Duct Rodders 101

A good quality duct rodder is one of the staple tools in the telecommunication industry. Each year, we sell duct rodders to customers all over the world. And while most customers come knowing what they want, we often get questions regarding the proper duct rodder for the application.

Some key points that you want to consider when purchasing a duct rodder are the following:

What size duct will you be working in?

The Condux duct rodders we stock and sell have recommended duct ranges for each size rodder:

• 3/6” Duct rodders are recommended for ½” through 1 ¼” conduit.
• ¼” Duct rodders are recommended for 1” through 2 ½” conduit.
• 5/16” Duct rodders are recommended for 1 ½” through 4” conduit.
• 7/16” Duct rodders are recommended for 3” through 6” conduit.
• 9/16” Duct rodders are recommended for 3” through 8” conduit.

What type of pulling strength and bending radius do you need from your rodder?

The Condux duct rodders we stock and sell have specific full strength ratings and bending radius that help you pick the correct tool of the job:

Duct Rod Diameter	Duct Rod Pull Strength - lb	Core O.D - in	Coating O.D. - in	Minimum Bending Radius - in.
3/6”	200	.125	.187	3
¼”	350	.187	.250	5
5/16”	950	.237	.312	7
7/16”	950	.300	.437	11
9/16”	1400	.375	.500	11

What type of rod do I need?
Condux features three distinct types of rodders:

Cobra: These rodders are the highest quality that Condux manufacturers. They are designed for heavy duty applications. They are constructed in such a way to ensure rigidity and strength. They work best in long runs with multiple sweeps ad bends. One of the key design features to the Cobra rods is the braided wrap of reinforcing fibers. These rodders are white and all come with one male and one female end fitting and a tapered head fitting.

Python: These rodders are the most popular design that we sell. They are similar strength characteristics to the Cobra rod, however they are much more flexible. Python rods are blue also come with one male and female end fitting as well as a tapered head.

Mini Cobra: Mini Cobra rods are available only in the 3/16” and ¼” size. They are designed for smaller ducts and shorter runs. They have the same flexibility as the Python rods. The Mini Cobras include two male end fittings and two tapered heads.

We stock a variety of sizes of duct rodders here at our Collegeville warehouse. However, if we do not have the size and length combination that you need, rest assured that we can get you the rodder of your choice quickly. All Condux duct rodders have a one day lead time. Duct rodders are also available with footage or meter markers printed on them from the manufacturer!

One recommendation that we always offer to our customers is buy a rodder slightly longer than your job requires. While rodders are heavy duty and designed to hold up in tough conditions, they sometimes break. Having the extra footage will enable you to splice the rodder back together and extend the life of your investment.

Comstar Supply also stocks a range of accessories for duct rodders. Attachments and accessories range for a mini pulling harness to a flexible leader guide and roller guide. All of these attachments come specific to your rodder size. Condux also offers a complete accessory kit that includes a roller guide, splice kit, epoxy, swivel coupling, tapered head and threaded end fitting in a convenient canvas bag that attaches to your duct rodder cage.

Other accessories available for the duct rodders include a sonde adapter, replacement end fittings, splice repair kits, replacement tapered heads as well as replacement cages and rods.

Regardless of what size rod you need, please remember that every job is different and the recommendations stated here are based upon standard radius bends. If you need more assistant picking out the proper duct rodder, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!