Fish tape is the name given to the tape used by electricians to help route new wiring through walls and electrical circuits.
It is also known as draw tape or draw wire because it helps to draw the wire through the beams without being damaged.
This tape is made of a narrow band of spring steel.
It gets its name from the manner in which it is used.
The electrician fishes or guides the tape through the confines spaces within walls.
Once this is done, he/she can pull the wiring through the wall by attaching it to the end of the tape and them pulling the tape back.
Electricians store the tape coiled on plastic reels.
This coiling gives the tape a curvature, which is what makes it easy for the electrician to guide it in confined spaces.
The end of the tape is easy to direst just by manipulating the reel.
It is rigid so it will go wherever it is pointed.
Sometimes an electrician will use the tape from opposite ends of the wall.
The hooked end of one can connect with the hooked end of the other.
Then when you pull the tape back from one end, it will pull the other end with it.
There are occasions in the process of wiring a home or a building when using the tape can be quite challenging.
Any obstructions in the walls will make it difficult to push the tape through, such as thermal insulation, pipes or ducts.
Although the electrician may still be able to get around these obstacles the process will be much more difficult.