As some of you know (based on my previous posts), I'm in the process of rewiring my newly purchased (built in '58) home. For the most part, so far I've been able to pull new Romex by using the existing wire to pull the new Romex through (while taking one of those wonderful coal baths that we all love so much... ). So far this has worked okay, and I haven't damaged the new Romex... Yet.

That said, I've been thinking that I should go ahead and buy a fish tape because I know I'm going to be running wire in areas where there isn't already wire there. I've seen prices on these running everywhere from $12 to well over $100. I know there are a lot of you out there who do this all of the time, and could probably give me your opinion about whether steel or nylon tapes are better, and if it's worth paying a bunch of money, or would a "cheapy" be adequate for what I'm doing?

Thanks, in advance... This forum is a fantastic learning center!!

 

Myself I like the steel tapes, HD sells some good ones you don't really need long for residential so one of the smaller ones should do the trick for you. I like Greenlee myself and for my little one (dislike having to carry the big one when just doing work in houses) was very reasonally price at HD. actually around $30 Canadian so I'm sure in the U.S. it would be even more reasonable.
That said many time the fish tape is just too much trouble and I use a coat hanger. Very handy tool.

 

Thanks!

 

depends on what you are using it for. nylons are usually used for pulling wire in conduit w/ energized circuits in it. the steel 1/8" 50'would probably be the way to go, a 1/4" i would say is too heavy duty for what you need, and it sounds like a 100' er is way too long. the care you use when using the snake is important as well. if you are hard on your tools they will be hard on you! also never under estimate the value of some string and fishing weights. you can usually find one small enough to fit in the 7/8" hole w/ enough weight to drop it to where you are pulling to!!! Good luck!