Milwaukee 48-22-4165 100-Foot Polyester Fish Tape Non-Conductive Tip Triple-Strand

The Milwaukee 48-22-4165 100-Foot Polyester Fish Tape is designed for professional wire and cable fishing in walls, conduit, and electrical applications. The triple-strand polyester tape construction resists kinking after repeated use and delivers greater durability than single-strand alternatives. High flexibility allows the tape to navigate bends and corners that stiffer steel tapes cannot. A non-conductive plastic tip allows safe handling near energized wire and cable in electrical environments. The low-friction case provides smooth payout and easy rewind. A multi-position handle with square inner grip allows comfortable use in any jobsite orientation.

Key Features

• Triple-Strand Polyester Tape — Three-strand construction resists kinking after repeated use; more durable than single-strand polyester tape
• High Flexibility — Navigates tight bends and corners that rigid steel fish tapes cannot; ideal for conduit runs with multiple offsets
• Non-Conductive Tip — Plastic tip for safe use near energized wire and cable in active electrical environments
• Low-Friction Case — Smooth payout during fishing and easy rewind after use
• Multi-Position Handle — Adjustable handle position for comfortable use in confined spaces and varied jobsite orientations
• Square Inner Grip — Square grip profile for secure hold during payout and retrieval

Specifications

• Brand: Milwaukee
• Model: 48-22-4165
• Tape Length: 100 ft
• Tape Width: 0.23"
• Tape Material: Polyester (triple-strand)
• Tip: Non-conductive plastic
• Case: Low-friction
• Handle: Multi-position with square inner grip
• Overall Length: 12"
• Magnetized: No
• Kit Type: Non-kit (fish tape only)
• Dimensions: 13.19" W × 17.3" H × 2.17" D
• Weight: 4.55 lb
• UPC: 045242533305
• MPN: 48-22-4165

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of polyester fish tape over steel fish tape?
Steel fish tape is stiffer and pushes well through straight conduit runs, but it kinks easily, is conductive (a safety hazard near energized circuits), and is harder to navigate through conduit with multiple bends. Polyester fish tape is flexible and navigates curved and offset runs more easily, is non-conductive throughout (not just at the tip), and resists permanent kinking. The trade-off is that polyester has less column strength than steel, making it harder to push through very long straight runs with resistance. For most in-wall and conduit runs under 100 ft with bends and offsets, polyester is the preferred choice for electricians. For long straight pulls through rigid conduit, steel may still have an edge.

What does triple-strand construction mean and why does it matter?
Single-strand polyester fish tape is a single filament that can develop a permanent set (kink) at bend points under repeated use. Triple-strand construction twists three filaments together, distributing flex stress across the strands rather than concentrating it in one. When the tape bends, each strand flexes partially while the twist geometry allows the tape to recover its shape on rewind. The result is a tape that maintains its flexibility and straightness over a longer service life than single-strand alternatives. For professionals using fish tape daily, the triple-strand design reduces how often the tape needs to be replaced due to kinking.

Is the non-conductive tip rated for live electrical work?
The non-conductive plastic tip is designed to prevent the tape tip from making electrical contact with energized conductors during fishing operations. However, this product is not rated as an insulated tool for live electrical work under NFPA 70E, OSHA, or IEC 60900 standards. The tip provides an additional safety margin during incidental contact situations, not a guarantee of protection during intentional contact with energized parts. Always de-energize circuits where possible before fishing wire. If live-work procedures are required, use tools specifically rated and labeled for the voltage involved.

Can this fish tape be used in EMT, rigid conduit, and flexible conduit?
Yes — the 48-22-4165 is suitable for use in EMT (electrical metallic tubing), rigid conduit, and flexible conduit. The high-flexibility polyester tape handles the tighter bend radii of flexible conduit and multi-bend EMT runs better than steel tape. For in-wall fishing without conduit, the flexibility also makes it effective for navigating insulation, blocking, and stud cavities. It is not recommended for pulling wire through innerduct or microduct applications where a purpose-built pulling tape or fish line is the correct tool.