to work.

Is there a way to work around that?


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[branimal]

Jeremy, I understand your reservations.

I have an electrician friend who will assist in the final stages. But he suggested I get the holes cut, lights ordered, fixture in place and wires pulled through, etc. so he can just deal with the connections. I am not working with live wires.

I appreciate all the advice you've given so far - it's greatly appreciated. And again I understand your position on this.

Thanks




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[Roobaix]

What, exactly, are you snaking here?

A hole in the ceiling to another adjacent hole in the ceiling?

15' through that ceiling with a fish tape is going to be tough. It's not nearly as rigid as those rods you have (we use the same rods at work) and will likely get stuck on every stud along the way.

Put your hand in the hole and pull down on the rod as you push it along so it doesn't hit the joists. The longer the rod gets the tougher it's going to be to finesse the tip so it doesn't get hung up.

You could put a small loop on the end of one rod and insert it as far as you can into the smaller hole towards the bigger hole. Then take another section of rod with the hook on it and try to grab the loop from the other hole.

If the rods you have are too stiff I would get a mid or high flex set instead. Mid flex will be stiffer than fish tape but more flexible than the lo flex rods you have.

 

[branimal]

I'm fishing MC lite cable.

Good idea with the small loop.

I've got it very close to my destination. I need another rod with a hook or a magnet to grab it. Might pick up the Klein glow rods tomorrow.

What helped is setting up a flashlight at the destination and using my phones video feature to guide the rod to the light.

The pink line is the direction looking straight into the hole.

The blue line is 90 degrees to the right.



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[branimal]

With the camera, midflex rod and a magnet, I was able to pull the cable through.

Thanks for the help everyone.


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