Best Electrical Fish Tape of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Electrical fish tape is a handy tool used by electricians to pull wires through walls, conduit, and other tight spaces. It is made of a sturdy, flexible material that is easy to manipulate and can withstand the rigors of the job. The fish tape comes in various lengths and thicknesses, and some models even have features like glow-in-the-dark or non-conductive properties. It is an essential tool for any electrician, and it can save time and hassle when working on complex electrical projects.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Klein Tools Steel Wire Fish Tape Cover #TOP 1
Klein Tools Steel Wire Fish Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.8
VEVOR 240ft Fish Tape Cover #TOP 2
VEVOR 240ft Fish Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Klein Tools 56335 Flat Steel Fish Tape Cover #TOP 3
Klein Tools 56335 Flat Steel Fish Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Electrical Fish Tape

#TOP 1

Klein Tools Steel Wire Fish Tape

56331
Orange/Black
One Size
Klein Tools Steel Wire Fish Tape Cover
Klein Tools 56331 50-Foot Electrical Fish Tape, Steel Wire Puller with Double Loop Tip, Optimized Housing and Handle, 1/8-Inch

The Klein Tools 56331 Fish Tape is a reliable steel wire puller that is both firm and flexible for large wire pulls. Its optimized design decreases payout effort and slip-resistant geometry improves winding power. The multi-position handle gives you a firm, steady grip as you pull tape from the case. Easy-to-read distance marks allow you to more accurately measure conduit runs and the amount of tape left to pay out. Made in the US with Global Components, the tape is housed in a durable polypropylene case that offers high impact resistance.

What We Like
Sturdy and reliable construction
Easy to store and handle
Effective for wire pulling
Quality lubricants included
Reputable brand with history
What We Don't Like
Higher price than competitors
Tendency to jam occasionally
#TOP 2

VEVOR 240ft Fish Tape

JLT-2
Orange
240-foot, 1/8-inch
VEVOR 240ft Fish Tape Cover
VEVOR Fish Tape, 240-foot, 1/8-inch, Steel Wire Puller with Optimized Housing and Handle, Easy-to-Use Cable Puller Tool, Flexible Wire Fishing Tools for Walls and Electrical Conduit, Non-Conductive

The VEVOR Fish Tape is designed to make your wiring tasks easier and more efficient. Its high-manganese steel construction allows you to navigate 90° bends effortlessly, ensuring durability while pulling hefty cables. You’ll appreciate the nickel-plated carbon steel pulling head, which helps cables slide smoothly through conduits, reducing the chances of frustrating snags. The responsive thumb lock provides a secure grip, making it comfortable and easy to handle, while the impact-resistant casing protects against drops, ensuring your tool stays in top shape. This tool is perfect for indoor wire installations across various applications.

What We Like
Great value for the price
Lightweight and easy to use
Effective for long pulls
Good quality for non-professionals
Works well in various conditions
What We Don't Like
Somewhat loose cable connection
Rusts after first use
#TOP 3

Klein Tools 56335 Flat Steel Fish Tape

56335
Orange/Black
7.6 m
Klein Tools 56335 Flat Steel Fish Tape Cover
Klein Tools 56335 Flat Steel Electrical Fish Tape, 25-Foot 1/4-Inch Wide Spring Steel Tape, Slim Plastic Tip, Laser Etched 1-Foot Markings

The Klein Tools 56335 Flat Steel Fish Tape is a durable and flexible electrical fish tape made of high carbon 1/4-inch wide spring steel with a slim plastic tip that navigates easily and reduces catching. It features a new protective coating to reduce non-contact moisture and humidity, laser etched markings in 1-foot descending increments to more accurately measure the length of conduit runs and determine the amount of tape left to pay out, and an optimized design of the tape housing that decreases payout effort. This compact fish tape is a staple for your everyday tool bag.

What We Like
Sturdy and flexible design
Easy to clean and store
Efficient for pulling wires
Great value for the price
Useful for various wiring tasks
What We Don't Like
Shipping in a bag may cause issues
Missing directions noted
#TOP 4

Klein Tools 56334 Electrical Fish Tape

56334
Orange/Black
One Size
Klein Tools 56334 Electrical Fish Tape Cover
Klein Tools 56334 Electrical Fish Tape, 240-Foot Steel Wire Puller with Double Loop Tip, Optimized Housing and Handle, For Heavy Duty Wire Pulls

Klein Fish Tape is a durable and flexible 240-foot steel wire puller with a double loop tip. The optimized housing and handle design reduce effort and friction during wire pulls. The multi-position handle provides a steady grip for easy pulling and rewinding. Laser etched markings in 1-foot increments help you measure conduit runs accurately. This tool is perfect for long runs and large wire pulls, making your job easier and more efficient.

What We Like
High quality materials
Easy to use
Long length available
Effective for heavy pulls
Laser etched markings
What We Don't Like
Heavy construction
Tough to rewind
#TOP 5

Klein Tools 50550 20-Foot Glow-In-The-Dark Fish Tape

50550
Klein Tools 50550 20-Foot Glow-In-The-Dark Fish Tape Cover
Klein Tools 50550 20-Foot Glow In The Dark Fish Tape, Made in USA, Fiberglass with Nylon Tip and Stainless-Steel Connector for Fish Rod Attachments

The Klein Tools 50550 20-Foot Fish Tape is a unique electrical tool that features a glow-in-the-dark fiberglass tape and nylon tip. The clear housing allows the glow material to charge in the case, while the anchoring end utilizes a stainless steel connector that is compatible with Klein Fish Rod attachments (Cat. No. 56511). The tape is fully removable from the case for more versatile application such as pass-through wire feeding. Made in the USA, the product is patent pending.

What We Like
Portable design
Glow in the dark feature
Easy to extend and retract
Lightweight and easy to store
Removable from the reel
What We Don't Like
Flimsy compared to competitors
Casing not smooth to use
#TOP 6

FTIHTRY 45FT Fiberglass Fish Tape Kit

LY010
GREEN
FTIHTRY 45FT Fiberglass Fish Tape Kit Cover
FTIHTRY 45FT Fiberglass Running Electrical Wire Cable Glow Rods Wire Pulling, Fish Rods Electrical Kit with 8 Different Attachments and Fish Tape Wire Puller Kit

The FTIHTRY Fish Tape Kit is designed for effortless wire installation. Made from fiberglass, the tape glides smoothly through conduits, making it ideal for navigating tight turns and joints. With 32 flexible rods, each measuring 1.4 feet, you can easily connect them to reach up to 45 feet, perfect for running cables in walls, attics, or crawl spaces. The kit also includes various attachments such as magnetic connectors and hooks, enhancing your ability to tackle different wiring tasks. Plus, the bright green color helps you spot the rods quickly, saving you time during your projects.

What We Like
Durable fiberglass rods
Versatile attachments included
Glow feature for visibility
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Weak brass connections
Some rods may break
#TOP 7

Southwire FTS1/8-25 Fish Tape

FTS1/8-25
Multi
25-Foot
Southwire FTS1/8-25 Fish Tape Cover
FTS1/8-25 Flat Steel Fish Tape; 1/8-Inch Wide; 25-Feet

Southwire Fish Tape is a durable and ergonomic tool designed for excellent fishing performance. Made from high-quality blued steel, this 1/8-inch wide fish tape ensures longevity and easy pulling. The high impact case and carrying handle provide convenience during use. With easy unwinding and rewinding capabilities, this fish tape is a handy tool for various electrical tasks. The laser-etched measurements in 12-inch increments assist in determining conduit length swiftly.

What We Like
Good product quality
Fast delivery
Great price
Works well after initial use
Must-have tool
What We Don't Like
Difficult to unwind initially
Requires a lot of effort
#TOP 8

Klein Tools 56333 Fish Tape

56333
Orange/Black
One Size
Klein Tools 56333 Fish Tape Cover
Klein Tools 56333 Electrical Fish Tape, Steel Wire Puller with Double Loop Tip, Optimized Housing and Handle, 1/8-Inch x 120-Foot

The Klein Tools 56333 Fish Tape is a durable, high-carbon strength 1/8-Inch wide steel wire puller with double loop tip, descending laser-etched markings, optimized housing and handle, and a protective coating to reduce corrosion. The case design decreases payout effort, and the slip-resistant housing geometry improves winding power and reduces binding. The multi-position handle gives you a firm, steady grip as you pull or rewind tape from the case, and the polypropylene case and handle offer high impact resistance.

What We Like
Durable steel wire construction
Handles tight bends well
Effective fish hook design
Easy to reel in
Good for conduit use
What We Don't Like
Keeps unwinding during storage
Requires some effort to use
#TOP 9

Gardner Bender EFT-15 Mini Cable Snake

EFT-15
15 Ft
Gardner Bender EFT-15 Mini Cable Snake Cover
Gardner Bender EFT-15 Mini Cable Snake, 15 Ft Steel Fish Tape, Electrical Wire Fishing Tape, Red & Black

The Gardner Bender Cable Snake is designed for convenience and efficiency. Its compact and rugged design makes it easy to carry and store, so you can take it wherever you need. The 15-foot flat steel tape allows you to fish wires under carpets, down walls, and over ceilings with ease. You’ll appreciate the low-memory feature, which ensures the tape remains straight and does not curl while you work, making it ideal for various non-conduit applications. Plus, the high-impact housing is durable and resists breaking, providing you with a reliable tool for your electrical tasks.

What We Like
Compact and solid design
Easy operation for casual use
Great for short runs
Effective for hiding wires
Durable for various applications
What We Don't Like
Tricky to unwind sometimes
#TOP 10

RamPro Fish Tape Wire Puller 50ft

1044
50 ft
RamPro Fish Tape Wire Puller 50ft Cover
Fish Tape Wire Puller 50ft - Easy to use Cable Puller Tool with Double Loop Tip - Flexible Wire Fishing Tools for Walls and Electrical Conduit - 1/8 Steel Fish Tape Durable Housing - RamPro (50 ft)

The RamPro Wire Puller is a must-have tool for electricians, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. With its firm but flexible steel fish tape, it makes pulling large wires a breeze. No more struggling to thread wires through walls, ceilings, or conduits. The durable housing ensures that this wire fishing tool will last a long time, even with daily use and abuse. The improved comfort grip handle and built-in thumb lock make it easy to grip and prevent tangling. Say goodbye to headaches and frustration when running wires with the RamPro Wire Puller. Don't work without it!

What We Like
Strong and robust construction
Great value for the price
Effective for pulling cables
Easy to use and retract
Performs well in tight spaces
What We Don't Like
Can be difficult to use
Not easy to roll back
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a fish tape used for in electrical?

A fish tape, also known as a draw wire, is a tool used by electricians to guide wiring through confined spaces like wall cavities, electrical conduits, pipes, and cable runs. It helps in the installation and routing of wires in various electrical projects.

2. What is the benefit of fish tape?

Fish tape is beneficial for electricians working on commercial and residential electrical installations with longer distances and complex conduit layouts. It allows them to reach inaccessible areas such as walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces, making it a versatile tool for routing and guiding wires in different electrical projects.

3. What would an electrician use fiberglass fish sticks for?

Electricians use fiberglass fish sticks to easily install wires above ceilings, through walls, and under carpets. These fish sticks are flexible and help in navigating tight spaces during wire installation.

4. Do you push or pull fish tape?

When using fish tape, the goal is to push it toward an area where a guide string has been dropped inside a confined space. This allows the tape to be pulled through, and then the guide string can be used to pull various types of wiring, such as phone wire, network cables, or speaker wire. Fish tape is designed to pull through the guide string only.

5. What is the difference between fish tape and fish rod?

The main difference between fish tape and fish rods is that fish tape is used with a reel and is suitable for long conduit runs. On the other hand, fish rods are shorter lengths of material that do not require a reel and are excellent for fishing up and down wall cavities and other hidden areas where their extra rigidity provides an advantage.

6. What is the difference between a glow rod and a fish stick?

A glow rod is essentially a fish stick that is designed to glow in the dark, making it easier to see and maneuver in dark spaces. This feature is particularly useful when routing electrical wires through areas with limited lighting.

Editor's Notes

During our electrical fish tape research, we found 24 electrical fish tape products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 61,941 customer reviews through our big data system to write the electrical fish tape list. We found that most customers choose electrical fish tape with an average price of $22.78.

The electrical fish tape are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of electrical fish tape, including Klein Tools, VEVOR, FTIHTRY, Southwire, Gardner Bender. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.

Electrical Fish Tape Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Klein Tools VEVOR Klein Tools Klein Tools Klein Tools FTIHTRY Southwire Klein Tools Gardner Bender RamPro
Color Orange/Black Orange Orange/Black - Clear/White with Glow-in-the-Dark - Multi - Red Red
Material - High Manganese Steel - - Fiberglass - Tempered spring steel - Steel Steel
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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