Southwire 1/8 in 240 ft Steel Fish Tape - Durable Flat Steel Tape

In this review the Southwire 1/8 in 240 ft steel fish tape is assessed for electricians and DIYers who need a long reach and a tape that resists kinking. The bottom line: this fish tape is best for routine cable fishing where a sturdy, flat spring steel tape and a jobsite-tough case are priorities. It performs well when used as intended, with the flat tempered steel helping prevent unwanted coils, while the high-impact case and handle make it a practical tool for regular runs in conduit and wall cavities.

Key Features

• Flat tempered spring steel: The 1/8 in width and flat steel construction reduce coiling and make it easier to push through conduit and around bends without folding over.
• 240 ft length: The long reach covers most residential and light commercial runs, eliminating the need to splice or extend the tape for typical jobs.
• Impact resistant case: The rugged housing and carrying handle protect the tape on the worksite and make transport and handling easier.
• Easy winding design: The tape unwinds and rewinds smoothly for efficient storage and faster turnaround between runs.
• Clear payout instruction: The case design requires pulling the tape itself to pay out and rotating the case in reverse to reel in, which minimizes jams when followed.

Who It's For

This fish tape is a sensible choice for electricians, maintenance technicians, and serious DIYers who need a long, rigid tape for feeding wire through conduit, walls, and ceilings. The flat steel and tempered spring design suit runs where keeping the tape straight matters and where a durable case will see frequent handling.

It is less ideal for work that requires a very flexible or nonmetallic tape, such as runs near sensitive electronics or where magnetism or conductivity is a concern. Buyers who prioritize long-term perfect reliability should note mixed reports on durability and consider the tape as a value-oriented option rather than a lifetime investment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long 240 ft length covers most residential and many commercial jobs without extensions.
• Flat 1/8 in tempered steel reduces coiling and makes the tape easier on the wrists during use.
• High-impact case and handle give the tool added durability and convenient transport.
• Simple unwind and rewind mechanism allows for fast storage between uses.

Cons

• Some customers report inconsistent build quality, with occasional failures after limited use.
• Being steel, the tape lacks flexibility for certain tight or delicate applications where nonmetallic tapes are preferred.

Specifications

Brand	Southwire
Type	Flat steel fish tape
Width	1/8 in
Length	240 ft
Material	Tempered spring steel
Case	High impact, jobsite resistant with carrying handle

Our Verdict

The Southwire 1/8 in 240 ft steel fish tape is a practical, value-oriented choice for electricians and DIY users who need a long, flat steel tape with a rugged case. It balances reach and stiffness for many conduit runs, and while build quality reports are mixed, its features and price make it a good option for routine jobs where a durable case and easy rewind matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pay out and reel in the tape?
To pay out, pull on the fish tape itself while wearing gloves; to reel in, rotate the case in reverse while holding the handle to avoid jams.

Is the tape suitable for long conduit runs?
Yes, the 240 ft length and flat tempered steel are intended for long runs and help reduce coiling during use.

Will the steel tape damage wires or electronics?
Because it is steel, avoid use near sensitive electronics where metallic contact or magnetism is a concern; for those cases consider a nonmetallic alternative.