Klein Tools Multi-Groove Fiberglass Fish Tape

No. Even though the fiberglass tape body is non-metallic, the Klein multi-groove fish tape's metallic tip and leader are conductive and can ground against conduit. Keep it off and away from live circuits, de-energize first. If you need the leader end non-conductive as well, order the Non-Conductive Leader version, model 56059.

All three are the same multi-groove fiberglass tape in the same reel; the leader end is what changes. 56055 is the standard 100-foot leader configuration, 56056 carries the 7-inch spiral steel leader for pushing through conduit that already has wire in it, and 56059 uses a non-conductive leader when you do not want any metal on the tip. Pick by what your leader has to do at the far end.

That is what the multi-groove profile is for. Grooves molded along the tape reduce contact friction in conduit with or without existing conductors, so it feeds more smoothly than a flat tape. On crowded runs, the 56056 with the 7-inch spiral steel leader gives you a stiffer nose to work past existing wire.

No. Pulling fiberglass tape with any mechanical fish-tape puller will severely damage the tape and can cause injury. Fiberglass tapes are hand-pulled only. If your crews rely on a powered puller, you need a steel tape instead.

The spiral steel leader model, 56056, is a 200-foot fiberglass tape. It winds on a 17-inch diameter case, which takes up about 10 percent more tape per revolution than a 16-inch case, so long pulls rewind faster.

Fiberglass, like this Klein multi-groove tape, is the choice when you want a non-metallic tape body and a low-friction push through PVC or loaded conduit; it is hand-pulled only and cannot go on a mechanical puller. Steel tape is what you use when you need to hook it to a powered puller or need maximum pushing stiffness on long straight runs. Note that on the fiberglass tape, the tip and leader are still conductive.

Three things Klein calls out. Never back the screws out of the reel while the tape is still coiled inside it. Wear approved eye protection any time you are feeding, pulling, or rewinding. And set your footing before you pull, since a tape that breaks free will put you off balance.

It sets your hand at an angle that suits hand-over-hand rewinding, so you recover tape faster after a pull, and it lets the tape pay out more level on the backswing while you are feeding conduit. Raised fingergrips on the reel transfer your winding force instead of letting your hand slip.

Yes, the multi-groove fiberglass fish tape is made in the USA. That matters if you are buying under a domestic-preference purchasing policy.