The Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Installation Equipment
What You Need to Get the Job Done Right
Why the Right Fiber Optic Equipment Makes or Breaks Your Project
The demand for high-speed fiber optic networks is exploding. From rural broadband expansions to city-wide infrastructure upgrades, telecom contractors and facility owners are under pressure to install more fiber — faster, safer, and more cost-effectively than ever before.
But here's the truth: the quality of your installation is only as good as the equipment you use.
Whether you're an experienced contractor or a facility owner managing your first fiber deployment, this guide breaks down the essential categories of fiber optic installation equipment — and how to choose the right tools for your specific job.
1. Cable Lashers: Securing Aerial Fiber the Right Way
For aerial fiber installations, cable lashers are non-negotiable. These machines wrap stainless steel lashing wire around your fiber optic cable and supporting strand, keeping everything secure and weather-resistant.
Top Lasher Options to Know:
DCD Falcon Lasher (Series 61800)
— A completely redesigned lasher built for single or double lashing without strand traction. Lightweight at 21.3 lbs with a clutch handle for easy pole mounting. Max lash: 3.5".
DCD Eagle Lasher (Series 61700)
— Sized for CATV and fiber optic cables, this 24 lb unit is proven from the Arctic Circle to Asia Minor. Max lash: 2.25".
DCD Lineman Lasher (Series 61400)
— The go-to pull-type lasher for tough conditions — dusty, wet, or icy. Handles cables up to 3" OD. Max lash: 3".
GMP Apollo Lasher
— Designed for today's broadband applications with parallel-pull capability, interference-free overlashing, and a positive slip-free gear drive tested to over 1 million cycles. Handles cables up to 4" diameter.
GMP Super G Lasher
— The largest in the GMP lineup, handling cables from 2.5" to 5.25" OD. Built for large-scale, high-capacity aerial installations.
GMP J2 Lasher
— A workhorse for lashing single or multiple cables up to 3" diameter. Features fast setup, quick coil loading, and automatic drum lock for smooth span transfers.
Pro Tip: For overlashing existing cables, look for lashers with a strand roller knob or clutch release — it saves significant time during span transfers.
2. Fiber Blowers: The Fastest Way to Install Cable in Conduit
When you're installing fiber into ducts or microducts, fiber blowers use compressed air (or water) to propel cable through conduit at high speed — dramatically reducing installation time compared to manual pulling.
Why Fiber Blowing Beats Traditional Pulling:
✅ Less friction = less cable stress
✅ Longer installation runs in a single pass
✅ Works in both new and existing conduit
✅ Adaptable to a wide range of cable and duct sizes
3. Fiber Pullers: Reliable Cable Pulling for Every Application
When blowing isn't the right method, fiber pullers provide the controlled tension needed to pull cable through conduit without damaging it. ABS Rents carries a full selection of fiber pullers suited for both aerial and buried cable solutions across the United States.
4. Reel Trailers: The Unsung Hero of Large-Scale Fiber Deployments
No large fiber project is complete without a reliable reel trailer to transport and deploy heavy cable spools. Rally Reel Trailers from ABS Rents are built to handle heavy-duty fiber spools across rough terrain and long distances.
Key Benefits:
Efficient transport
— Moves large spools directly to the job site, minimizing handling and cable damage risk
Streamlined deployment
— Gas-powered payoff systems allow operators to control cable speed and tension precisely
Enhanced safety
— Reduces manual lifting, lowering injury risk on the job site
Reduced labor costs
— One operator can manage what previously required a full team
5. Fiber Splicing Equipment: Completing the Connection
Once your cable is in place, fiber splicing is what brings the network to life. ABS Rents carries fiber splicing trailers, splicing kits, and OTDRs (Optical Time Domain Reflectometers) for testing and verifying your fiber connections in the field.
Rent vs. Buy: What Makes Sense for Your Project?
| Factor | Rent | Buy |
| Project Duration | Short-term or one-time | Long-term or recurring |
| Upfront Cost | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Handled by ABS Rents | Your responsibility |
| Equipment Access | Latest models available | Fixed to purchased unit |
| Best For | Contractors, project-based work | Fleet owners, high-volume operators |
ABS Rents offers both rental and sales options on most equipment, with 3rd-party financing available for purchases. They ship across the entire United States directly to your job site.
Why Choose ABS Rents for Your Fiber Optic Equipment Needs?
ABS Rents is a locally owned and operated Colorado company with over 20 years of experience in the telecom and utility construction industry. They're proud members of the Better Business Bureau, the American Rental Association, and the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association.
📍 Location:
9180 Bruin Blvd, Frederick, CO 80504 (I-25 & Hwy 119)
📞 Phone:
(303) 990-3159
📧 Email:
🕗 Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8AM–5PM MST
🚚 Shipping:
Nationwide to your job site
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I rent fiber optic installation equipment for a short-term project? A: Yes! ABS Rents offers weekly and 4-week rental rates on most equipment, making it cost-effective for short-term or one-time projects.
Q: Does ABS Rents ship equipment outside of Colorado? A: Absolutely. ABS Rents ships all equipment across the United States directly to your job site.
Q: What's the difference between a fiber blower and a fiber puller? A: Fiber blowers use compressed air or water to propel cable through conduit — ideal for long runs with minimal friction. Fiber pullers use mechanical tension to draw cable through conduit and are better suited for shorter or more complex routes.
Q: Does ABS Rents offer financing? A: Yes, 3rd-party financing is available for equipment purchases.
Ready to Get the Job Done?
Whether you're lashing aerial cable, blowing fiber through microducts, micro trenching through city streets, or deploying miles of cable on a rural broadband project — ABS Rents has the equipment you need.
👉 Browse All Equipment at ABSRents.com or call (303) 990-3159 to speak with an expert today.
"Here to help you get the job done." — ABS Rents