Tools for pulling out fiber optic cables

Fiber optic cable pulling requires specialized tools such as pulling eyes, capstan pullers, cable pullers, and high-strength ropes to ensure safe and efficient installation.Pulling Eyes and Pulling KitsPulling eyes are essential for attaching fiber optic cables to pulling ropes or mechanical pullers. They secure the cable's strength member (usually aramid yarn) rather than the outer jacket, preventing stretching or damage during the pull. Kits like the Cleerline SSF-PULLEYED are designed for simplex, duplex, and active optical cables, featuring PVC-jacketed aramid yarns and rotating clips to reduce twisting. For multi-strand cables or bundles, the SSF-PULLEYEM includes an aluminum locking nut and durable mesh pull socks to secure the entire bundle during installation .Mechanical and Motorized PullersFor larger or underground installations, mechanical pullers provide controlled tension and reduce manual effort. Examples include:GMP SideWinder Trailer-Mounted Puller: Uses a 32-inch capstan with adjustable tension, powered by a rechargeable battery, ideal for underground telecom cables .TUF-Lugger Lite Cable Puller: Offers gas or electric winch options, compatible with standard sheaves, suitable for fiber optic cables requiring minimum bend radius .Condux Hydraulic Pullers: Provide adjustable speed and tension, capable of pulling up to 1,250 lbs, often used with fiber optic blowers for heavy-duty applications .Pulling Ropes and AccessoriesHigh-strength, low-stretch ropes are critical for safe cable pulling. Composite double braid pulling ropes offer tensile strengths from 5,000 to 42,000 pounds per foot, with factory-spliced pulling eyes for secure attachment. Flexible rods like Fiberfish Wire Fishing Rods or Fibersnake Rods help guide cables through walls, ceilings, or conduits, combining flexibility with sufficient stiffness for maneuvering .Hand Tools for Fiber PreparationBefore pulling, fiber optic cables often require preparation using specialized hand tools:Fiber Optic Strippers (e.g., JIC-125) remove the outer jacket and expose the strength member .Mid-Span Slit & Ring Tools allow access to interior fibers without damaging the cable .Thermal Strippers remove coatings from optical fibers, including baked-on or fluoroacrylate coatings, supporting a range of fiber diameters .Best PracticesAlways pull by the strength member, not the outer jacket, to prevent stretching and damage .Use rotating clips or pull socks to reduce twisting and maintain cable integrity.Select ropes and pullers according to cable weight, length, and minimum bend radius.Ensure all tools are clean, dry, and in good condition to avoid snags or breakage . Using the correct combination of pulling eyes, mechanical pullers, ropes, and hand tools ensures a safe, efficient, and damage-free fiber optic cable installation.