These Wire-Pulling Tools Make the Most Frustrating Part of Wiring Easier

If you’re tackling a home wiring project, whether it’s electrical, HDMI, or phone and data, chances are that you’ll benefit from a wire-pulling tool. These handy products are designed to grab and pull wires through enclosed spaces like interior walls, conduit, ductwork, or underneath flooring so you can get the job done quickly—and, crucially, without creating any unnecessary damage or alterations to finished work. Wire-pulling tools aren’t exactly cheap, but if you consider the time and energy they save you, we think they’re worth the investment.

The Best Wire-Pulling Tools

What to Consider

Wire-pulling tools come in a few different types, so make sure that you choose the one most helpful to you and your project.

Fish Tape

These tools consist of long lengths of narrow “tape”—made of either steel or fiberglass—coiled inside an enclosed reel. Large handles allow the user to hold the reel with one hand and pull or push the tape with the other. Fish tape is ideal for long wire runs, like conduit, and since it typically has distance markings printed right on it, you’ll know exactly how much has been played out.

Rods

Long, thin rods—usually made of fiberglass— are less flexible than tape, and keep their shape better during use. This rigidity makes them easy to use, and better for jobs where fish tape would get bunched up. Rods aren’t as long as fish tape though, so they’re best for short distances.

Magnetic

Magnetic options use strong rare earth magnets to pull wire without needing long tapes or rods. One magnet is attached to the wire inside the wall, and is guided through the space by a second magnet on the other side of the wall. The exterior magnet is usually inside of a roller, which makes it easy for the user to maintain close contact with the wall without damaging it. If you’re dealing with insulation, make sure the interior magnet has a tapered shape to push through it.

Regardless of the type of wire puller you choose, if you’re at all concerned about potential conductivity, make sure to use a fiberglass product instead of metal.

How We Selected

I’ve used several types of wire pulling tools over the years as a contractor, and kept that hands-on experience in mind when assembling this list. We made sure to include models from brands that we’ve come to know and trust, like Klein and Greenlee, and selected others based on user feedback and positive reviews. We also did our best to maintain a useful variety of fish tape, rods, and magnetic options at different price points. Regardless of your budget or type of project, you can find an option here that’ll make your projects easier.