what are your tricks of the trade

[amlu]

when fixing metal backboxes into some crumbly walls and nowhere to stick a wall plug in then mix 1/3 bonding/plaster, 1/3
plasterboard adhesive and 1/3 cement, put some in the hole, put the box in. it will set nicely in 30 minutes.

chalk line and d.a.d.e (dust and debris eliminator) essential for doing spotlights.

 

[i=p/u]

Laser level... But what's an chalk line elimantor ??

 

[gazj82]

These rectangular junction boxes from MK are spot on in this situation. The terminals are all in a line across the box and the centre terminal for the cpc is angled slightly to make the cores lie neatly. But how do you sleeve the cpc???

MK 30A 3-Terminal Junction Box 1130RPWHI - Switches & Sockets - Electrical -Tools, Electrical & Plumbing - Wickes

Edit, better pic: Buy MK Electric Junction Box, White, 3 Terminal, 86mm x 64mm x 31mm, 30A - 1130WHI

I knew someone would ask. Green and Yellow tape, not pretty or the best choice, but makes it possible

 

[derek]

If you need to put another bolt in the middle 600mm tray (or bigger) fixed to the wall with unistrut and you cant get your hand behind to hold the nut then embed the nut in the end of a thin strip of plasterboard and then fix the bolt in, you can generally get the nut tight enough that it will grip.

 

[i=p/u]

When joining trunking , make sure you uuse the nuts that self tightening, no fafin about.

 

[fuel]

Complete all necessary testing with a neon screwdriver, that has first been soaked throughly in water, then tried out again.

 

[pepparz]

can't find the right size fuse wire-no problem,just bang in a nail!

 

[Thefailsafe2012]

Run out of penny washers?

Get ya mate to empty his pockets and drill out all of his pound coins!

 

[rmc86uk]

When cutting rod on a conduit vice use a bit of conduit in with the road so that's the vice grips it nice.

 

[Guest55]

..........never to reveal any of my tricks so you rabble have to learn the hard way.

you'll thank me in the end.
;-)

 

[telectrix]

thyis little beauty from cpc farnell. rings and strips sheathing from round cables without cutting into the core insulation. ( test depth of cut first on scrap end of whatever cable you are stripping):

063 - ABECO - HAND CABLE STRIPPER | CPC

 

[Octopus]

thyis little beauty from cpc farnell. rings and strips sheathing from round cables without cutting into the core insulation. ( test depth of cut first on scrap end of whatever cable you are stripping):

063 - ABECO - HAND CABLE STRIPPER | CPC

Had one of those for years - excellent bit of kit

 

[Tidy Max]

My one little thing I do is when tightening an accessory I always leave the screw horizontal or vertically. Just so I know if anyone has removed it.



I thought I was the only one who did this....

Haha me too!

 

[CSEE]

My one little thing I do is when tightening an accessory I always leave the screw horizontal or vertically. Just so I know if anyone has removed it.

My first boss told me to do it. Not that helpful but something I've stuck with.[/QUOTE
Lets just hope it is the correct torque setting as specified in the manufacturers guidelines ???

 

[tannerselectric]

old sparks once said to me, "if your struggling, your doing it wrong.

 

[Stuuk1]

If anyone was to ask you what is your best trick of the trade what would it be?

Copy and paste..

 

[robbalaar86]

Csee

Oh of course

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I haven't picked up many tricks of the trade so far, but the other day I had my fancy super rods and was trying to figure out how to get hold of a cable perhaps 4 inches into the wall and was getting nowhere. The cctv chap onsite just gets his old metal coat hanger which he's twisted at the end and pulls it through!

I now have an old metal coat hanger

 

[Octopus]

I haven't picked up many tricks of the trade so far, but the other day I had my fancy super rods and was trying to figure out how to get hold of a cable perhaps 4 inches into the wall and was getting nowhere. The cctv chap onsite just gets his old metal coat hanger which he's twisted at the end and pulls it through!

I now have an old metal coat hanger

Always carry an old coat hanger with you!

 

[moospark]

Don't buy your tools or your toilet paper from the pound shop.

 

[Dipzy]

Metal coat hanger very useful to check for any obstructions before drilling holes for downlighters ;-)

 

[londonfire]

I found out the other day that a "tile lifter" sds bit is perfect for finishing holes for double back boxes so that they sit nice and even.

So its armeg scutch to start and tile lifter to finish saves loads of time and is very neat specially in brick.

 

[Flanders]

If it cold when working with metal trunking, mark it out with pencil and as you are cutting it if you blow onto the same way you steam up a window it will make line clearer to see.

 

[shanky887614]

If it cold when working with metal trunking, mark it out with pencil and as you are cutting it if you blow onto the same way you steam up a window it will make line clearer to see.

Or use a sharpie.

Metal coat hangers are useful but personal best way is ceiling wire. They get more than they need in a box

 

[7029 dave]

You can't beat a metal coat hanger for a fishing wire,another old trick piece of string with a bit of old lead sheathing tied on one end (called a mouse) for dropping down cavity walls (if there's any left lol)

 

[shanky887614]

You can't beat a metal coat hanger for a fishing wire,another old trick piece of string with a bit of old lead sheathing tied on one end (called a mouse) for dropping down cavity walls (if there's any left lol)

Plumbline?

 

[44ALLAN]

I found out the other day that a "tile lifter" sds bit is perfect for finishing holes for double back boxes so that they sit nice and even.

Fk I had to read that twice with my dodgy eyes..............thought it said 'shirt lifter' at first:frown2::frown::freak:

 

[Sintra]

In winter keep your insulation tape in your pocket until needed.

 

[tidyboiler]

................. Always take your big handbag when going into the balti house (cruets, napkins or lager glasses) .................or into church (lead.... roof) or pubs......(toilet rolls) and never wear your ski's in bed. :ninja:

 

[Silly Sausage]

In winter keep your insulation tape in your pocket until needed.

Seeing as there are women present, you could replace 'insulation tape' with 'sanitary wear'... :38: