Milwaukee 500' Poly Pull Line

As someone who has spent a fair amount of time pulling wire through various types of conduit, I recently had the chance to put the Milwaukee 500' Poly Pull Line to the test. This pull line, designed from durable polypropylene, promises a lot with its abrasion and tear resistance, high visibility, and tangle-free dispensing. Here’s a detailed account of my experience with this tool.

First impressions matter, and the Milwaukee Poly Pull Line certainly makes a good one. The line comes neatly packaged in a compact, circular container with a reclosable lid. This makes it easy to store and transport, and the locking lid ensures that it won’t spill out and create a tangled mess in your toolbox. The container itself feels robust enough to withstand the rigors of being tossed around on a job site.

One of the standout features of this pull line is its high visibility. The red tracer stripe woven into the line makes it easy to spot, even in low-light conditions. This is a small but significant detail that can save a lot of time and frustration when working in dimly lit areas or when the line gets buried under other materials. The visibility factor alone makes this pull line a strong contender for anyone who frequently works in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

When it comes to performance, the Milwaukee Poly Pull Line does not disappoint. The line is lightweight yet incredibly strong, boasting a tensile strength of 210 lbs. In my tests, I used it to pull several 12 AWG stranded wires through about 85 feet of ¾” conduit with three 90-degree bends. The line held up remarkably well, showing no signs of fraying or weakening. It’s also worth noting that the line maintains its shape even after being pulled from the container, which helps in preventing kinks and snags.

One of the challenges I faced was using a vacuum to pull the line through the conduit. While this method works well with other types of pull lines, I found that the Milwaukee Poly Pull Line was a bit too lightweight for this technique. However, when I switched to using a fish tape, the line performed flawlessly. It’s compatible with Milwaukee and other professional fish tapes, making it a versatile addition to any electrician’s toolkit.

The durability of this pull line is another major plus. Constructed from polypropylene, it’s resistant to rot and mildew, which is particularly useful for outdoor applications. I used it for a project that involved running lights through a conduit in my front yard, and I’m confident that it will hold up well over time, even in varying weather conditions. The line’s resistance to abrasion and tearing ensures that it will last through multiple uses, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

However, no product is without its flaws. One minor drawback I noticed is that the container does not allow for re-winding the rope. Once you’ve dispensed the line, there’s no easy way to wind it back into the container. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to re-using your pull line. Cutting off any extra length before starting a new job seems to be the best workaround for this issue.

Another point worth mentioning is the container’s durability. While the line itself is incredibly sturdy, the container’s lid is somewhat fragile. In one instance, the lid broke off a bit too easily, which could be problematic if you’re planning to carry the container around to different job sites. A more robust container design would certainly enhance the overall experience.

Despite these minor issues, the Milwaukee Poly Pull Line is an excellent tool for pulling wire through conduit. It’s strong, lightweight, and highly visible, making it easy to use in a variety of settings. The tangle-free dispensing and resistance to rot and mildew are additional benefits that make this pull line a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Milwaukee 500' Poly Pull Line to anyone in need of a dependable and efficient pull line. Its combination of strength, visibility, and durability makes it a valuable tool for any electrician or DIY enthusiast. While the container could use some improvements, the performance of the pull line itself more than makes up for these minor shortcomings. If you’re looking for a pull line that can handle tough jobs and last through multiple uses, the Milwaukee Poly Pull Line is definitely worth considering.