Tips and tricks?

[D00DY_T00DY]

Just thought I'd make a thread to get some people posting...
So anyone have any tips and tricks regarding work? Easier ways to chase out or clip cables etc stuff like that.
Few here

Snips and drivers - always carry Snips and drivers even if you're just looking at a job, nothing worse than having to go back out to the van when you need a driver to have a better look at something.

Tie a length of earth sleeving and brown sleeving to your steps. It comes in handy when you don't expect to be using sleeving.

And last but not least especially important with the cold weather coming up
Don't eat yellow snow :lol:

 

[telectrix]

when fitting tails strip 1/4" longer than you think. then bend then to reach terminals. you then find some strands longer than others so then re-trim to get a square end.

 

[happysteve]

Boxes (for accessories e.g. lanterns, fans etc) are often sealed on the top, but not on the bottom. Opening from the bottom is neater, and if it's not what you/the customer wants/needs, you can neatly pack it all back in and take it back.

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

For those outside lights with two bolts at either side the bolts tend to get pushed back when the wall is uneven. Before fixing the bracket onto the wall stick some tape over the back to keep them in place while you screw the nuts on

 

[telectrix]

always carry a first aid kit in the van in case of emergencies. a few band-aids, 10 smokes, a 1/2 bottle of JD, and a packet of condoms.

 

[happysteve]

For those outside lights with two bolts at either side the bolts tend to get pushed back when the wall is uneven. Before fixing the bracket onto the wall stick some tape over the back to keep them in place while you screw the nuts on

Mate, I SO needed this advice about a month ago! Spent twenty minutes up a ladder trying to get the 'ker on! Ended up gouging out a little recess for the nut using a stanley knife. Your way sounds much better!

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

My boss did it the other day "... Just put some tape on the back" "good idea. Never actually thought of that"
Just little tips that make life so much easier

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

always carry a first aid kit in the van in case of emergencies. a few band-aids, 10 smokes, a 1/2 bottle of JD, and a packet of condoms.

Sounds more like the makings of a good night out rather than an emergency

 

[D00DY_T00DY]

In an exam make the first thing you do writing down any formulas or statements relevant to the exam while it's still fresh in your head because you tend to forget under exam conditions. Then simply look back later In the exam
Credit to one of the lads on my course for that one

 

[happysteve]

Get one of these for marking up all your tools/gear:

 

[telectrix]

when visiting an new, unknown customer for the first time, always take a few doggy treats in your pocket.

 

[Paul.M]

Dont set fish tanks on fire lol (sorry buddy, had to slip that one in )

You mentioned cable clipping.... If you are clipping at 300mm spacing (or whatever). Measure your hammer from the end of the head and mark 300mm with a bit of tape where it is on the handle. This way you dont need to carry and use a tape measure!!! Keeps your hands free for the job.

Same as above for SWA Cleats or Girder/RSJ clips. Cut a bit of pvc conduit or a bit of wood to the required length and use that on each one instead of a tape measure! Big time saver on long runs.

 

[Richard Burns]

If you get covered in fibre glass insulation, try wiping it off first with a clean microfibre cloth, it will take away most of the itching.

Always have enough room to work, it will take far longer trying to wire an accessory stretching over that table all the time than moving the table and having easy access, if you remember this tell me how!

 

[Paul.M]

Always carry or have available in the van, an extra essential tool. Having another terminal, PZ2 driver and a pair of side-cutters is a life saver for when you loose, break or blow them up lol. (or get nicked).

 

[malcolmsanford]

Have a selection of jubilee clips with you. Great for cutting the armour of the SWA.

Slide the jubilee clip over the armour and tighten then you cut around the armour strands using the clip as a guide then you strip back the armour and once you remove jubilee clip all the strands are exactly the same length, and fitting the gland is a cake