My fish tape snapped inside a conduit yesterday and it was a mess

I was pulling some new RG6 through a tight 1-inch conduit in an old apartment building. The tape (a Klein one I've had for a while) just gave up about 15 feet in. I had to cut the cable, pull the broken tape out from the other end, and start the whole pull over with a fresh tape. Has anyone found a brand that holds up better in those tight, old metal pipes?

3 comments

3 Comments

king.derek18d ago

My old Greenlee tape snapped in a 3/4 inch conduit last year, same exact mess. Honestly, I switched to a Southwire tape with the steel leader and it's been way better on those tough pulls. Those old metal pipes just chew up the regular tapes, especially if there's any rust or a tight bend. Tbh, I won't use anything without that reinforced tip now, it's saved me a ton of headaches.

margaretm2318d ago

My buddy had his Klein tape snap twice in one week on some old 1-inch EMT. He finally grabbed a tape with that steel leader and hasn't had a problem since.

oliver213d ago

Check the conduit for burrs before you even start the pull. A quick file on the edge of the pipe can save your tape from getting shredded right at the entrance. That little step makes a huge difference on old work.