Patent Publication Number: US-2021163255-A1

Title: Fish tape assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/832,984 filed on Apr. 12, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/361,344 filed on Mar. 22, 2019, which claims priority to the following three U.S. Provisional patent applications, the entire contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference: (1) No. 62/647,201 filed on Mar. 23, 2018; (2) No. 62/732,216, filed on Sep. 17, 2018; and (3) 62/774,707, filed on Dec. 3, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fish tape assemblies, and more particularly to fish tape tools and fish tape drums for use with fish tape tools. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides, in one aspect, a fish tape assembly comprising a fish tape tool including a housing, a chamber defined in the housing and a motor supported by the housing. The fish tape assembly further comprises a fish tape drum configured to be inserted into the chamber of the housing. The fish tape drum contains a fish tape and includes a rotatable drum portion configured to rotate in response to receiving torque from the motor. Each fish tape drum contains a different type of fish tape. The fish tape tool includes a sensor configured to detect which type of fish tape is in the fish tape drum inserted into the chamber of the housing. 
     The present invention provides, in another aspect, a method of setting a torque level of a motor of a fish tape tool, such that the motor can rotate a fish tape drum. The method comprises inserting the fish tape drum into the fish tape tool, and detecting, with a sensor on the fish tape tool, a type of fish tape in the fish tape drum. The method further comprises, in response to detecting the type of fish tape in the fish tape drum, setting the torque level of the motor, and rotating the fish tape drum with the motor at the set torque level. 
     The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a fish tape drum comprising a frame and a drum portion rotatable relative to the frame. The drum portion has an outer wall and an inner wall. The fish tape drum further comprises a length of fish tape arranged between the inner and outer walls, and a constricting assembly configured to bias the length of fish tape toward the inner wall. 
     The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a fish tape drum comprising a frame including a lead channel and an exit. The lead channel leads to the exit. The fish tape drum further comprises a drum portion rotatable relative to the frame. The drum portion has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a circumferential wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The drum portion further comprises a length of fish tape arranged between the first and second sidewalls. The length of fish tape is configured to be dispensed from the drum portion through the lead channel and the exit. A central plane is defined at a location that is equidistant from the first and second sidewalls. The lead channel is offset from central plane. 
     The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a fish tape drum comprising a frame and a drum portion rotatable relative to the frame. The drum portion has an outer wall. The fish tape drum further comprises a length of fish tape having an anchor end, an opposite moving end configured to move relative to the drum as the drum rotates relative to the frame, and an intermediate portion in between the anchor end and the moving end. The fish tape drum further comprises a pushing member biased toward the outer wall. The pushing member is configured to push the intermediate portion of fish tape toward the outer wall. 
     The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a fish tape drum comprising a frame and a drum portion rotatable relative to the frame. The drum portion has an outer wall, an inner wall, and a slot arranged between the outer and inner walls. The fish tape drum further comprises an anchor member moveable within the slot between the outer and inner walls, and a length of fish tape having an anchor end secured to the anchor member and an opposite moving end configured to move relative to the drum as the drum rotates relative to the frame. 
     The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a fish tape assembly comprising a fish tape tool including a housing, a chamber defined in the housing and a motor supported by the housing. The fish tape assembly further comprises a fish tape drum configured to be inserted into the chamber of the housing. The fish tape drum includes a frame configured to engage with the housing of the fish tape tool and a drum portion configured to receive torque from the motor of the fish tape tool. The drum portion is rotatable relative to the frame. The drum portion has an outer wall, an inner wall, and a slot arranged between the outer and inner walls. The fish tape drum further comprises an anchor member moveable within the slot between the outer and inner walls, and a length of fish tape having an anchor end secured to the anchor member and an opposite moving end configured to move relative to the drum as the drum rotates relative to the frame. 
     Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a fish tape assembly. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , with portions removed. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , with portions removed. 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of a crank hub of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a crank hub of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , with an outer shelf removed. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a fish tape drum of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , with a door and a crank hub removed and the fish tape drum of  FIG. 6  inserted. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , with the fish tape drum of  FIG. 6  inserted and a crank hub removed. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , with the fish tape drum of  FIG. 6  inserted. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating movement of detent members of a crank hub. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating removal of a crank hub. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating opening of a door. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 13 , illustrating removal of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment, with portions removed. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14 , with portions removed. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged perspective view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14  received in a fish tape tool. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14  with a first insert and a second insert inserted into a drum portion. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14  with a third insert inserted into a drum portion. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of nozzle of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14  with a fourth insert inserted into a drum portion. 
         FIG. 26  is an enlarged perspective view of a separator rib of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a plan view of the separator rib of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an intermediate wall of a drum portion of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 14 , according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate wall of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an anchor end of a fish tape coupled to an anchor, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view a fish tape assembly according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 31 , with a fish tape drum removed. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a fish tape drum of the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 31 , with portions removed. 
         FIG. 34  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a fish tape tool. 
         FIG. 35  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a fish tape tool. 
         FIG. 36  is a schematic view of another embodiment of a fish tape tool. 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of a plurality of fish tape drums for use with the fish tape assembly of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective, partially exploded, view of an intermediate wall of a drum portion of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 28 , according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  is a schematic plan view of the intermediate wall of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is a plan view of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment of the invention, with portions removed. 
         FIG. 41  is an exploded view of a constricting assembly of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the constricting assembly of  FIG. 41 , with portions removed. 
         FIG. 43  is an enlarged plan view of a fish tape drum according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view of the fish tape drum of  FIG. 43 . 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a fish tape assembly includes a fish tape tool  10  having a housing  14 , a motor  18  ( FIG. 3 ) for driving an output reel  22  ( FIG. 2 ), and a selectively removable and rechargeable battery  26  for powering the motor  18 . The fish tape tool  10  receives a fish tape drum  30  ( FIG. 6 ) that contains a length of fish tape  32  having a moving end  34  extending out of the fish tape drum  30  and the fish tape tool  10 . As explained further below, when the fish tape drum  30  is received in the fish tape tool  10 , the output reel  22  can rotate to move the moving end  34  out of or into the housing  14 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  14  includes a base  38  and a door  42  having an inner edge  44  defining an aperture  46 . The door  42  is pivotably coupled to the base  38  via a hinge joint  48 . An interior chamber  50  is defined within the housing  14 . The door  42  moves with respect to the base  38  between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ), in which the interior chamber  50  is not accessible, and an open position, in which the interior chamber  50  is accessible. The open position is shown in  FIG. 2 , with the door  42  removed for clarity, and in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . A latch  54  on the base  38  is slideable between a locked position, in which the door  42  is locked in the closed position, and an unlocked position, in which the door  42  may be pivoted to the open position. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the housing  14  includes a handle  56  coupled to the base  38 . The handle  56  includes a trigger  58  for actuating the motor  18  and a directional shuttle  62  that can slide between a dispensing position and a retracting position. In the dispensing position, the motor  18  and the output reel  22  rotate in a dispensing direction, such that the fish tape  32  is dispensed from the fish tape drum  30  (and tool  10 ). In the retracting position, the motor  18  and the output reel  22  rotate in a retracting direction that is opposite the dispensing direction, such that the fish tape  32  is retracted into the fish tape drum  30  (and tool  10 ). The handle  56  includes a light  64 , such as an LED, that is illuminated when the trigger is depressed  58  to actuate the motor  18 . 
     The fish tape tool  10  also includes a controller  65  for variably controlling the speed of the motor  18 , and thus the speed at which the fish tape  32  is dispensed or retracted. In some embodiments, the controller varies the speed of the motor  18  in response to a degree of depression of the trigger. In some embodiments, the controller  65  varies the speed of the motor  18  based on pulse width modulation. In some embodiments, the fish tape tool  10  includes a potentiometer to vary the speed of the motor  18 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the base  38  includes a channel  66  leading from the interior chamber  50  to an exit  70  out of the housing  14 . The channel  66  includes a hall effect sensor  72 , whose function will be described later herein. The base  38  also includes radially inward-extending ribs  74 . With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the output reel  22  includes radially outward-extending legs  78  and a keyway recess  82 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , the fish tape tool  10  includes a transmission  86  for transferring torque from the motor  18  to the output reel  22 . The transmission  86  terminates in a drive key  90  arranged in the keyway recess  82 , such that the output reel  22  can receive torque from the transmission  86 , and thus rotate relative to the base  38 . In some embodiments the transmission  86  includes a clutch mechanism. As explained in further detail below, the clutch mechanism is used to disconnect the output reel  22  from the transmission  86 , such that torque cannot be transferred from the output reel  22  to the transmission  86 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , the fish tape tool  10  includes a crank hub  94  including an outer shelf  98 , an inner shelf  102 , and a pair of detent members  106  between the outer and inner shelves  98 ,  102 . The detent members  106  each include a radially outward-extending lip  110  and an axially extending tab  114 . The detent members  106  are moveable between radially inward and outward positions, as explained in further detail below. 
     The outer shelf  98  includes a lever  118  moveable between an extended position shown in  FIG. 1  and a collapsed position shown in  FIG. 5 . The lever  118  includes a detent  122  that is receivable in a recess  126  extending through the outer and inner shelves  98 ,  102 , such that when the lever  118  is moved to the collapsed position of  FIG. 5 , the lever  118  is locked against the crank hub  94  unless an operator pulls the detent  122  out of the recess  126 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the inner shelf  102  includes radially outward-extending legs  130  in which radially outward-extending recesses  134  are defined on each leg  130 . Thus, the crank hub  94  may be engaged for rotation with the output reel  22  by setting the legs  78  of the output reel  22  within the recesses  134  of the crank hub  94 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the fish tape drum  30  includes a drum portion  138  including first and second clamshells  142 ,  146 . The drum portion  138  retains the length of fish tape  32  and defines radially outward-extending recesses  150  at an inner diameter  154  thereof. A frame  158  is arranged between the first and second clamshells  142 ,  146  of the drum portion  138  and defines an exit  162  for the fish tape  32 . The frame  158  also defines radially inward-extending recesses  166  at an outer edge  170  thereof. As explained in further detail below, the drum portion  138  is rotatable relative to the frame  158 . 
     This fish tape  32  includes an anchor end that is opposite of the moving end  34 . The anchor end of the fish tape  32  is anchored within the drum portion  138  of the fish tape drum  30 . In some embodiments, the anchor end of the fish tape  32  is anchored within the fish tape drum  30  at the inner diameter  154  of the drum portion  138  by a screw boss. Proximate the anchor end, the length of fish tape  32  includes a detectable element, such as a magnet that is detectable by the hall effect sensor  72  in the channel  66 . Thus, during a dispensing operation, when a predetermined amount of fish tape  32  has been dispensed out from the fish tape tool  10 , the magnet passes by the hall effect sensor  72 , which sends a signal to the controller  65 . In response to the signal, the controller  65  determines that the predetermined amount of fish tape  32  has been dispensed out of the fish tape tool, and alerts the operator, e.g. via a different color or flashing pattern from the light  64 , that the predetermined amount of fish tape  32  has been dispensed. 
     To install the fish tape drum  30  in the fish tape tool  10 , an operator slides the latch  54  to the unlocked position and then pivots the door  42  to the open position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The operator then inserts the fish tape drum  30  into the interior chamber  50 , aligning the exit  162  of the frame  158  with the channel  66  of the base  38  and the ribs  74  with the recesses  166  of the frame  158 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Thus, the frame  158  of the fish tape drum  30  is prevented from rotating with respect to the base  38 . The operator then positions the fish tape  32  in the channel  66  and arranges the moving end  34  outside of the exit  70  of the housing  14 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The operator then closes the door  42  and moves the latch  54  to the locked position, thereby securing the fish tape drum  30  within the internal chamber  50  of the housing  14 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, the operator may now operate the fish tape tool  10  to dispense fish tape  32  from the housing  14  without insertion of the crank hub  94 , because the legs  78  of the output reel  22  are positioned within the recesses  150  of the drum portion  138  of the fish tape drum  30 . However, the subsequent operation described below will include insertion of the crank hub  94  into the housing  14  and operation therewith. 
     To insert the crank hub  94  into the housing  14 , the operator pushes the tabs  114  of the detent members  106  of the crank member  94  radially inward, causing the detent members  106  to be held in a radially inward position ( FIG. 9 ). The crank hub  94  may then be inserted through the aperture  46  of the door  42 , in an alignment whereby the legs  78  of the reel output  22  are arranged in the recesses  134  of inner shelf  102  of the crank hub  94 , and the legs  130  of the inner shelf  102  are received in the recesses  150  of the drum portion  138 . Thus, the crank hub  94  is locked for rotation with the output reel  22  and the drum portion  138  is locked for rotation with the crank hub  94 . Once the crank hub  94  has been inserted, the operator moves the tabs  114  outward, causing the detent members  106  to move to a radially outward position, such that the lips  110  are captured underneath the edge  44  of the door  42 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Thus, the crank hub  94  is axially locked with respect to the housing  14 , and now prevented from slipping out of the aperture  46 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the drum portion  138  is rotatable relative to the frame  150  by virtue of an inner edge  174  of the frame  158  being positioned within a channel  178  defined between the first and second clamshells  142 ,  146  of the drum portion  138 . The length of fish tape  32  stored in the drum portion  138  has been omitted from  FIG. 9  for clarity. 
     With the fish tape drum  30  and the crank hub  94  secured in the housing  14 , the operator may now operate the fish tape tool  10 . The operator slides the shuttle  62  to the dispensing position and depresses the trigger  58 , thereby actuating the motor  18 . The transmission  86  transmits torque from the motor  18  to the reel output  22  via the drive key  90  in the keyway recess  82 . Because the legs  78  of the output reel  22  are arranged in the recesses  134  of the crank hub  94 , and the legs  130  of the crank hub  94  are received in the recesses  150  of the drum portion  138 , the crank hub  94  transmits rotation from the output reel  22  to the drum portion  138 . As the drum portion  138  of the fish tape drum  30  rotates, the moving end  34  of the fish tape  32  is forced to move away from tool  10  and through, e.g., a conduit or wall. 
     As described above, if the operator completely depresses the trigger  58 , the controller  65  causes the motor  18 , and thus the fish tape  32 , to move at a first, maximum speed. If the operator partially depresses the trigger  58 , the controller  65  causes the motor  18 , and thus the fish tape  32 , to move a second speed that is slower than the first speed. While the operator is depressing the trigger  58  and the fish tape  32  is being dispensed, the light  64  is illuminated to indicate to the operator that fish tape is being dispensed. When the predetermined amount of fish tape  32  has been dispensed out from the fish tape tool  10 , the magnet on the fish tape  32  passes by the hall effect sensor  72 , which sends a signal to the controller  65 . In response to the signal, the controller  65  alerts, e.g. via the light  64 , the operator that the predetermined amount of fish tape  32  has been dispensed. With this notification, the operator releases the trigger  58 , thus stopping the motor  18 . 
     In order to retract the fish tape  32  back into the tool  10  and fish tape drum  30 , the operator may slide the shuttle  62  to the retracting position, thus switching the rotational direction of motor  18  and fish tape drum  30 , and operate the motor  18  to reel in the fish tape  32  by depressing the trigger  58 . At some point during retraction, it is possible that the fish tape  32  may become entangled within a conduit or wall, or the moving end  34  may become caught or snagged. To prevent damage to the motor  18  and transmission  86 , the controller  65  is capable of determining that the fish tape  32  has become entangled or snagged and in response, deactivates the motor  18 . In some embodiments, the controller  65  monitors the current drawn by the motor  18  from the battery  26  during operation. If and when the fish tape  32  becomes snagged or entangled, the amount of current that the motor  18  draws will be above a predetermined threshold. The controller  65  detects that the current drawn is above the predetermined threshold, and in response deactivate the motor  18 . 
     Instead of powered retraction, as some point the operator may switch the lever  118  to the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and crank the fish tape  32  back into the tool  10  manually, via the crank hub  94 . Specifically, as the operator rotates the lever  118 , and thus the crank hub  94 , with respect to the housing  14 , the drum portion  138  of the fish tape drum  30  is also caused to rotate because the legs  130  of the crank hub  94  are locked in the recesses  150  of the drum portion  138 . Rotation of the crank hub  94  also causes rotation of the output reel  22 , because the legs  78  of the output reel  22  are arranged in the recesses  134  of the crank hub  94 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lever  118  is used to overcome the cogging torque of the motor  18 . In other words, as the crank hub  94  is manually rotated, the output reel  22  rotates and transfers torque back through the transmission  86 . 
     In other embodiments, however, a clutch mechanism is included to decouple the output reel  22  from the transmission  86 , allowing the output reel  22  to spin freely with respect to the transmission  86  when the crank hub  94  manually rotates the output reel  22 . Thus, in embodiments with a clutch, torque is not transmitted back from the output reel  22  to the transmission  86  as the operator manually cranks the crank hub  94  with the lever  118 . For instance, upon the lever  118  being moved to the extended position, the crank hub  94  may push the key  90  out of the keyway recess  82 , such that the output reel  22  may rotate relative to the transmission  86  when it receives torque from manual rotation of the crank hub  94 . Though manual operation of the tool  10  via the crank hub  94  is described here with respect to retracting the fish tape  32  into the tool  10 , manual operation via the crank hub  94  can also be used to dispense fish tape  32  from the tool  10 . 
     Once the fish tape  32  has been retracted into the tool  10 , the operator may need to use a new fish tape drum  30  with a new type of fish tape  32  that is different from the current fish tape  32 . For instance, the operator may need to change between conductive and non-conductive fish tape  32 . Thus, the operator must remove the currently-installed fish tape drum  30 . 
     To remove the fish tape drum  30 , the operator moves the tabs  114  of the detent members  106  of the crank hub  94  radially inward, causing the detent members  106  to be held in a radially inward position, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The lips  110  of the detent members  106  are thus moved radially inward of edge  44 , allowing the crank hub  94  to be removed from the aperture  46  of the door  42 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The latch  54  is then moved to the unlocked position, allowing the door  42  to be moved to the open position, as shown in  FIG. 12 . The operator is then able to remove the fish tape drum  30 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , and replace it with a different fish tape drum  30 , as described above. 
       FIGS. 14-17, 19, 31 and 33  illustrate a different embodiment of a fish tape drum  182 . The fish tape drum  182  includes a drum portion  186  including first and second clamshells  190 ,  194 . The first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  are each separately and rotatably supported by a frame  202  of the fish tape drum  182 . A length of fish tape  196  (omitted in  FIGS. 15-17  and  FIG. 33  for clarity) is retained between the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  of the drum portion  186 . Each of the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  of the drum portion  186  defines radially outward-extending recesses  198  that serve the same function as the recesses  150  of the drum portion  138  of fish tape drum  30 . The first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  of the drum portion  186  are jointly rotatable relative to the frame  202  in the same manner as the drum portion  138  is rotatable relative to the frame  158  of the fish tape drum  30 , as explained above, in order to dispense or retract the fish tape  196  from or into the fish tape drum  182 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14, 19 and 31 and 33  the frame  202  may include a shelf portion  204 . Thus, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 14-17 and 19 and 31-33 , the fish tape tool  10  omits door  42  as shown in  FIG. 32  and instead, when the fish tape drum  182  is received in the interior chamber  50 , the shelf portion  204  of the frame  202  rests on the base  38  of the housing  14  of the tool  10 , as shown in  FIG. 31 . Latches  205  on the fish tape tool  10 , such as over-center latches, are used to secure the shelf portion  204  to the base  38  in order to prevent the fish tape drum  182  from slipping out of the base  38 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 31-33 , the shelf portion  204  includes hooks  207  engagable by the latches  205  and gripping recesses  208  graspable by the operator to insert or remove the fish tape drum  182  into the interior chamber  50  of the fish tape tool  10 . Also, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 14-17 and 19 and 31-33 , the crank hub  94  is omitted and thus, the output reel  22  rotates the drum portion  186  of the fish tape drum  182  directly, via the arrangement of legs  78  of the output reel  22  in the recesses  198  of the drum portion  186 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14, 15 and 17 , the frame  202  includes a nozzle  206  extending from an external surface  210  of the frame  202  and including a nozzle channel  214  defining an exit  216  for the fish tape  196 . With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 17 , the exit  216  of the nozzle channel  214  has an exit width EW and an exit height EH. At least one of the exit width EW and the exit height EH are respectively less than a moving end height MH and a moving end width MW of a moving end  218  of the fish tape  196 , which is arranged outside the fish tape drum  182 . Thus, the moving end  218  is prevented from entering exit  216 . The frame  202  also defines a plurality of radially inward-extending recesses  220  at the external surface  210 , which serve the same function as the recesses  166  of frame  158  of fish tape drum  30 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15-17 and 33 , the frame  202  includes a separator rib  222  extending radially inward from an inner surface  226  of the frame  202 . The separator rib  222  includes a rib channel  230  extending through the rib  222  and leading to the nozzle channel  214 , thus providing a passage for the fish tape  196  to exit and enter the drum portion  186 . In some embodiments, the fish tape  196  is not provided in a single layer design. In other words, the fish tape  196  is not stacked one revolution on top of the next in a single column stack, such that multiple revolutions of the fish tape  196  are arranged approximately on the same plane as one another between the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194 . Instead, the fish tape is freely located throughout the space in between the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194 . In order to prevent the fish tape  196  from tangling and binding as the fish tape  196  is being dispensed from or retracted into the drum portion  186 , the fish tape  196  in the drum portion  186  is prevented by the separating rib  222  from applying pressure against the portion of the fish tape  196  that is exiting or entering the rib channel  230 , nozzle channel  214 , and exit  216 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 15-17 and 33 , the frame  202  includes a diverter rib  234  extending approximately 290° around the circumference of the inner surface  226  of the frame  202 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the diverter rib  234  includes a nose  238  having a first angled face  242  that is not parallel to the first clamshell  190  and a second angled face  246  that is not parallel to the second clamshell  194 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the nose  238  is arranged proximate to and on the same circumferential plane as the rib channel  230 . As the fish tape  196  is retracted into the fish tape drum  182 , instead of becoming frictionally locked on the diverter rib  234 , the fish tape  196  is deflected away from the diverter rib  234  by one of the first or second angled faces  242 ,  246 , such that the fish tape  196  is moved towards and into contact with one of the first or second clamshells  190 ,  194 , which are rotating with respect to the frame  202  during the retraction operation. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 14, 15 and 17 and 19 , the first clamshell  190  includes first slots  250  and the second clamshell  194  includes second slots  254  that are arranged in locations that correspond to the first slots  250 , such that the first and second slots  250 ,  254  are aligned. The first and second slots  250 ,  254  extend between an inner wall  258  defining an inner diameter and an outer wall  262  defining an outer diameter of the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194 , and thus the drum portion  186 . An anchor member, such as pin  266 , is arranged within a first slot  250  and a corresponding second slot  254 . The pin  266  is moveable along the slots  250 ,  254 , between a first position, in which the pin  266  is proximate the inner wall  258 , and a second position, in which the pin  266  is proximate the outer wall  262 . In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of  FIGS. 31-33 , the first clamshell  190  includes just one first slot  250  and the second clamshell  194  includes just one second slot  254 . 
     The fish tape  196  includes an anchor end that is opposite of the moving end  218  and secured to the pin  266 . In a retracting operation, when an operator is retracting the fish tape  196  into the drum portion  186 , the pin  266  will automatically move towards the first position in response to the retracting rotation of the drum portion  186  until the pin  266  arrives at the first position. As the drum portion  186  continues its retracting rotation, the pin  266  will remain in the first position until the retracting operation is completed or the operator stops the retracting operation. Then, if an operator switches to a dispensing operation, as the fish tape  196  is dispensed from the drum portion  186 , the pin  266  will move from the first position towards the second position in response to the dispensing rotation of the drum portion  186  until the pin  266  arrives at the second position. As the drum portion  186  continues its dispensing rotation, the pin  266  will remain in the second position until the dispensing operation is completed or the operator stops the dispensing operation. 
     In another embodiment of fish tape drum  182  shown in  FIG. 18 , the anchor end of the fish tape  196  is secured at a fastening point  270  proximate the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186 . Thus, in the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , when the fish tape drum  182  includes a non-single layer tape, locating the fastening point  270  proximate the outer wall  262  of the drum portion eliminates “back-wind” and prevents the fish tape  196  from fouling when the fish tape  196  is dispensed under load. 
     In a different embodiment of the fish tape drum  182  shown in  FIG. 20 , the drum portion  186  includes an inner annular wall  274  to separate the drum portion  186  into an outer annular chamber  278  and an inner annular chamber  282 . The inner annular wall  274  can be used to limit space inside the drum portion  186  for different types of fish tape. For instance, steel fish tape takes up less volume than the non-conductive fish tape. Thus, an operator can load the steel tape into the outer annular chamber  278 , allowing the steel tape to fit more snugly within the drum portion  186  than in embodiments where the inner annular wall  274  is omitted. In this manner, the time it takes to dispense the steel tape can be reduced after the operator has pulled the trigger  58  for a dispensing operation. 
     In some embodiments, a first insert  286  and a second insert  290  are removably arranged between the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  of the drum portion  186 , such that a channel  294  is defined between the first and second inserts  286 ,  290 , as shown in  FIG. 21 . In some embodiments, the first insert is removably coupled to the first clamshell  190  and the second insert  290  is removably coupled to the second clamshell  194 , such that the first and second inserts  286 ,  290  are respectively coupled for rotation with the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194 , which are coupled for co-rotation themselves. By arranging the first and second inserts  286 ,  290  within the drum portion  186 , the axial spacing between the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  is limited to the channel  294 . Thus, when using single layer fish tape (omitted from  FIG. 21  for clarity), the fish tape is limited to align itself, revolution upon revolution, within the channel  294 . By forcing the single layer fish tape to be a single stacked column of tape within the channel  294 , friction between the revolutions of fish tape is reduced. 
     In some embodiments, a third insert  298  is removably arranged in the drum portion  186  between the inner and outer walls  258 ,  262  of the drum portion  186 , as shown in  FIG. 22 . The first clamshell  190  is clear plastic in  FIG. 22  to illustrate the position of the third insert  298  relative to the inner and outer walls  258 ,  262 . The fish tape  196  is arranged in a circumferential channel  300  between the third insert  298  and the outer wall  258 . A first radial distance D 1  is defined between the inner and outer walls  258 ,  262  of the drum portion  186  and a second radial distance D 2  is defined between the third insert  298  and the outer wall  262 . The second radial distance D 2  is less than the first radial distance D 1 , such that the third insert  298  functions to limit the radial space in which the fish tape  196  is arranged in the drum portion  186 , i.e. the channel  300 , making the third insert  298  an effective addition for shorter-length fish tape  196 . Specifically, by inserting the third insert  298  into the drum portion  186 , the lag time between initiating a feeding operation with trigger  58  and the point at which the moving end  218  of the fish tape  196  begins dispensing is reduced for shorter-length fish tape  196 . 
     In some embodiments, instead of a diverter rib  234 , the frame  202  includes bearings  302  on an inner edge  306  adjacent the inner surface  226 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . Specifically, the bearings  302  are arranged in bores  310  in the inner edge  310  and are configured to rotate with respect to the inner edge  310 . In some embodiments, the bearings  302  are needle bearings. The outer wall  258  of the drum portion  186  is configured to move along the bearings  302  as the drum portion  186  rotates relative to the frame  202 , thus reducing friction between the outer wall  258  and the frame  202 . 
     In some embodiments, the exit  216  for the fish tape  196  is modified such that the exit width EW is wider than the moving end width MW, while the exit height EH still remains less than the moving height MH of the moving end  218  of the fish tape, as shown in  FIG. 24 . The exit width EW is much greater than the exit height EH, such that the fish tape  196  is not restricted as it is dispensed or retracted into the exit  216 . In some embodiments, the length of the exit width EW is more than four times the length than the exit height EH. Also, because the exit height EH is less than the moving height MH of the moving end  218 , the moving end  218  is prevented from being retracted into the exit  216 . 
     In some embodiments, a fourth insert  314  is removably arranged in the drum portion  186 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . The fourth insert  314  has a first wall  318  and a second wall  322  forming a cross-sectional V-shape. An acute angle α is defined between the first and second walls  318 ,  322 . The fourth insert  314  also includes a joining portion  326  that joins the first and second walls  318 ,  322 . The joining portion  326  is approximately parallel to an axis of rotation  330  about which the drum portion  186  rotates. In the illustrated embodiment, the joining portion  326  is spaced from the inner wall  258  of the drum portion  186 . In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of ribs  332  enable the fourth insert  315  to be removably coupled to the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  of the drum portion  186 . A channel  334  is defined between the first and second walls  318 ,  322  and in operation, the fish tape  196  is arranged in the channel  334  (but is omitted from  FIG. 25  for clarity). 
     As shown in  FIG. 25 , a distance between the first and second walls  318 ,  322  increases when moving in a direction from the rotational axis  330  toward the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186 . In other words, the channel  334  gets progressively wider when moving in a direction from the rotational axis  330  toward the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186 . The fourth insert  314  thus provides a wider space for the fish tape  196  near the outer wall  262 , proximate the channel  230  leading to the exit  216 , and a narrower space for the fish tape  196  near joining portion  326 . The progressively widening channel  334  helps the fish tape  196  to layer more evenly in the drum portion  186  and prevents the fish tape  196  from tangling during a feeding operation. The progressively widening channel  334  also helps prevent steel fish tape from binding. 
     In some embodiments of the separator rib  222 , the rib channel  230  arranged in the separator rib  222  is defined by two side walls  338 ,  342  and a bottom wall  346  of the separator rib  222 , as shown in  FIGS. 26, 27 and 33 . The separator rib  222  further includes an angled protrusion  347  extending inwardly from the bottom wall  346  and having an angled edge  348  that forms an acute angle β with respect to the bottom wall  346 . Thus, as the fish tape  196  stacks on itself during a retracting operation, the angled protrusion  347  tends to push the layers of fish tape  196  off to either side of the separator rib  222 , in order to inhibit the fish tape  196  from forming in a single column layered on itself. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 28 and 29 and 31-33  the drum portion  186  includes an intermediate wall  350  coupled between the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  and radially arranged between the inner and outer walls  258 ,  262  of the drum portion  186 . Only the intermediate wall  350  is shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , for clarity. However, the intermediate wall  350  is shown in the drum portion  186  in  FIG. 33 . The fish tape  196  is arranged between the intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262  within the drum portion  186 . 
     The intermediate wall  350  includes a well  354  that functions as a spring seat for a pair of biasing members, such as springs  358 . The springs  358  respectively bias a pair of holding members  362  outwardly from the intermediate wall  350 . The holding members  362  each include an aperture  366  in which the movable anchor, such as the pin  266 , is retained. Thus, the pin  266 , arranged in the slots  250 ,  254  ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ), is biased by the springs  358  toward the second position of the pin  266 , in which the pin  266  is proximate the outer wall  262 , such that during a retracting or dispensing operation, an anchor end  370  of the fish tape  196  is biased toward the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186  to eliminate tangling of the fish tape  196  until the spring force is overcome. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 28, 29 and 31-31 , the first position of the pin  266  is proximate the intermediate wall  350  rather than the inner wall  258 . Thus, the intermediate wall  350  functions as an “inner wall” for the embodiments of  FIGS. 28 and 29 and 31-33 , because the fish tape  192  is arranged between intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262 , and because the pin  266  only moves between the intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 30 , the anchor end  370  of the fish tape  196  is looped over the pin  266  and welded to itself at a weld point  374 , which provides a high strength connection of the fish tape  196  to the pin  266 . 
       FIG. 34  illustrates a fish tape tool  10  that is similar to the fish tape tool of  FIGS. 31-33 , except for the following differences explained below. Specifically, the fish tape tool  10  includes a second motor  378  that is coupled to a drive roller  382  via a belt  386  or second transmission. The drive roller  382  and an adjacent idler roller  390  are arranged proximate the nozzle  206  or rib channel  230  (not shown in  FIG. 34  but see  FIG. 33 ). In the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , the first motor  18  is used only to retract the fish tape  196 . The second motor  378  is included only for dispensing the fish tape  196 , which is wedged between the drive roller  382  and idler roller  390  by a clamping force. Thus, in a dispensing operation, the second motor  378  rotates the drive roller  382  and because the fish tape  196  is clamped between the drive and idler rollers  382 ,  390 , rotation of the drive roller  382  forces the fish tape  196  out of the nozzle  206 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , the first transmission  86  has a clutch to clutch out the first motor  18  during a dispensing operation and the second motor  378  also has a clutch mechanism, such as in the second transmission, to clutch out the second motor  378  during a retracting operation. Thus, during the dispensing operation, even though dispensing of the fish tape  196  causes the drum portion  186  to rotate relative to the frame  202 , thus causing the output reel  22  to rotate, rotation of the output reel  22  is not translated back through to the first motor  18  because of the clutch in the transmission  86 . During a retracting operation, even though retraction of the fish tape  196  causes the drum portion  186  to rotate relative to the frame  202 , thus causing the drive roller  382  to rotate as the fish tape  196  moves between the driver roller  382  and the idler roller  390 , rotation of the drive roller  382  is not translated to the second motor  378  because of the clutch mechanism, e.g., in the second transmission. 
       FIG. 35  illustrates a fish tape tool  10  that is similar to the fish tape tool of  FIG. 34 , except for the following differences explained below. Specifically, the fish tape tool  10  includes the drive roller  382  and idler roller  390  of the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , but omits the second motor  378  and the belt  386  or second transmission. Instead, a belt  394  or second transmission transmits torque between the motor  18  and the drive roller  382 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 35 , the drive and idler rollers  382 ,  390  include one way needle bearings. Thus, during the dispensing operation, the drive roller  382  receives torque from the motor  18  via the belt  394  or second transmission and the fish tape  196  is forced out of the nozzle  206  in a similar manner as in the embodiment of  FIG. 34 . During a retracting operation, as the fish tape  196  is retracted between the drive and idler rollers  382 ,  390 , the drive and idler rollers  382 ,  390  spin freely via the one way needle bearings, such that rotation of the drive roller  382  does not transmit torque back to the motor  18  via the belt  394  or second transmission. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates a fish tape tool  10  that is similar to the fish tape tool of  FIG. 35 , except for the following differences explained below. Specifically, the fish tape tool  10  includes the drive roller  382  and idler roller  390  of the embodiment of  FIG. 34 , but omits the belt  394  or second transmission between the motor  18  and the drive roller  382 . Instead, the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186  of the fish tape drum  182  includes a ring gear  398  that meshes with the drive roller  382 . Thus, during the dispensing operation, the drum portion  186  is rotated by the output reel  22 , causing the ring gear  398  to rotate the drive roller  382 , such that the fish tape  196  is forced out of the nozzle  206  in a similar manner as in the embodiment of  FIG. 35 . During a retracting operation, as the fish tape  196  is retracted between the drive and idler rollers  382 ,  390 , the drive and idler rollers  382 ,  390  spin freely via the one way needle bearings, such that rotation of the drive roller  382  does not transmit torque back to the motor  18  via the ring gear  398 . 
     As discussed above and shown in  FIG. 37 , in some embodiments, there are a plurality of different fish tape drums  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c , each containing a different type of fish tape  196 , such as steel, conductive, non-conductive, etc. Depending on which fish tape drum  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c  is inserted into the fish tape tool  10 , the motor  18  may need to generate a different level of torque to rotate output reel  22  to rotate the drum portion  186  of the fish tape drum  182 , because some fish tapes  196  are relatively weaker or stronger than others. Thus, in some embodiments, the fish tape tool  10  includes a sensor  402  ( FIG. 32 ) to detect what type of fish tape  196  is in the fish tape drum  182  inserted into the chamber  50  of the housing  14 . The sensor  402  is in electrical communication with the controller  65 , which is in communication with the motor  18 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the fish tape drums  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c  includes a detectable element  183   a ,  183   b ,  183   c , such as a magnet, RFID tag, or barcode, that is indicative of the type of fish tape  196  in the respective fish tape drum  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c . The detectable elements  183   a ,  183   b ,  183   c  are respectively detectable by the sensor  402  of the fish tape tool  10  when the respective fish tape drums  182   a ,  182   b ,  182  are received in the chamber  50 . For example, the sensor  402  may be a hall-effect sensor, an RFID reader, or barcode reader. Thus, based on the sensor  402  detecting one of the detectable elements  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c , the controller  65  is able to determine what type of fish tape  196  is in the fish tape drum  182  loaded into the fish tape tool  10 . 
     Based on the type of fish tape  196  determined by the controller  65 , the controller  65  can accordingly adjust the torque that is generated by the motor  18  to rotate output reel  22  without requiring the operator to make any proactive adjustment to the fish tape tool  10 . For instance, when the controller  65  determines that a relatively weaker fish tape  196  is in fish tape drum  182 , the controller  65  will cause the motor  18  to generate less torque than if the controller  65  has detected that a relatively stronger fish tape  196  is in the fish tape drum  182 . Likewise, when the controller  65  determines that a relatively stronger fish tape  196  is in fish tape drum  182 , the controller  65  will cause the motor  18  to generate more torque than if the controller  65  has detected that a relatively weaker fish tape  196  is in the fish tape drum  182 . In this manner, the fish tape tool  10  avoids breaking a relatively weaker fish tape  196  by reducing the torque applied to the drum portion  186  of the fish tape drum  192  via the output reel  22 . Also, the fish tape tool  10  can apply more torque to the drum portion  186  when the fish tape drum  182  contains a relatively stronger type of fish tape  196 . 
     In other embodiments, the detectable element  183  is omitted from the fish tape drum  182 , and the sensor  402  is a weight sensor configured to detect the weight of the fish tape drum  182  and fish tape  196  therein. Thus, based on the weight detected by the sensor  402 , the controller  65  can determine what type of fish tape  196  is in the drum  182  and adjust the torque generated by the motor  18 , as described above. 
     In other embodiments, the detectable element  182  is omitted and the sensor  402  is configured to sense the dielectric constant of the fish tape  196  within the fish tape drum  182 . Thus, the sensor  402  can detect whether the fish tape  196  in the fish tape drum  182  is conductive or non-conductive when the fish tape drum  182  is received in the chamber  50 . Based on whether the sensor  402  has detected conductive or non-conductive fish tape  196 , the controller  65  can determine what type of fish tape is in the drum  182  and adjust the torque generated by the motor  18 , as described above. 
       FIGS. 38 and 39  illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 28 and 29 and 31-33 , with the following differences explained below. In addition to the well  354  which holds the holding member  362 , the intermediate wall  350  also includes a plurality of secondary wells  406 . Like the well  354  which has one or more springs  358 , the secondary wells  406  each include one or more pusher springs  410 . However, unlike the well  354  and springs  358 , the one or more pusher springs  410  of the secondary wells  406  each bias a respective pushing member  414  radially outward from the intermediate wall  350  and toward the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186  of the fish tape drum  182 . Thus, like the embodiments of  FIGS. 28 and 29 and 31-33 , the intermediate wall  350  of the embodiment of  FIG. 38  functions as an “inner wall”, because the fish tape  192  is arranged between intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262 , and because the pin  266  only moves between the intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262 . 
     As shown schematically in  FIG. 39 , each pair of adjacent secondary wells  406  and pushing members  414  is equally spaced from one another. In other words, the same angle θ is defined between each pair of adjacent secondary wells  406  and pushing members  414 . Also, the same angle θ is defined between the well  354  for the holding member  362  and anchor  266 , and each of the secondary wells  406  and pushing members  414  adjacent the well  354 , holding member  362  and pin  266 . In the illustrated embodiment, there are three secondary wells  406  and pushing members  414 , such that the angle θ is 90°. However, in other embodiments there can be more pushing members  414 , such that the angle θ is smaller than 90°, and in other embodiments, there can be fewer pushing members  414 , such that the angle is θ greater than 90°. 
     The pushing members  414  each include a body  416  and head  418  oriented transverse to the body  416 . At least a portion of the bodies  416  are arranged in the secondary wells  406  and the heads  418  are arranged outside the secondary wells  406 . In operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 38 and 39 , the pin  266  function exactly as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 28, 29 and 31-33 . However, unlike the embodiment of  FIGS. 28, 29 and 31-33 , the heads  418  of the pushing members  414  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 38 and 39  engage and push an intermediate portion of the fish tape  196  that is in between the moving end  218  and the anchor end  370  radially outward to increase tension of the fish tape  196  and thereby inhibit the intermediate portion of fish tape  196  from becoming tangled in the free space in between the intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 40-42 , in some embodiments, the drum portion  186  of the fish tape drum  182  includes a flexible constricting assembly  422  radially arranged between the intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  262  of the drum portion  186 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 40-42 , only the well  354  for holding members  362  (omitted from  FIG. 40  for clarity) is shown on the intermediate wall  350 , but in other embodiments, the intermediate wall  350  could be the intermediate wall  350  of  FIGS. 38 and 39 , thus including a plurality of secondary wells  406  and pushing members  414 . 
     The flexible constricting assembly  422  includes a channel member  426  that is coupled to the frame  202 . The channel member  426  has a channel  428  leading to the nozzle channel  214 , thus providing a passage for the fish tape  196  to exit and enter the drum portion  186 , similar to the rib channel  230  of  FIG. 17 . The flexible constricting assembly  422  also includes a first inner ring  430  and a second inner ring  434  that are moveable with respect to one another as described in further detail below. The flexible constricting assembly  422  also includes a coupling member  438  coupled to a side of the frame  202  opposite the channel member  426 . The first inner ring  430  is pivotably coupled to the channel member  426  via a first pivot linkage  442 , and the second inner ring  434  is pivotably coupled to the coupling member  438  via a second pivot linkage  446 . In other embodiments, the coupling member  438  is omitted and the second inner ring  434  is pivotably coupled directly to the frame  202  via the second pivot linkage  446 . The first inner ring  430  includes an opening  448  for the fish tape  196  to pass to and from the channel  428  of the channel member  426 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 41 and 42 , the flexible constricting assembly  422  also includes a plurality of constant force springs  450  that are respectively rotatably mounted on posts  454  arranged on the first and second inner rings  430 ,  434 . The constant force springs  450  mounted on the posts  454  of the first inner ring  430  are wrapped around the second inner ring  434  and have ends  458  that are coupled to the second inner ring  434  via fasteners  462 . The constant force springs  450  mounted on the posts  454  of the second inner ring  434  are wrapped around the first inner ring  430  and have ends  458  that are coupled to first inner ring  430  via fasteners  462 . As shown  FIG. 42 , the length of each constant force spring  450  is thus tensioned over the length of the first and second inner rings  430 ,  434 . Therefore, the constant force springs  450  function to apply a constricting force on the first and second inner rings  430 ,  434 , causing them to move toward each other, reducing the diameter of their combined circumference. In turn, the first and second inner rings  430 ,  434  bias the fish tape  196  radially inward toward the intermediate wall  350 . 
     As the first and second inner rings  430 ,  434  are moved toward each other by the constant force springs  450 , the first and second pivot linkages  442 ,  446  pivot radially inward. However, the flexible constrict assembly  442  is flexible, and thus, during a dispensing or retracting operation, as the fish tape  196  is dispensed or retracted into the fish tape drum  182 , the fish tape  196  may tend to move radially outward in the fish tape drum  182 , which in some embodiments can be due to the pin  266  and pushing members  414  biasing the fish tape  182  radially outward. Thus, as the fish tape  196  tends to move radially outward, the first and second inner rings  430 ,  434  expand against the biasing force of the constant force springs  450 , and the first and second pivot linkages  442 ,  446  pivot radially outward to accommodate this expansion. 
     Therefore, the flexible constricting assembly  422  works together with the intermediate wall  350  to keep the fish tape  196  arranged in the limited space therebetween, but also accommodates the radial expansion and contraction of the fish tape  196  during dispensing and retracing operations. For example, without the flexible constricting assembly  422 , when starting a dispensing operation, the fish tape  196  tends to radially expand toward the outer wall  258  of the drum portion  186 . During this radial expansion, the fish tape  196  tends to tangle because of the large volume of free space between the intermediate wall  350  and the outer wall  258 . In contrast, when the flexible constricting assembly  422  is included with the fish tape drum  182 , the flexible constrict assembly prevents said radial expansion, and thus inhibits tangling of the fish tape  196 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  respectively include first and second sidewalls  450 ,  454  of the drum portion  186 , and the first and second clamshells  190 ,  194  together define a circumferential wall  458  extending between the first and second sidewalls  450 ,  454 . A central plane P is defined at a location that is equidistant from the first and second sidewalls  450 ,  454 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 43 and 44 , the nozzle  206 , nozzle channel  214 , and exit  216  of the frame  202  are all shifted to one side of the frame  202 , such that they are all offset from the central plane P and proximate the second sidewall  454 , rather than being intersected by the central plane P, as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 14-19, 26, 27, and 31-33 . Also, instead of locating the separator rib  222  and rib channel  230  (e.g. as shown in  FIG. 15 ) of the frame  202 , such that they are intersected by the central plane P, the frame  202  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 43 and 44  includes an angled rib  462  and a lead channel  466  that are both offset from the central plane P and proximate the second sidewall  454 . The lead channel  466  is in communication with the nozzle channel  214 , such that like the rib channel  230  of  FIG. 15 , the lead channel  466  of  FIGS. 43 and 44  is configured to permit the fish tape  196  to pass between the drum portion  186  and the nozzle channel  214 . 
     By arranging the lead channel  466  and angled rib  462  to be offset from the central plane P and proximate the second sidewall  454 , rather than being intersected by the central plane P, all of the fish tape  196  is arranged to one side of the angled rib  462  and the fish tape  196  is thus less likely to become tangled as it enters and exits the lead channel  466 . In contrast, in the embodiments of  FIGS. 14-19, 26, 27, and 31-33 , with the centrally located separator rib  222  and rib channel  230 , the layers of fish tape  196  are randomly arranged on both sides of the centrally located separator rib  222 , tending to cause the layers of fish tape  196  to become obstructed when the fish tape  196  is fed to the rib channel  230 . 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. 
     Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.