This is a very common question. The key difference lies in their primary function and material rigidity:

• Fish Tape: A fish tape is a flexible, spring-steel or non-conductive plastic tape that is primarily used to pull wires through short, tight, or heavily populated conduits. It is wound on a reel and is best for pulling wires from point A to point B.

• Push Rod: A push rod is a rigid, fiberglass rod designed to push into long or difficult conduits and manholes. Its stiffness allows it to navigate bends and obstacles more effectively than a flexible fish tape.

You should use a push rod for:

• Long conduit runs (e.g., 50 meters or more).

• Navigating multiple bends and obstacles in a conduit.

• Pushing a line through a congested or partially occupied duct.

• underground and manhole-to-manhole cable laying projects.