2) In many runs, if the pulling distance is short enough and the pathway straight enough, fiber-optic cable can be pulled by hand, without the use of special equipment. The below article explores the best practices and tools commonly used to pull fiber optic cable. Here. The most common way a cable is destroyed during installation is by simply pulling it too hard. Most fiber damage does not come from normal operation after the system is live. It happens during installation, when excessive pulling force, tight bends. When deploying fiber links in data centers, LANs, or even in outside plant networks, fiber is pulled between equipment and spaces through pathways, cable managers, cable tray, risers, or conduit.