ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Non-electrical tools

A magnetic tool retriever and some small jack chain... go fishin'!

Works great in voids of cinder block; almost pours in like sand...

Good for fishing into shallow walls such as ones with furring strips too.

Cinder Block was popular here in the 40's and these tools help remarkably for old work.

Today i thought of this thread, had to reterminate an ailing meter. So i used my 1/2" pipe cleaner ( plumbers tool) , which did the trick !

I'm a plumbobber too!
Jackchain is great too.
I like to use masons' line (colored string) in hot pink or similar color so it stands out from evereything else.

Anybody use a studfinder? what type?
How about the new 'chubby' rulers?
Rotozip?


Bill

HAS ANYBODY EVER USED A PEN LASER POINTER TO CHECK FOR OBSTACLES IN A CONDUIT RUN?

Hello From Colorado!!!!!
I Know I don't post very often, But I do read almost everything. WHAT A GREAT SITE!!!!
I use the "Roto Zip" for almost everything! It is great for reaming out those terrible cuts in tile backsplash, and I have never had a better hole saw for recessed cans in my life.
I have been an electrician for quite a few years now and after wiring an average of 225 houses a year for three years straight, I can Honestly say that my "RotoZip", and my "Laser plumb bob" are the best two tools I have ever invested in!!!!

I use a Dremel attachment similar to a rotozip...

My stud finder is my knuckle or screwdriver handle, and a finely tuned ear.

I find a rotating "burr knife" usefull in de-burring sheet and large pipe. This tool has a pen-sized handle and a free-spinning bent tip. They can be found at industrial parts houses.

I love my Zircon laser level. You can measure 2 points, and find any point in between. Great for laying out for continuous rows of fixtures, hangers, etc. to about 300'. A real time saver.

I use a Gardner Bender stud finder. It usually comes in handy but sometimes doesn't indicate a stud or joist when I know there is one.
This happened last week - I was preparing to cut a hole in a bathroom wall to add a box and GFCI receptacle. The studfinder didn't indicate anything but I knew there was a stud in the area because I was in the attic and saw 2 nail heads in the top plate.
I picked a spot for the box that I thought would be ideal for the receptacle. Then, I drilled a series of small holes to make sure there was not a stud. Finally, I marked a box outline and cut the drywall with a keyhole saw. Guess what, there was a copper pipe running horizontally where my box was going! It was approx. 1 1/4" diameter and appeared to be a vent connection from the sink drain to the main vent that ran in the wall behind the toilet. It was only 2" behind the drywall so I didn't have clearance for my box. I had to cut a new hole.

A magnetic tool retriever and some small jack chain... go fishin'!

Man, I thought jack chain was an electricians tool!!
The only way to fish stud walls IMO.

GJ