A fish tape (also called a draw wire, draw tape, or an electrician's snake) is a tool used by electricians to route new wiring through walls and electrical conduit.
[1] Made of a narrow band of spring steel, by careful manipulation, the tape can be guided through confined spaces such as wall cavities or conduits in many countries.
Using it to directly pull the target wire can damage or warp the fish tape.
[citation needed] Fish tapes are usually stored coiled on a plastic reel.
Thermal insulation, firestops, pipes, HVAC ducts, electrical conduits, and other obstructions make use of a fish tape more challenging.