I recently discovered that my builder installed a pull string in a 1" conduit for future electrical work but didn't tie a knot on one end. Now, the string has retracted about 7 feet into the conduit. I've verified this with an endoscope. The conduit runs straight up inside the wall, making it tricky to retrieve the string. I've attempted several methods like using a vacuum (couldn't get the right seal) and attaching a hook to my endoscope (which didn't work since there's no knot to grab onto), and I even reached out to the builder, but they weren't any help. What can I do to pull this string out?
3 Answers
You might want to try using a vacuum to get a new pull string. Attach a plastic bag or a lightweight balloon to a string, tie that to your original pull string, and then use the vacuum on the other end to pull it through quickly. It sounds a bit tricky, but it should work! I even found a video showing a similar method, which might help visualize it better.
Awesome, I’ll give that a shot. Thanks for sharing!
If your conduit is straight up, consider blowing some compressed air into it from the other end. This could help push your pull string through without needing to retrieve it manually. You can also try tying a small object at the end of a separate string to form a seal and then use the air pressure to push everything through. Just be careful of any bends in the conduit that might complicate things.
Good thought! I've seen this done successfully; just make sure to create a good seal.
That's a clever idea! I'll definitely try this air pressure method, sounds less invasive.
Another alternative is to run some fish tape through the conduit to create a new pull string. It can be tough since 7 feet is quite deep, but accessing the next point might make this easier. Just tie the new pull string to the fish tape and pull it back through. This way, you can avoid the headache of trying to get the old one back.
Fish tape sounds like a good solution! I'll see if I can access the next point.
Yes! That's exactly what we usually do on bigger jobs. Saves a lot of trouble.
Yeah, that method can work really well! Just make sure your vacuum has enough power to pull it through.