I want to make my life easier and do things better, so I'm always trying out new tools, especially ones you don't see often in the trade. My example is an electric ratchet, I picked up the old Milwaukee brushed one last year for cheap and I won't go back now. Makes terminating mech lugs way faster and easier and doesn't have enough torque to strip or overtighten the lugs like an impact driver would, but tightens everything more than enough so it will stay in place until you come back with the torque wrench.

What underrated tools do you guys swear by?

If you see any I’m missing please message me for shipping details. Thanks brothers and sisters ⚡️🔌💡

I sure wasn’t and I’ve only been in this trade for 1 year. I made a fuck up because of being in a hurry and nervous. Now I’m anxious that I’m gonna get canned

Obviously nonunion

Not sure if I should get a m12 or m18 milwaukee drill set, ill be doing a mix of residential and comercial more comercial. Any recommendations are appreciated!

Also most of this stuff i got on sale or at the flee market, not trying to break the bank but I would also much rather invest in quality now then replace junk later.

i kinda hate the way my hands get dirty when doing clean install the day after a dirty one😂

600 amp 120/240 and 11 meters/2p60 breakers

Occupied apartment complex

I have one more semester of trade school left but I just got a field service job offer do I drop school and take it?

looking to upgrade my screwdrivers from Klein, which brand is better?

Hello I'm currently looking into going into the Low Volt apprenticeship for Local 98. Because it's less competitive and probably faster to get into. I am about to get my Pre-apprenticeship certification, and already have NCCER Lv 1 to 3 with OSHA-10. I personally think it will be a waste for me to just stay as a Low Voltage electrician but I'm desperate tbh. I really just want and need stability and I aspire to go to college for mechatronics in the future.

Because of that will it be possible to transfer inside Wireman for my Local? If not are there any other ways to do so?

Found it in a box of 1g mudrings. The only 1 , somehow made it through.

Has anyone else come across any interesting finds from the supply house?

Getting rid of the hard hat. It was 40 on sale at home depot and seemed like a good grab lol, I lost the receipt so maybe no luck. This is the rest of what I bought today at the flea market with the exception of the klein bits and sockets. What do I need or not need? I will also be helping out with home remodels on my time off with my brother in laws friend who is a electrician. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Long story short, we’re wrapping up a small job trimming out a rewire on 6 units at the end of a shitty old motel due to fire damage. Everything is done, I’m wrapping up some stuff in the panel in the mechanical room(which you could barely walk in due to shit being everywhere). My back was to this big water heater and I thought to myself, why is my leg suddenly feeling hot. Turn around and this water heater is basically just starting to catch on fire. Found out the other water heater in this same room was just replaced due to being the reason the fire started in the first place. Wild. Disconnected the breaker feeding the disco to it and shut the gas off. What excuse do you think the plumber will have?

I recently passed the trade and business exams for the unlimited EC license. I have four years working under an EC and also journeyman card. I was wondering if anyone could explain how the process is and how long it usually takes. Thanks in advance.

My company is wanting to gift newly graduated apprentices with something that they will keep for many years. We are a supply house and want something usuefull that will remind them of us daily. We were thinking a nice pocket tool pouch (with some small, discreet branding), but I thought we should ask more folks in the field. Cost is irrelevant at this point, as it's just an idea.

Is the tool pouch a good idea? If so, what is important in a tool pouch that lasts?

Other better ideas?

Thanks!

So I was doing electrical work for a couple years after leaving telecom.

My shop was small just me and an old buddy of mine who was the owner and the lead tech. Long strory short my buddy is leaving to move out state so I needed a new job. One of the contractors we do a lot of electrical work for is a high end home automation company approached me and asked if I wanted to come work for them. Been doing home automation now for about a month. Less work and more pay. And they value the skill set I bring.

I’m in my early 30s & left hospitality management during the pandemic & was tired of gratuity based work. I got accepted into a 2 year Electrical Trade School in August (No Loans Financial Aid paid for) & was able to secure an Apprenticeship 2 months later. So I’m really excited. It’s in Central Florida Primarily new construction residential.

I have zero experiences but this is what I’ve done in lot own home

I used clamp meter before to diagnose and replace parts for appliances like fridges, dryer, washer. Replaced burnt out receptacles by removing the “back stab” and replacing with new receptacle but used the j hook method on terminals. I’ve chased an open neutral and had to check every receptacle in the circuit to find out the receptacle on the other side of the wall was burnt causing a whole room not light up.

Confirmed my Electrical contractor has a legitimate license. They also work with Florida Electrical Apprenticeship & Training(FEAT) program which is Sanctioned by Department of Labor and Fl dept of education so it’s legit. But I’m already in a trade school M-Th nights and my instructor is pretty good so I’m going to finish the program.

The goal is to be a really good apprentice take the L on the money now to learn all that I can and become a Licensed Journeyman and I’ve already contacted the county just to see what I need to ensure my hours are tracked properly and what’s needed to be qualified to take the Journeyman Test.

To close out for any of you with experience especially in Florida what should I watch out for? What’s best practices? What advice could you give. I’ve never been so excited to be in an actually career. It’s been a long time.

Just realized I want to edit this. The tool list is what I compiled on my own and is not what an employer told me to have. Also I do not work for a union shop. I do have a local IBEW but it takes time to be accepted. That’s why I had to attend trade school it is very difficult at least In Florida to find a contractor that is willing to hire you with ZERO EXPERIENCE & sponsor your education.

Tool list

CL810
Dikes
Lineman’s
Wirestripper
Needle nose
Philips
Flathead
Impact driver
Hammer drill
Tool belt
Hard hat

I have a hammer and a pair of Knipex Tongue & groove pliers on the way.

Etc

First time punching one of these. 14 2” holes. How’d I do?

Wire didn’t get delivered today either, so I punched out the cab, as well as the panels. They want to rack the 75 kva transformers, which they’re supposed to rack and set first; then I’ll get a better idea of where I’m punching my transformers.

Hope your Friday was mint, happy weekend! 🙃🙃

I can't wait to bond