Just figured out a trick for pulling cable through a tight attic space in an old house

Last week in a 1920s bungalow, I was stuck trying to get a line across a low, cramped section. I ended up using a fiberglass push rod with a small magnet taped to the end to guide the cable around a sharp corner. What's your go-to method for those impossible attic runs?

2 comments

2 Comments

walker.hayden1mo ago

Wish I had your foresight! My usual method involves a lot of grunting, dropping the fish tape, and then accidentally putting my foot through the ceiling. That magnet trick is genius, I'm totally stealing it for next time. I usually just end up with a pile of broken rods and a new hole to patch.

elizabeth2201mo ago

Forget the magnet, it's just another thing to lose in the wall. Honestly, sometimes you just gotta accept that fishing wire is a battle of pure stubbornness. All those fancy tricks never work when you're actually up there sweating and cursing. I've had way more luck just using a longer rod and a lot of patience, even if it takes a few tries.