Which cable rod set to buy

[Gringoking88]

Hi all,

Title says it all really, I'm looking to buy a set of cable rods and looking for recommendations from those more familiar with them. I was looking at something like the below but TBH not sure what the difference is:

Super Rod Cable Rod Deluxe Set - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/super-rod-cable-rod-deluxe-set/33980

Or

Super Rod Cable Rod Set 6Pcs - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/super-rod-cable-rod-set-6pcs/81513

Main reason I need them now is to go across a ceiling void but happy to spend a bit more for future investment.

Let me know what you guys recomenend and that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Martin.

 

[HandySparks]

I have the bigger of the Super Rod sets. More rods of each type (different flexibility) and more accessories than the smaller set. It's very useful. I add extra rods and accessories from time to time.

 

[HandySparks]

Just noticed that there's a bigger set with more rods and includes some cable pulling socks, which I had to buy separately:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/super-rod-cable-rod-mega-set/44025

 

[HandySparks]

Oh no! Now you've got me looking, I've spotted that they do a carrying case to keep your accessories together with your rods. Looks like I'll have to get one.

Who says I'm a tool tart?

Super Rod Carry Case 1220mm - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/super-rod-carry-case-1220mm/58774

 

[Gringoking88]

LOL, its addictive, whats the reach of these things would you estimate?

 

[willy fixit]

I started off with the 'tool box set" and 9 times out of 10 it's all I need but now I've extended it with a few extra long rods and the set of socks!
It's all good and you will use it/need it one day and be glad you splashed out!

 

[HandySparks]

LOL, its addictive, whats the reach of these things would you estimate?

Across a surface, perhaps with small obstacles, the reach is many metres. You just push it away, adding rods as required, and flick it over obstacles. You can get a sort of 'glider' end which helps to get it over stuff and stops the end digging in. Over a void or major obstacles, you need to use the stiffest rods (black). You'll get several metres before they droop too much. Sometimes you need several stiff rods with a droopy one on the far end to drop through a hole and allow a cable to be attached.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

If there are any electrical trade shows on by you soon, then go along as super rod are often present with very very good discounts. Just avoid ebay as far too many fakes on there, amazon less so but only buy from amazon not 3rd party sellers.

 

[123]

What can a £100 set of 10 * 1m rods do that a £10-£15m set can't?

 

[HandySparks]

What can a £100 set of 10 * 1m rods do that a £10-£15m set can't?

I guess that depends on what other useful bits and pieces the cheap set comes with. Also, I've had a Super Rod set for a few years now without a breakage. It's a fair bet that a cheap set won't be so robust.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I am just coming to the end of my second set of these (in around 8yrs I think): Cable Access Kit 10m - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/cable-access-kit-10m/82483

Always found them ok to be honest. They last a good while. Only seem to break at mid point if pushed. For house bashing they defo do the job, and don't really see the need for different levels of flexibility for that purpose. In a different setting then flexibility may be an issue and really useful to have, but for domestics they are fine.
I recently got some of the shorter 300mm rods (not from the links) as I thought it would be useful to have a few in my bag to save traipsing to the van. They were carp and constantly broke off at the juncture between the brass ends.

I have found the most important accessory to have when fishing is the hook. Most other bits like the cable socks and eyelets can be fashioned easily enough.

 

[static zap]

Super rods ..44025 --specs tab..
Spoted specs 1295. kg that will be a costly post !
(sure its an error)

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

ok I bought Super Rod Cable Rod Mega Set - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/super-rod-cable-rod-mega-set/44025
and have used it several times and not been disappointed ...
until..... one day going from one back box into another. I was feeding a cable into a small knockout gap. I had to use a long tie wrap as it was more flexible .
It was a gyproc wall and I was feeding into the rear of one box to another the super rod wasn't flexible enough to get through the gap and then along and back through the knockout.
so may I suggest that you also buy a long tie wrap to add as part of the kit

all joking aside its saved me hours of frustration having this kit.

 

[willy fixit]

What can a £100 set of 10 * 1m rods do that a £10-£15m set can't?

Stay in one piece!

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Had my set for years and wouldn't be without it. Get the biggest/most comprehensive set you can afford...IMHO

 

[telectrix]

i got a set of super rods. also a cheap set (£7.99 from aldi). the super rods only come out where ther is no chance of snapping or losing. for most domestic work, the aldi rods are used.

 

[kingeri]

I'm glad you said that Tel, I have an Aldi set and a Superod set. Was a bit embarrassed to mention the Aldi ones but for most jobs they're actually alright!

 

[telectrix]

I'm glad you said that Tel, I have an Aldi set and a Superod set. Was a bit embarrassed to mention the Aldi ones but for most jobs they're actually alright!

course they are. onlytool tarets insist on the £60 super rods, then moan their bollox off when they get stuck in a void ( the rods, not their bollox)

 

[Toneyz]

We've got a cheap set and has served our needs well over the years. I did ask on the forum some time ago whether the super rod accessories fit on them must be a thread size.

 

[kingeri]

Left my rods at home a few weeks ago, used lengths of cane taped together. Always the professional.

 

[Dave OCD]

I know of a super rod which has been tightly wedged under roof tiles for a number of years, abandoned. Someone told me about it.

 

[MJPD29]

I have a set of cheap rods but for smaller things the coat hanger in all its glory works a treat

 

[DC-backfrom the past]

I only bought the superod set as I got a voucher from the place that sells them.
It was the super rod set or 10000 wagos

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I only bought the superod set as I got a voucher from the place that sells them.
It was the super rod set or 10000 wagos

10000 wagos. That would keep you going for a while!

 

[Mike Johnson]

My super rods also do double duty as small dia drain clearing rods.

 

[7029 dave]

oval tube and a coat hanger cheap as chips. (coat hanger for fishing) Never failed me.

 

[Dave OCD]

In the past a length of trunking lid with coat hanger hook taped to one end has helped me out many a time.

 

[7029 dave]

In the past a length of trunking lid with coat hanger hook taped to one end has helped me out many a time.

Its so easy Dave init, but the new guys coming through must think we are dinosaurs.(keep it basic)=results

 

[Dave OCD]

I suppose we could be classed as dinosaurs in a way Dave, but our experience must be of some value.

 

[Dave OCD]

My super rods also do double duty as small dia drain clearing rods.

So you use them in peoples homes potentially covered in sh1te ?!

 

[7029 dave]

I suppose we could be classed as dinosaurs in a way Dave, but our experience must be of some value.

That's what I like about this forum there must be hundreds of years of experience between all of us here, learning all the time. (and me still learning)

 

[Mike Johnson]

Nah I throw them in their pool first to disinfect them.

 

[Cainey]

Many a time a confused decorator has turned around to find the handle of his 10L magnolia missing, while a rather sheepish looking Sparky exits stage left with it expertly concealed up his sleeve!!!

 

[sam400]

The armeg set are a good alternative as they are half the price of the super rods.
I have yet to snap one and they don’t leave fibreglass splinters in your hands like the cheap blue sets!

 

[vjsmarwick]

well i ave the cheap and cheerful set and make do with them for one reason only ! the wife treated me to an expensive set long time ago now stuck them in the boot of the car a few days later and as i slammed the boot closed they slipped and a 10 piece set quickly became a 20 piece set ! was totally gutted but could have been worse could have been my fingers lol

 

[Dave OCD]

Dave Jenkins - Could you kindly enlighten me on what you believe is bad spelling in post 29 ?

 

[123]

Dave Jenkins - Could you kindly enlighten me on what you believe is bad spelling in post 29 ?

The full stop before the smilie I reckon.

 

[Dave OCD]

Well I see you did the very same, so it must be correct ?

 

[7029 dave]

Kin grammer police, oh did I spell that correct, because there is a great red line underneath. oops

 

[vjsmarwick]

I almost mistakenly thought this was an electricians forum no a course on English grammar and considering I’m in the far north English is foreign to me anyway !

 

[NDG Elecs]

I suspect it was accidentally pressed on a smartphone Dave. I have done it a few times now whilst half dozing, only to unclick promptly when awake again!

 

[Mike Johnson]

Oh why did I change from my Nokia 6210, only used to charge it once a month.

 

[I2C]

My best advice - buy a cheap set of 1m rods!

Regardless of how much you pay for your rods, they will all wear-out and/or snap eventually. This set is under £10 and has worked fantastically, I've actually bought two sets myself!

Also, 1m rods are the best length, they are easy to carry around but long enough to work well, and when your college asks "I can see it, how far have you pushed it?" you can easily count the number of rods connected to give an answer in meters... simple.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CABLE-ACCE...8&qid=1512099977&sr=8-1&keywords=cable+rod+1m

 

[vjsmarwick]

The biggest problem I find is the brass ends pulling apart if it’s in the slightest way tight or even if it’s just the brass part hooked on the edge of a bit of wood

 

[Mike Johnson]

Have not had that problem with my set, I have however twisted a rod apart by using it in a battery drill to try and get past a particular difficult beam in a finished ceiling, but it worked eventually.

Mega Cable Rod Set - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/FXCRMX.html

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Not cheap but also consider :C.K MightyRod PRO Cable Rods 12m Super Set T5422 - http://cktools-superstore.co.uk/epages/eshop841008.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop841008/Products/T5422
I could be biased though!

 

[Phil Thompson]

I got a super rod mega set, have a £25 blue set as well, but the Mega set with all its accessories means it has far more uses and should in theory save time than using the cheaper blue rods.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Dave Jenkins - Could you kindly enlighten me on what you believe is bad spelling in post 29 ?

Pressed the wrong tick....sorry!
I've amended the error of my ways.....

 

[I2C]

[QUOTE="I have however twisted a rod apart by using it in a battery drill to try and get past a particular difficult beam.[/QUOTE]
I love this! I've never used a cable-rod in a drill myself, however I fully understand your reasoning - if the rod spins fast-enough, it will bend through the centrifugal-forces, hopefully enough to avoid something blocking it's path. It's likely that I will try this soon!

I've also found that taping a 6mm CSA wire to the leading-end of the rod (while rotating and gently pushing) can guide the rod through tight-spots.
Also, if you tape several-loops of sleeving to the leading-end of the rod, you can pull-it through tight-spots by combining it with another rod with a hook on the other-end.

 

[static zap]

[QUOTE="I have however twisted a rod apart by using it in a battery drill to try and get past a particular difficult beam.

..........Not sure I'm into this option, having burnt myself on a chuck recently, never mind adiabatic equation ..friction comes to mind ! , For thermal damage !