Recommend me a network cable installation tool

[MattCowen]

After getting a number of quotes for Cat 5 cable installation I have decided it will be a lot cheaper to do the job myself.

 

I'm after some sort of rod / device to make pulling cat 5 cable through walls and ceilings simpler and quicker.

 

I've come across a number of rod solution online but want some of your suggestions too.

[powdarrmonkey]

Coat hangers. (no, seriously - they're thin, pliable and easily bound to cable ends.)

[torledo]

After getting a number of quotes for Cat 5 cable installation I have decided it will be a lot cheaper to do the job myself.

 

I'm after some sort of rod / device to make pulling cat 5 cable through walls and ceilings simpler and quicker.

 

I've come across a number of rod solution online but want some of your suggestions too.

 

the coat hanger is not a bad suggestion for pulling cable through awkward or tight corners. In behind plasterboard walls or raised floors i'm thinking.

 

But for proper installation i've got some hellerman tyton rods. the packs come with different colored rods about a metre long each [colors denote diffrent stiffnesses.] Also has a very flexible 30cm length which is very useful when your staring at a very sharp bend at the beginning of a run. Also has useful accessories such as hooks and magnets.....magnet not included in the standard pack.

 

The stiffer rods in the pack i've never had a use for, the standard rod is flexible enough without too much give that would otherwise make it awkward for straight runs or when your fishing into blind spaces.

 

For short runs somtimes i find it's easier just to use a length of 2inch wide trunking cover. But the rods can get into tighter squeezes than the trunking.

Edited September 1, 2009 by torledo

[pete]

Rods + firepower: Greenlee GL-06186 Cable Caster

 

I've also seen it done with a blunted projectile in a speargun for long shots over drop ceilings (convention centre) - I doubt H&S would approve though.

[torledo]

Rods + firepower: Greenlee GL-06186 Cable Caster

 

I've also seen it done with a blunted projectile in a speargun for long shots over drop ceilings (convention centre) - I doubt H&S would approve though.

 

that thing wouldn't get 2 feet without running into a beam or some ducting or a cable tray or countless other things that lurk in our crowded suspended ceiling. But i guess it'd be useful in more suitable environments.

[meastaugh1]

For longer runs in ceiling voids with reduced access, these rods have done the trick for us: Cable Access 10m - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys

[User3204]

I've always seen the cable installers using the front of trunking.

 

It's cheap, long (or short if you want this), it bends (when you want it too).

What more do you need ?

 

Just buy lots of electrical tape to fasten it on.

[dirtydog]

ive got a cable caster which is good fun and worked well for spanning a loft with limited access and going between roofs. I also use a plastic reel and winder for most jobs but the rods you can screw together are excellent too.

[kmount]

For longer runs in ceiling voids with reduced access, these rods have done the trick for us: Cable Access 10m - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys

 

I used these once and they were fine.

[john]

Yup, have a set here and they do the job.

 

I do want a cable caster though they look fun

[kearton]

We use small trunking and electrical tape to go through ceilings.

[EduTech]

For longer runs in ceiling voids with reduced access, these rods have done the trick for us: Cable Access 10m - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys

 

Yeah we also use these, the Site Manager has a set that we borrow they have magnets and all sorts! lol do the job fine though.

 

James.