The difference in attic runs after switching to a glow rod

I used to dread pulling cable through old insulation, especially in those tight 1950s houses. About a year ago, I bought a basic 6-foot glow rod for maybe 25 bucks, and it changed the game. Before, a tricky attic run could take me 45 minutes of fishing and cussing. Now, with the rod, I can usually punch through and get my pull string across in under 10. It's not just faster, it keeps the insulation from getting torn up so the homeowner doesn't complain. Anyone have a favorite brand or length for these things?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_abby1mo ago

Glow rods are okay but honestly I still prefer a good fish tape for most jobs. They just feel more solid when you're pushing through packed insulation.

sethtorres1mo ago

Totally get that solid feel with fish tape. When you hit a tight spot in a wall packed with rock wool, the metal tape just powers through without buckling. Glow rods can get springy and fight you when it's really crammed in there. For long straight runs through insulation, nothing beats the control of a good steel tape.

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jana_miller3112d ago

Glow rods vs. fish tape is one thing, but nobody mentions how a glow rod saves your back. Crawling around on your knees in a hot attic goes way faster when you aren't hunched over fighting with a stiff tape for 20 minutes. Less time up there means less sweat dripping down your face into the insulation, which is a win in my book.