Pulling wire through conduit is possible with a few basic tools and supplies.

It’s easier when you have another person to help you accomplish this task.

Here’s how to pull wire through a conduit using several methods.

Electrical coil pulled through conduit tube

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

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Bends and friction with other wires makewire-pullingchallenging.

The lubricant is a non-conductive gel or slimy, soapy foam that coats the wire, making it slick.

Materials and tools to pull wire through conduit

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Apply it to the wire before pulling it into the conduit.

As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper tool.

Use it with a shop vacuum.

Pull string tied to the wire running loop through the mouse

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Insert Mouse Into Conduit

Insert the mouse at the start of the conduit.

The mouse goes in first, followed by the string.

It is widely available in a range of lengths starting at 25 feet.

Mouse inserted into conduit through opposite end where its pulled from

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Some types are made of nylon without a spool, a more economical tool for a small job.

Feed End of Tape Into Conduit

One end of the fish tape has a hook.

Feed it into the conduit.

Shop vac hose fit into conduit to suck mouse to the end

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

It’s simple and requires no more than a strong string and a long, thin rod.

Use another method for conduits with bends.

Ensure the fishing weight is heavy and narrow enough to get through the conduit.

Mouse pulled on other end of conduit tube

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

This method does not work well with fixed, horizontal conduits.

This method is best when replacing an existing wire with a new one.

Running NM cable inside conduit is not a standard practice and may not be allowed in some localities.

Electrical wires secured to pull string

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Warning

NM cable is not rated for outdoor or wet applications.

Its size makes it difficult to pull and causes it to quickly hit the fill limit.

Wire-pulling lubricants come in several forms: gel, liquid, foam, and wax.

Wires def through conduit tube with pull string

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

They contain additives like silicone that allow the wires to slide more easily.

Wire-pulling lubricant really should be the only lubricant you use.

Fish tape end fed through conduit tube

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Fish tape pushed through conduit tube

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Wire insulation stripped with wire stripper above conduit

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Three wires aligned and then twisted with lineman’s pliers

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Longest wired bent and looped into fish tape

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Electrical tape covering fish tape hook and wire ends

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Lubricant applied wires fed through the conduit tube

The Spruce / Kevin Norris