One Man Wire Pulling Tools and Methods

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DJFAB

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LHC, Az, US
I've been researching tools and methods for pulling wire with one person, and not really coming up with great answers.
Was hoping some people here might have some tools/methods they liked.
I currently have to do most of my work in remote areas where having a helper is often not possible.
Pulling everything from small branch circuits in 1/2" EMT to 200A feeder circuits in U/G PVC.
I currently have a drill-powered portable 1000 pound puller that works ok-but managing it is difficult and it almost takes two people on the puller end just to manage the tool and rope. It doesn't like to pull flat mule tape at all. It works good and fast with blow line because you don't have to manage the rope/capstan-but the 210 pound breaking strength of blow line leaves that option for only the easiest of pulls.
It seems to me that if you have to have only one person pulling the wire, you need either something to manage the wire spools/ wire going into the pipe, or a remote operated tugger that can stand alone while you manage the infeed.
I realize that the difference between three #12's in a small branch circuit and 1/2" EMT may very well require a totally different tool set than 4/0 aluminum service feeders in 2" PVC. But I'm not really finding any great solutions for either, let alone both.
I had high hopes for the Milwaukee powered fish tapes-but it looks like those are never going to get released to the public to purchase at this point.
I can't be the only one who has to do a bunch of stuff by myself, and there's got to be a better way.
Thanks in advance for any help or ideas!
 
I pull a lot by myself but never big stuff, for smaller stuff I found the rack-a-tiers pull buddy help get the wire into 1/2" through 1" conduit really well without snagging or damaging the wires. I've tried other box mounted systems but they just don't work in all situations, troughs, pull boxes, or in panels. These little guys just get inserted into the conduit, may not work if you have over filled the conduit, but they work on most situations. For larger stuff I use LOTS of lube and try to get the spools in a smooth straight line of sight to the conduit. Really big stuff I find a helper.

All American Pull Buddy protects conductors - Like 'ShoeHorns' for your Wires!

All American Pull Buddy protects wires during conduit pulls, is available for 1/2", 3/4" and 1" Conduits - Makes Wire Pulling a One Man Job!
www.licensedelectrician.com

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Back in the mid 80's I tried to pull #10's through just one 1/2" 90. I had my 10 and 14 year old son and daughter applying the yellow stuff.

I was hanging off the ground holding the wires. They didn't budge. Had to break the 90 and pull from there.

I feel your pain!

Glad those days are in the past.

RC
 
I understand the rationale for not pulling before gluing up pvc. What is the rationale for not allowing to pull as you build for metal, as Rajiv did?
 
Srv52761 said:
I understand the rationale for not pulling before gluing up pvc. What is the rationale for not allowing to pull as you build for metal, as Rajiv did?
Click to expand...

I think it's because of wires laying on the ground getting stepped on and cut against the edges of the conduit before a fitting is installed. I've also heard it was due to how some people used to pull part of a circuit through a conduit and leave 100's of feet of wire exposed on construction sites for weeks or months until the next floor of the building was ready. Then they would pull that wire that has been abused for weeks through the conduit on that floor and then repeat again. Its probably hard for them to differentiate or set a time on how long wire can be pulled in a partially installed wireway.


300.18 Raceway Installations.
(A) Complete Runs. Raceways, other than busways or exposed
raceways having hinged or removable covers, shall be installed
complete between outlet, junction, or splicing points prior to
the installation of conductors. Where required to facilitate the
ARTICLE 300 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WIRING METHODS AND MATERIALS 300.20
2017 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 70 –141
installation of utilization equipment, the raceway shall be
permitted to be initially installed without a terminating connec‐
tion at the equipment. Prewired raceway assemblies shall be
permitted only where specifically permitted in this Code for the
applicable wiring method
Click to expand...
 
I've also used Madison's stingray--not just for low voltage but whatever might snag on a ceiling grid, such as MC cable.


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One other tip is to try to keep the wire moving. Static friction is greater than kinetic friction on the pipe and wires. Also, if larger reels are involved, keeping them spinning keeps the wire/cable coming off.
 
I use these for smaller pulls......
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