1. Introduction
The Greenlee 540-18 Glo Stix are designed to assist professionals in fishing wires through various concealed spaces. These luminescent fiberglass rods provide enhanced visibility in dark environments such as above ceilings, inside walls, or beneath raised floors, making wire installation and retrieval more efficient.
2. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when using any tools. Adhere to the following guidelines:
- Electrical Safety: Before attempting to fish wires, ensure all power to the work area is disconnected at the circuit breaker or fuse box. Verify with a voltage tester.
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate safety glasses to protect against debris and gloves to prevent skin irritation from fiberglass.
- Avoid Over-Bending: While Glo Stix are flexible, excessive or sharp bending can cause the rods to splinter or break. Do not exceed the natural flexibility of the rods.
- Inspect Before Use: Before each use, inspect the rods for any signs of damage, cracks, or splinters. Do not use damaged rods.
- Secure Connections: Ensure all threaded connections between rod sections are securely tightened to prevent accidental disconnection during use.
3. Product Overview
The Greenlee 540-18 Glo Stix kit includes three 6-foot sections of luminescent fiberglass rods, totaling 18 feet in length. Each rod features sturdy steel threaded connectors for secure assembly. The rods are 5/32 inches in diameter, offering a balance of flexibility and rigidity for various applications. A clear, non-metallic storage tube is provided to protect the rods and allow them to "charge" their luminescence when exposed to light.
Figure 3.1: Greenlee 540-18 Glo Stix rod sections.
4. Setup
- Unpack: Carefully remove the Glo Stix sections from their packaging and storage tube.
- Charge Luminescence: Expose the rods to a light source (natural or artificial) for several minutes to activate their glow-in-the-dark properties. The clear storage tube allows for charging even when stored.
- Assemble Rods: Determine the required length for your task. Connect the desired number of 6-foot rod sections by screwing the steel threaded connectors together clockwise until hand-tight. Ensure connections are secure.
- Attach Accessories (Optional): If needed, attach any compatible Greenlee Fish Stix or Glo Stix accessories (e.g., bullet nose, hook) to the end of the assembled rod using the threaded connectors.
5. Operating Instructions
The Glo Stix are designed for guiding and pulling wires through confined spaces. Follow these steps for effective operation:
- Plan Your Path: Before inserting the rod, identify the entry and exit points for the wire and plan the most direct path, considering obstacles.
- Insert Rod: Carefully insert the leading end of the Glo Stix into the access point (e.g., wall cavity, ceiling void). The glowing property will help you track its movement in dark areas.
- Guide Through Obstacles: Use the flexibility of the 5/32" rods to navigate around corners or through tight spaces. Gently push and rotate the rod as needed.
- Attach Wire: Once the leading end of the Glo Stix reaches the desired exit point, attach the wire(s) to be pulled. Use electrical tape or a suitable wire-pulling accessory to secure the wire to the rod end.
- Pull Wire: Carefully pull the Glo Stix back through the path, guiding the attached wire. Maintain a steady, controlled pull. The maximum pulling strength for these rods is 200 lbs. Do not exceed this limit.
- Disassemble and Store: After use, detach the wire, unscrew the rod sections, and return them to the clear storage tube.
Figure 5.1: Close-up of a Glo Stix threaded connector.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe down the rods with a clean, damp cloth after each use to remove dirt or debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the fiberglass or luminescent coating.
- Storage: Always store the Glo Stix in their provided clear, non-metallic storage tube. This protects them from physical damage and allows them to absorb ambient light, keeping them charged for future use. Store in a cool, dry place.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the rods for any signs of wear, splintering, or damage to the threaded connectors. Replace any damaged sections immediately to ensure safe and effective operation.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Rods do not glow brightly. | Insufficient exposure to light. | Expose rods to a strong light source (sunlight or artificial light) for several minutes before use. |
| Rod sections are difficult to connect or disconnect. | Debris in threads or cross-threading. | Clean threads thoroughly. Ensure sections are aligned correctly before twisting to avoid cross-threading. |
| Rod splinters or breaks during use. | Excessive bending force or exceeding pulling strength. | Avoid sharp bends. Do not exceed the 200 lbs maximum pulling strength. Replace damaged sections. |
8. Specifications
| Model Number | 540-18 |
| Total Length | 18 feet (3 x 6-foot sections) |
| Rod Diameter | 5/32 inches |
| Material | Luminescent Fiberglass rods, Steel connectors |
| Maximum Pulling Strength | 200 lbs. |
| UPC | 783310867968 |
9. Warranty and Support
The Greenlee 540-18 Glo Stix are covered by a 1-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
For warranty claims, technical assistance, or product support, please contact Greenlee customer service. Visit the official Greenlee website for contact information and further details:
