A fish tape is also known as a draw tape, draw wire, or an electrician snake. It is a very simple tool that is used by every electrician and found in every electrician’s box. At the moment when you plan to course wires through limited spaces, it’s keen to take no chances by utilizing fish tapes. It is designed to pull wire through walls and other difficult spaces to reach.
As you see in the above figure, the fish tape wound up inside the donut-shaped wheel with a strong handle. It is long, thin and, flat covered with the safety jacket made up of plastic. It allows the electricians to reach difficult spaces due to its storage system. It is very safe and easy to handle as used for putting and pulling wires from one end to another and through pipes respectively. The fish tape is very useful for electricians to route new wiring through walls.
Top 14 Fish Tapes Reviews
1. RamPro 100 Foot Reach, Spring-Steel Fish Tape Reel
Product information
- Size: 100 ft
- Item Weight: 3.64 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 14.4 x 13.1 x 1.1 inches
The RamPro fish tape is made up of flexible string steel and with highly compact plastic. This Vanitek 100-foot fish tape has great durability. It allows the user to work for a long time because it offers a comfortable grip. It is smaller in size that allows us to keep it everywhere briefly it is easy to carry. It also has a thumb lock that provides safety for the user. This type of fish tape is widely used in electrical and communication wires. It is also used in interior and exterior electrical wiring like a plug, socket, ceiling fans, dimmer, switch, electrical panels, switch box, CPU, smoke detector, transformer, doorbell, hot tub, telephone line, camera, security system, internet lines, thermostat, cable TV, or outlet, etc.
Its weight is 3.64 pounds that is enough to keep it in the pocket. The dimension of this item is 14.4 x 13.1 x 1.1 inches. It comes in just in orange color and its size of tape is 100ft.
Pros:
- It is very portable
- Cheaper in price
- This reel is easy to wind up
- Perfect for snaking
- Also great for vehicle wiring
Cons:
- It is not made up of stainless steel
2. Electrical Fish Tape Case Wire Puller with 2pcs Fastener tool
Product information
- Brand: QINHAN
- Item Weight: 2.33 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 15 x 12.44 x 2.01 inches
Another best electrical fish tape that is used as a wire puller and enhances the productivity of your work while using the accurate fish tape. It has an accurate measuring quality that improves its functionality. The property of its low friction allows the fish tape to skim through the conduit. It is easy to use for a beginner because of its low friction.
This electrical fish tape is manufactured by QINHAN. The weight of this portable fish tape is 2.33 pounds that can easily be adjusted in your toolbox. The dimension of this product is 15 x 12.44 x 2.01 inches and is made up of steel. It has great flexibility than fiberglass fish tape as you can gauge its merits by the fact that if you fold this fish tape it will not break.
Pros:
- Lighter in weight
- Easy to carry
- Low in price
- Does not rust
- Extremely flexible
- 360-degree SWIVELING FLEXIBLE HEAD
Cons:
- Wire length is small
- Only performs low-quality work
3. Katzco Electrical Fish Tape Reel - 50 Feet Reach
Product information
- Brand: Kayco USA
- Size: 50 Feet
- Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.5 x 1.4 inches
The electrical fish tape reel is a very efficient fish tape manufactured by Tommy services. It is the most advanced electrical fish tape which has a handle with a relaxing grip and has a thumb lock which helps you to hold the wire. It is made up of heavy plastic that performs a great job. Its compact structure allows you to keep it in any place, tools bag. Tools boxes or even in your pocket.
The weight of this item is 2 pounds and the size of the tape is 50ft. it can reach 50ft away. The dimension of this package is 9.7 x 8.4 x 1.3 inches. It is widely used in drywall and pipes.
Pros:
- The perfect wire pulling tool
- The cable is strong
- High impact plastic case
Cons:
- The reel does not release the tape without having to pull it out
4. Gardner Bender EFT-15 Mini Cable Snake
Product information
- Brand: Gardner Bender
- Size: 15 Ft
- Item Weight: 0.01 ounces
- Package Dimensions: 3.8 x 5.6 x 7.5 inches
Gardner bender EFT-15 mini cable snake is another type of hand tools by Gardner bender. It is the most frequently used fish tape due to its small size. As the name suggests, it is small in size and easy to carry. Its compact structure makes it light and portable. As like as Gardner bender FTS-125R Fish Tape, this model is not curled during extension and also a low-memory tape. Due to its small case, the size of tape is only 15ft which is most commonly used in down walls, under the carpet, and over the ceiling. This type of fish tape is extremely perfect for a non-conduit situation.
Like its size, its weight is only 0.01 ounces which show that it can easily fit in a pocket. The dimension of this product is 3.8 x 5.6 x 7.5 inches and its size is 15ft. It comes mainly in red color and made up of steel material. Its warranty is like its size, the company gives only 30 days limited warranty.
Pros.
- It does not curl during extension
- Smaller in size
- Lighter weight
- This hand tool model is portable
- Prime durability
- Secure-Used by every amateur person
Cons
- Length is only 15ft
5. SmartMARK Laser Etched Steel Fish Tape
Product information
- Brand: Greenlee
- Size: 250 Feet
- Item Weight: 8.85 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 15.2 x 12.5 x 2 inches
Smartmark is a company who manufacture the brilliant types of hand tools based in Illinois. This laser-etched steel fish tape is one of those brilliant tools. It is also known as a Greenlee FTS438DL-250. The most prominent features of Greenlee include laser-etched feet which help inaccurate measurement. It is made up of non-conductive material which allows low friction and helps in easier and fastest fishing. It helps in improving your productivity due to its factor of measurement in both feet and meters. This smart mark fish tape allows the user to fish into the electrical conduits. Another model of this type of fish tape comes as speed flex leader. The comfortable and excellent handgrip feature boosts the functionality of the Greenlee fish tape.
The weight of this item is 8.85 very handy pounds and it is safe and easy to use. Product dimension is 15.2 x 12.5 x 2 inches and size is 250ft. it is only used by perfect, expert, and professional workers.
Pros.
- Excellent efficiency
- Portable
- High-quality construction
- Measurement in both feet and meters
- Comfortable handgrip
- Affordable fish tape
- Made in the USA
- 250ft in length
- amateur person
Cons
- The Greenlee fish tape is not made up of stainless steel and rusted
- It makes the user’s hand dirty
6. Klein Tools 56001 Fish Tape
Product information
- Brand: Klein Tools
- Size: 50 ft
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 1 inches
56001 fiberglass fish tape is the most effective fish tape manufactured by Klein tools company. The weight of this Klein tools product is 1.1 pounds that is one of the lightest hand tools made by this industry. Its lightest weight shows that it is the easiest hand tool to handle and you can also carry yourself on everywhere with on effort. Its dimension is 7 x 7 x 1 inches which shows that it contains only 50ft wire tape inside the case. Its shape is like a nipple. This kind of fiberglass fish tape is made up of string steel along with polypropylene which allows the impact of corrosion resistance. It provides more accurate measurement due to its 1 foot(0.3m) laser-etched increment.
Pros:
- Its case is Long-lasting
- Does not rust
- Its design is compressed which is easy to carry
- Perfect finger grip
Cons:
- Its wire tape is almost 50ft that is not enough to perform a higher task.
7. Gardner Bender FTS-125R Fish Tape
Product information
- Brand: GB
- Size: 125 Ft
- Item Weight: 3 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 2 x 12 x 17.8 inches
Gardner bender fish tape introduces the first dominant ergonomic design fish tape that has a jaw-dropping feature. It is also called as a manufacturer of tools. This ergonomic feature allows users to grip strong and secure and also strengthen productivity. The Gardner bender fish tape reduces forearm strain, its handle fits in the user’s palm and also provides comfort. Its corrosion-resistance wire enhances the toughness and durability and ensures the best performance for long time usage.
The weight of this item is 3.03 pounds and it comes mostly in red color. The dimension of the product is 2 x 8.5 x 13.75 inches and the size is almost 65ft which shows that it is easy to carry. Its wire tape is made up of steel which reduces friction. The most prominent feature of this product is that the company gives the leading 5-years limited warranty. This is not common in most of the fish tapes.
The Gardner Bender company also manufactures various types of hand tools like voltage tester, electrical tools, and other professional types of equipment that electricians used.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Impact of Modified housing and handle
- Corrosion resistance
- Ergonomic handle of tape
- Comfortable grip
- Security
Cons:
- It is hard to use because it has a lot of curls in the wire tape.
8. Klein Tools 56333 Fish Tape, Steel Wire Puller with Double Loop Tip
Product information
- Brand: Klein Tools
- Size: 120 Ft
- Item Weight: 4.94 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12.35 x 1.85 x 16.21 inches
56333 steel fish tape is the most-liked and white-headed product of Klein tools company. This type of fish tape is 1/8-inches wide steel fish tape that is firm and flexible for large wire pulls. Its weight is 4.94 pounds that are easy to carry. The product (56333 steel fish tape by Klein tools) dimension is 12.35 x 1.85 x 16.21 inches. The protective coating on the steel tape which reduces the corrosion. It provides a more accurate measure conduit runs due to 0.3m increments.
Most of the features of Klein products are interlinked with each other and most of the features of this product are the same as 56059 fish tape.
Pros:
- Portable
- Lesser in weight
- 1 foot(0.3m) increment
- Perfect durability
- High carbon strength
- Firm and steady grip
Cons:
- High friction
9. Southwire Tools & equipment FTSP45-125 fish tape
Product information
- Brand: Southwire
- Size: 125 Feet
- Item Weight: 2.49 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 13 x 1.75 x 17 inches
It’s wonderful how you can simplify jobs by using tools like Southwire FTSP45-125 by Southwire company. It is the most prominent and largest manufacturer of aluminum and copper wire. Another most important kind of fish tape common all over the world. This fish tape is made up of non-conductive polymer which provides low friction. It has a much faster pace than steel and fiberglass fish tape so that it allows the tape to freely skim through PVC conduits. Southwire fish tape is an electric fish tape that makes human work easier to share. Its weight is 1.54 pounds and the dimension of this product is 1.75 x 13 x 17 inches. A wonderful feature that sets it apart, it is non-conductive and glows in the dark. So, you can easily use it in dark places. This fish tape works great in either filled or empty conduit.
Winding EXTRUDED POLYMER arrangement doesn’t rust and required to push or get the fish tape through EMT, IMC, unbending, or PVC conductor
Pros:
- Featuring two tape diameters
- Provide a solution for various applications
- Low friction
- Provides easier and faster pull
- Extremely flexible
- Does not rust
Cons:
- Through plastic conduit, The tape does not go 100 inches
- Good for simple applications
10. Klein Tools 56056 Fiberglass Fish Tape
Product information
- Brand: Klein Tools
- Size: 200-Feet
- Item Weight: 6.16 pounds
The multi-groove fiberglass fish tape is also a prominent hand tool product made by Klein tools easily available in the market. As the name suggests, multi-groove, it is more efficient than the 56059 fiberglass fish tape. This multi-groove fish tape provides less friction in conduit. Its weight is 6.16 pounds. It is a little bit litter than the other two Klein products. The dimension of the product includes 12.35 x 1.85 x 16.21 inches which are very handy and comfortable to handle. This type of fiberglass is made up of fiberglass with nylon tip which makes it hard enough to easily use in commercial and residential manufacturers.
The unique sloped handle of multi-groove fish shape allows the user to grip easily and tightly while using.
Pros:
- his fish tape has premium quality construction
- Portable
- Lightweight, easy to carry
- Sloped handle finger grip
- Cheap and affordable
- Approximately 13 inches diameter case
Cons:
- Less friction
11. Klein Tools 56059 Fiberglass Fish Tape, 200-Foot Wall Snake is 3/16-Inch Wide Non-Conductive Multi-Groove Fish Tape and Pulls to 500-Pound
Product information
- Brand: Klein Tools
- Size: 200-Feet
- Item Weight: 6.04 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 110 x 10 x 10 inches
56059 fiberglass, groove fish tape is the most frequently used tape manufactured by Klein. The multiple groove fish tape provides less friction in conduit. Its weight is 6.04 pounds which helps to handle it freely. The dimension of this kind of fish tape is 10×10×10 inches stainless which shows that it contains more tape as compared to the upper product. This fish tape provides extra protection against the shock due to its non-conductive eyelet tip. The finger grip of groove fish tape designed in this way which helps transfer 100% winding power for your hand. Its length is 200ft which helps to pull wire through walls and other difficult spaces to reach.
As an American manufacturer of hand tools, groove fish tape is premium quality and is a professional-grade tool that delivers durability and performance as well as precision.
Pros:
- The groove fish tape is Portable
- It is cheaper than the other 200ft tape
- The tape has a laser-etched 1-foot increment
- The item’s round inward ring gives a smooth, and predictable surface for winding.
- Groove fish tape provides accurate depth measure.
Cons:
- It is hard to use because the increment numbers are too small.
12. Klein Tools 56058 Fish Tape 100-Foot x 3/16-Inch, Non-Conductive Fiberglass
Non-conductive fiberglass fish tape is one of the most commonly used fish tapes in the market. This item is manufactured by Klein having weight is only one pound. It has permanent laser etched increments on the tap. The dimension of this type of fish tape includes 13×13×1 inches. In a nutshell, fiberglass fish tape does not require any battery to perform well. So, it is safe to say that this is one of the safest fish tape available in the market.
Non-conductive fiberglass fish tape slides easily through the multiple bends. The strength of lightweight fiberglass fish tape rated up to 500 pulling pounds which means it can resist more tough elements. What’s more, Its 13 inches case dimension means that you have 15% more tape than the standard 12 inches fish tape
Pros:
- Excellent finger grip
- Non-conductive fiberglass fish tape
- Lightweight and strong
- Wide case dimension
- accurate depth measure.
Cons:
- The increment numbers are small on the tape and difficult to read.
- It is only 100ft tape.
13. Wee Buddy Fiberglass Fish Tape by Jameson
Product information
- Brand: Jameson
- Size: 100 Feet
- Item Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 12.5 x 2 x 12.5 inches
Another wonderful fish tape hand tool which performs various tasks accurately is 8-18-100K wee buddy fiberglass fish tape by Jameson. It is one of the best fish tapes in the market which has almost all the features. It is designed in such a way that it bends 90 degrees easily. It is mostly used in the phone wire, speaker wire, and a network wire. This type of fish tape comes with some related accessories that are very useful in this type of work. It is the best type for professionals who want a comfortable grip and strengthened rod.
Its weight is 2.65 pounds which is lightweight and easy to carry. The dimension of this product is 12.5 x 2 x 12.5 inches which are portable. This fiberglass fish tape is used to measure about 100ft. Accessories include large leader, small leader, two end ferrules, two pulling eyes, two splice ferrules, emery cloth, adhesive, and a plastic case.
Pros:
- The first fish tape which includes an accessory kit
- 1/8 inches rod diameter
- Pull strength is 200 pounds
- Length is 100 feet
Cons:
- Expensive product
14. Jameson 11-38-600M Big Buddy Fiberglass Fish Tape
If you have a lot of work and you want heavyweight hand tools that Jameson 11-38-600M is the quite perfect option you have. This tool has all of the above features that all workers required. Its heavyweight body performs a lot of work according to the worker. You can operate according to your need either vertically or horizontally. This type of fish tape is versatile and performs a wide verity of tasks.
Its weight is 69 pounds and the dimension of this product is 37 x 6 x 8 inches. It is best for measuring 4 inches or larger. It has incorporate end ferrule and pulling eye.
Pros:
- Multiple uses of this fish tape
- Affordable price
- Fiberglass won’t wrinkle
- Drag brake
- It has pull-tension strength of 1400lbs
Cons:
- Heavier in weight
- Not easy to carry
Buying guide of Best Fish Tape
When you are going to buying fish tapes these buying guides are very helpful for you.
Safety
When you are buying fish tapes, the first priority is to check whether it is safe or not. Safety is a very important factor.
Lightweight
After safety, then check its weight. You should choose according to your need. If you are a worker then you have to choose lightweight so that you can take it with you everywhere.
Quality
Quality ought to never be out of the rundown you should pay special mind to when purchasing pretty much anything, to maintain a strategic distance from wastage of time and cash.
Durability
Durability decides who much work you will take from. How long can you use the fish tape? The durability of the fish tape includes shockproof and corrosion-resistant.
These four factors are very useful and helpful for you.