Milwaukee Fish Stick Combo Kit

Navigating the task of running wires through walls, ceilings, or tight spaces is often a daunting challenge, especially without the right tools. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with the Milwaukee Fish Stick Combo Kit (model 48-22-4155). This nifty kit, which includes a variety of flexible fish sticks, has genuinely transformed the way I approach such tasks. Here’s a detailed review of my experience.

First Impressions

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the sturdy canvas tote that houses the fish sticks and accessories. The tote features both a carrying handle and a grommet, making it easy to store the kit vertically. The roll pouch design is well thought out, with end pockets for the various flexibility segments and an additional compartment near the handle for storing pulling attachments. The organization within the tote immediately struck me as efficient and practical.

Build Quality and Features

Milwaukee’s reputation for quality is well deserved, and this kit is no exception. Each fish stick segment is color-coded based on flexibility – low, mid, and high – making it easy to select the right tool for the job. The segments are also covered in an anti-splinter coating, which is a practical touch for handling comfort and durability. The reinforced connection points and knurled grips on the connectors add to the ease of assembly and disassembly, even in less-than-ideal working conditions.

One standout feature is the phosphorescence of the segments. These glow in the dark, which is invaluable when working in dimly lit areas like attics or behind walls. By exposing the sticks to strong light for a few minutes, they glow brightly, significantly aiding visibility in tight, dark spaces.

Practical Use and Performance

The 30-foot kit, composed of six 5-foot sections, is flexible yet robust. The low-flex segments provide a solid backbone for pushing through wall or ceiling cavities, while the medium and high-flex segments are perfect for navigating tight turns and obstacles. The kit also includes several useful tips: a bullet tip for tight spots, a hook tip for basic pulls, and a whisk tip to guide wires over and through obstacles without snagging. These accessories, stored conveniently in the tote’s zippered pocket, enhance the kit's versatility.

In a recent home project, I needed to run network cables through both the lower and upper levels of my house. The flexibility of the fish sticks was a game-changer. The high-flex segment proved particularly useful in navigating the tight turns within the walls, and the glowing feature made it easy to track progress in dark areas. The knurled connections were easy to secure, providing a reliable and stable connection without cross-threading.

Versatility Beyond Electrical Work

While the primary function of this kit is to assist in running electrical wires, its utility extends to other applications as well. For instance, I used it to pull extension cords and Christmas lights up onto my roof. By attaching the lights to the fish stick and pulling them up, I saved myself multiple trips up and down the ladder. Similarly, the kit proved handy for running cords behind heavy appliances and furniture, where moving the items was impractical.

The modular design of the fish sticks means that you can easily add or remove segments as needed, tailoring the length and flexibility to suit various tasks. This adaptability is one of the kit's strongest selling points.

Durability and Long-term Use

Durability is a significant consideration for any tool, and the Milwaukee Fish Stick Kit doesn’t disappoint. The fiberglass construction feels robust, capable of handling the stress of frequent bending and pulling without showing signs of wear. The reinforced connection points ensure that the segments stay securely attached, even under considerable force.

One minor issue I encountered was with the threading on one of the tote pockets, which started to come loose. I fixed it easily with some Gorilla tape, but it’s worth noting for those who might be rough on their gear. Despite this, the overall build quality and functionality of the kit make it a reliable addition to any tool collection.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Milwaukee Fish Stick Combo Kit is a highly effective, versatile, and well-designed tool for anyone frequently running wires or cables through walls, ceilings, or other challenging spaces. The thoughtful design, quality construction, and useful features like the glowing segments and knurled connections make it a standout choice.

I wholeheartedly recommend this kit, whether you're an electrician, a DIY enthusiast, or someone frequently involved in home improvement projects. Its versatility, ease of use, and robust build quality make it an indispensable tool that will save you time and effort on a wide variety of tasks. This is one tool that has earned a permanent spot in my toolkit.