Tricks of the trade.
- Thread starter dave81
- Start date
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big john
Senior Member
- Location
- Portland, ME
Re: Tricks of the trade.
I've found that the site run by R. Keis a great resource for "tricks of the trade".
Go here: http://www.elec-toolbox.com/tricks/tricks.htm
-John
I've found that the site run by R. Keis a great resource for "tricks of the trade".
Go here: http://www.elec-toolbox.com/tricks/tricks.htm
-John
Re: Tricks of the trade.
The only tricks that this retired electrician turned inspector can assume are not common are: in fishing long and double ended pulls, I drilled two holes, one to look down and one to fish (can face flash light into one and look down other) and in fishing into and from center dead spot where there is a change of direction, tape long run of unsnaggled monfilament (sp) to stiff fishing rod or whatever will take it to center spot; on fish end small hook that will pass holes is used to snag line and can pull whole run back this way. Then pull stiffer line until up to pull strength. This was cheaper than patching Victorian lath and plaster. The mono runs smooth and easy for the fish part.
paul
The only tricks that this retired electrician turned inspector can assume are not common are: in fishing long and double ended pulls, I drilled two holes, one to look down and one to fish (can face flash light into one and look down other) and in fishing into and from center dead spot where there is a change of direction, tape long run of unsnaggled monfilament (sp) to stiff fishing rod or whatever will take it to center spot; on fish end small hook that will pass holes is used to snag line and can pull whole run back this way. Then pull stiffer line until up to pull strength. This was cheaper than patching Victorian lath and plaster. The mono runs smooth and easy for the fish part.
paul
Re: Tricks of the trade.
Fishing with an old broken tape measure.
You know the drill......... that kink at about the 1 foot mark is about to cause big problems. It's only a matter of time until it breaks off and spools back up into the case.
Before it breaks and disappears forever, try this. Wrap electrical tape around the tape measure, covering about 3 inches of the rule behind the break. Neatly trim off where you just taped. The electrical tape keeps the rule from retracting into the case.
This is one of the best tools to fish insulated walls with. Cuts right thru the insulation, stays straight and wont wander in the wall, easy to keep against the sheetrock.
Works exceptionally well when fishing down existing walls to put in cut in boxes. Simple one man operation and works every time.
Fishing with an old broken tape measure.
You know the drill......... that kink at about the 1 foot mark is about to cause big problems. It's only a matter of time until it breaks off and spools back up into the case.
Before it breaks and disappears forever, try this. Wrap electrical tape around the tape measure, covering about 3 inches of the rule behind the break. Neatly trim off where you just taped. The electrical tape keeps the rule from retracting into the case.
This is one of the best tools to fish insulated walls with. Cuts right thru the insulation, stays straight and wont wander in the wall, easy to keep against the sheetrock.
Works exceptionally well when fishing down existing walls to put in cut in boxes. Simple one man operation and works every time.
brian john
Senior Member
- Location
- Leesburg, VA
Re: Tricks of the trade.
When working alone and fishing in walls, or if your hands are too large to fit in to old work cut outs to grasp the fish tape, use your measuring tape fold it in half forming a loop. Push the loop into the void, the tape will fill the void with the loop. Tape the free ends together, Now you can drop your fish tape down the wall, the tape "SHOULD" land in the loop formed by the measuring tape, pull the loop out and the fish tape with it. Well in theroy, anybody that fishes in walls knows not all is perfect.
When working alone and fishing in walls, or if your hands are too large to fit in to old work cut outs to grasp the fish tape, use your measuring tape fold it in half forming a loop. Push the loop into the void, the tape will fill the void with the loop. Tape the free ends together, Now you can drop your fish tape down the wall, the tape "SHOULD" land in the loop formed by the measuring tape, pull the loop out and the fish tape with it. Well in theroy, anybody that fishes in walls knows not all is perfect.
Re: Tricks of the trade.
After working in attics or just with bat insulation, use vinegar to wipe down the areas you came in contact with(i.e. back of neck, inside elbows etc. etc.) The vinegar is acidic and eats the fiberglass particles away thus reducing the inevitable itching. Be sure and wash after the vinegar with soap and COLD water. Hot water opens the pores and lets the ugly right on in.
After working in attics or just with bat insulation, use vinegar to wipe down the areas you came in contact with(i.e. back of neck, inside elbows etc. etc.) The vinegar is acidic and eats the fiberglass particles away thus reducing the inevitable itching. Be sure and wash after the vinegar with soap and COLD water. Hot water opens the pores and lets the ugly right on in.
svaurez
Member
- Location
- California
Re: Tricks of the trade.
Canadian, I second your question.
I mean, I'm in it to make money and some jobs do better than others, but there's an ethics problem with deliberatly over charging or taking advantage of someone.
Roger
Canadian, I second your question.
I mean, I'm in it to make money and some jobs do better than others, but there's an ethics problem with deliberatly over charging or taking advantage of someone.
Roger
electricman2
Senior Member
- Location
- North Carolina
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Re: Tricks of the trade.
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