Milwaukee Fish Sticks

Exploring the world of electrical work often brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to threading wires through walls, ceilings, and other confined spaces. Recently, I had the opportunity to try out Milwaukee's Fish Sticks, and I must say, these tools have significantly transformed my wiring tasks.

First impressions matter, and Milwaukee certainly knows how to make a good one. The Fish Sticks come in a robust, clear poly storage tube that is both durable and practical. The tube features a tethered rubber cap, ensuring that the cap doesn't go missing in the hustle and bustle of a worksite. This thoughtful design extends to the internal storage of the bullet nose and hook tips, which are held securely within the cap. However, during heavy vibrations, these attachments can sometimes dislodge, which is a minor inconvenience.

The set includes four low-flex and one mid-flex stick, each measuring 5 feet in length, providing a total reach of 25 feet when fully assembled. This modular design offers flexibility in terms of length and rigidity, enabling me to tackle various wiring scenarios with ease. The low-flex sticks are stiff enough to push through insulation and other obstructions, while the mid-flex stick offers the necessary bend to navigate tight corners.

One standout feature of these Fish Sticks is their glow-in-the-dark capability. After a brief exposure to natural or artificial light, the sticks emit a bright glow that lasts for a considerable time. This feature proved invaluable during a recent project where I had to run wiring through a dark attic space. The glowing sticks provided excellent visibility, allowing me to see exactly where they were hitting obstacles and adjust my approach accordingly.

The knurled grip on the male and female ends of the sticks is another thoughtful addition. It ensures a secure connection and makes it easy to twist the sticks together, even with gloves on. The reinforced connection points add to the overall durability, giving me confidence that these tools will withstand the rigors of frequent use.

The protective anti-splinter coating on the fiberglass rods is a godsend. Anyone who has handled fiberglass tools knows how painful splinters can be. With Milwaukee's Fish Sticks, I experienced none of that discomfort. The smooth finish of the rods, combined with the color-coded flexibility (low flex in blue and mid flex in green), makes it easy to identify and select the right stick for the job.

In practice, these Fish Sticks excel in various wiring scenarios. During a recent installation of a 4" LED light in a bathroom, I encountered significant insulation and framing obstacles. My old fish tape simply couldn't get past these barriers. However, the Fish Sticks, with their mid-flex and low-flex options, navigated through the tight spaces effortlessly. The glow-in-the-dark feature illuminated the path, allowing me to see exactly where the sticks were getting stuck and adjust my angle to find a clear route.

Another project involved running wires through a finished basement ceiling. The confined space and numerous obstacles made it a daunting task. However, the combination of the stiff low-flex sticks and the flexible mid-flex stick allowed me to maneuver through the insulation and framing with ease. The hook and bullet nose tips proved effective in grabbing and pulling the wires through, making the entire process much smoother and quicker.

Milwaukee's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of these Fish Sticks. From the durable storage tube to the high-quality fiberglass rods and the thoughtful design of the connection points, it's clear that these tools were engineered with the user in mind. The lifetime warranty further underscores the confidence that Milwaukee has in the durability and performance of their product.

Of course, no tool is without its minor drawbacks. While the Fish Sticks are excellent for most wiring tasks, the mid-flex stick did break during one particularly strenuous use. This incident was an outlier, however, and did not detract significantly from the overall positive experience. Additionally, the sticks may be a bit too thick for some electricians who need to navigate extremely tight spaces, but for most residential and commercial applications, they perform admirably.

In conclusion, Milwaukee's Fish Sticks are a game-changer for anyone involved in electrical work. Their combination of flexibility, durability, and innovative features like the glow-in-the-dark capability makes them an indispensable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The thoughtful design and high-quality construction ensure that these sticks will be a reliable addition to your toolkit for years to come.

I wholeheartedly recommend Milwaukee's Fish Sticks for anyone looking to simplify and enhance their wire-pulling tasks. Whether you're dealing with tight spaces, dark environments, or challenging obstacles, these tools provide the versatility and performance needed to get the job done efficiently and effectively.