Fish tape for conduit distribution

Abstract

A stainless steel “fish tape” is disclosed. The tape is characterized by a steel formulation of 10 to 20 percent chromium, up to 18 percent nickel, up to 4 percent molybdenum, not more than 0.9% carbon and no more than 0.8% nitrogen. It is critical that the circumference of the tape relative to the cross sectional area of the tape be of a ratio of at least 1.30 and preferably greater than 1.55. In counter distinction to known prior art fish tapes which attempt to achieve a highly smooth surface, the tape of the instant invention is preferably roughened or abraded to improve the ability to carry for lubricants. The lubricant retaining characteristic functions both to reduce friction on insertion of the tape through a conduit and to leave traces of lubricant on the surface of surfaces which have been impacted against the tape whereby the wire which is then drawn through the conduit, will also be lubricated at the critical points in the conduit most likely to cause frictional contact with the wire. The ability to have a roughened surface, without increased corrosion, was clearly advantageous.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.