I also hate when cheap knee pad straps rub the inside of my knee. But these are a game changer. I don’t have any slipping so they actually stay as knee pads instead of shin guards and best of all the top strap doesn’t sit inside of your knee. Hope this helps!
Well then
You can get Spotify premium with hulu and showtime for $4.99/mo
You can also get free access to Kanopy movie streaming service if your college participates
I also got a super cheap membership to a local e bike rental place as a student
I also used my college gym for free
Get a student id card and check if places you frequent give student discounts
And more...
Klein Tools 55421BP-14 Tool Bag Backpack, Heavy Duty Tradesman Pro Tool Organizer / Tool Carrier with 39 Pockets and Molded Base https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MK9UY0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z59NQ6R301BK5WCX9G79
I’m a 2nd yr and this is what I use.
My set up is that bag and a tool belt with a 9spot pouch on it for the tools I use the most often
I’ve seen a few guys with bags like me. It’s nice.
Troxell USA - SuperSoft LeatherHead Kneepads (Large Size/Bagged in Pairs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QYH9FJ7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6D0R8Y0MY77PKXHENBJK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
As mentioned by a couple other people, best knee pads I've ever had by a long shot.
Can i suggest a tool pouch? I use this, and i love it:
ToughBuilt - Technician 6-Pocket Pouch - Large, ClipTech Pouch Clips & Hub Included, 4 Taylor-Fit Screwdriver Loops - (TB-CT-36-L6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0140VAI8S/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_glt_fabc_CEKNN96S19RSZG1609FD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Its compact and holds the frequent and important tools, has a little pouch for wire strippers and a clip for tape measure. Best thing is it clips on to your belt, with quick on/off your belt. You dont have to wear a separate belt or take off your regular belt to put it on.
I wear it though when i have to though, otherwise i just carry it around. It will take a toll on your hips over time. And when i do wear it, i put it right on front, so im not favoring the left or right hip.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VW84W2G/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_1S63D3APY8D8BE2SZ62B?psc=1
This one’s great plus its Klein so you won’t get ridiculed by other electricians for not buying union made American tools.
I am in a similar situation. I’m sharpening my algebra skills on Khan Academy. I try to do about an hour every weekday or so. I’m most of the way through Algebra 1. I also did 1-3rd grade math to sharpen my arithmetic. It helped.
I’m also slowly reading <em>Basic Electricity</em> by “Bureau of Naval Personnel” whatever that means. It seems like it’s the right stuff.
I’m sure there are more books out there.
If you’re hurting for cash, look at construction temp jobs
I use composite toes, wear them for about a month then get the glue on toe protectors.
I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/Moneysworth-Best-Guard-Boot-Saver/dp/B00E4B74CI
And forget Mink Oil and all the others.
Get Snowseal, use a hairdryer to warm the leather some and melt the Snowseal using a toothbrush to work it into the leather and seams
I have both WA and CA state licenses. California exam is definitely more straightforward as it comes directly out of the NEC and in Washington we have the RCW/WAC but it’s not too hard. You’ll have less questions on the NEC and then around 20 on the WAC. I would suggest buying this as a reference, definitely saved my ass cuz I didn’t spend too much time in the document before my test.
Testing experience is about the same though, through PSI. I think WA test is 3 hours as opposed to 4 for California. I think I still have my WAC key term finder and honestly I’ll just fukkin mail it to you if you send me a pm I’m never going to use it again haha
Tuff toe works amazing. Still sturdy as fuck after 2+ years
I’m a plumber but I love my Klein bag
I hated them at first but the rack-a-teirs Crocs Jr. have been my favorite. Super comfortable and once you get used to them they strip really well. Plus having the cutters go up at an angle makes it so multiple wires won't get pushed out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0YJI84/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Came with a strap that works great, though I put one of those dumb seatbelt strap pads on it so that it doesn't dig into the shoulder as much if I've gotta wear it for any length of time.
This one is awesome
Klein Tools 32614 Multi-bit Precision Screwdriver Set, 4-in-1 Electronics Pocket Screwdriver, Professional Phillips and Slotted Bits https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PNC5MPB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_65666A267Y21HBRJCHRG
I know people don't like Amazon, for good reason, but this is where I found it.
$8.00
LeXiangLANGood TerorRed and Green Glasses,Premium High Contrast Colorblind Glasses Visual Function Ttraining Device,Suitable for Color Vision Disorders Or Red-Green Blindness https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096387RGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JWX5A19E5FQ4H9ZPT945?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Link below to the ones I use. They've got some cheaper versions too.
They custom mold to your ear, they're super comfy, and they're intended for shooting, so they handle most anything that'll happen on a construction site. JW that I worked with in my apprentice days turned me onto the brand. I use them for work and for riding my motorcycle. Though on lighter jobs I just use noise canceling earbuds while listening to music.
I’m a former cook and am new to this industry, but in the kitchen if I was working a really hot station I used to wear these little bandanas. Soak em in water and pop em in the freezer. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0024K0NNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HF2FRJ13MSH4N3EK5ZNT
I just use this one. Our tool list has flashlight on it. I use this headlamp, it pulls off so it can be used as a flashlight also.
Sure thing. I don’t sell items or do a ton of products so I can’t speak to how well they would do in running and kind of business or side hustle, but I do know that others in the ‘crafting’ community do use the same and/or similar machines and run small businesses using them. I use a Cricut Maker machine for cutting the designs and patterns out of htv for the shirts. It’s pretty user friendly and Cricut has their own program to create images and texts to send through the Cricut. You can also use images save from the google to have cut as well, but if you do plan to profit off of what you make you have to be careful with trademarked images and whatnot. You are allowed to use images for personal use though as long as you aren’t profiting off of it. I’m not super savvy on the legalities of all of it, which is why I don’t try to sell anything I make. I use a heat press that I just got off of Amazon which adheres the htv to the fabric.
There are several brands that make htv, some work better than others but they all seem to do the job just fine. You will find which brands you prefer the more you use them.
Cricut machine that I use: https://cricut.com/en_us/machines/cricut-maker-machines/cricut-maker/cricut-makerr-machine-blue-1.html
You can find htv on both the Cricut website, Amazon, and craft stores. They have all sorts of colors and textures. The mountains on this is done with holographic htv, and the lettering is done in glitter htv.
YouTube also has a ton of crafters who use the Cricut machines to create designs to press onto t shirts, and you can get a lot of good info on how to do these pretty easily from those videos.
This is the one I got. Not sure how it compares to that other one but I absolutely love it. Don’t let anyone tell you hot lunch is an unnecessary luxury, for 35 bucks you can have leftovers, frozen meals, soup, whatever every day.
I'm not sure swampy balls are avoidable, but my favorite pair I've tried are blaklader work pants. I have regular weight (think thick denim), but they do sell a lighter weight version called bantam. Here is a link Blaklader Bantam Work Pants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E1O66EA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_2HZPJ8D06E4B6JN1VDPX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use a Klein tape measure holder. Works perfect and goes on your belt. It takes up very little room and is very comfortable. Plus, it doesn't tear your pants
Klein Tools 5707 Tape Measure Holder, Heavy Duty Nylon, Tunnel Belt Fits 2.25-Inch, 4.125 x 2.25 x 3.75-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002RI6V6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5R64KBZG6XYP2GB3Z0RS
I think mine is the same size as this one.
I’m not sure what to tell you. Klein is usually a safe bet. I use a Milwaukee bag. I’m dealing with physical and space limitations so I use what I have to.
Klein Tools 5541610-14 Tool Bag with Shoulder Strap Has 40 Pockets for Tool Storage and Orange Interior https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MS16CU6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_21Z97VFTB6K3G0X3QCV8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Will generally hold all your required tools but it’s made in China. I can’t tell you if there’s decent bags made in the USA.
The 11-1 is super handy, but I don't care for it. Especially how bulky the end is. My go to favorite is the extended reach multi. It only has 4 bits, but I like the ends much better. Unfortunately no square bit. For a square bit I've been using the adjustable length klein.
Klein Tools 32751 Screwdriver with Adjustable Length 4 to 8-Inch, #2 Phillips Tip and 1/4-Inch Slotted Tip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010TNZDHW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_YY32HH290CNDS74EW89Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
(I don't know how to tie links to words or I would.) There is a set of 3 that you can buy to give yourself the smaller Phillips, smaller straight, and square 1&2. IMO the only downside to this screwdriver is the fact you have to carry the extra, long bits separate. But for terminating this is awesome.
I have used this product for decades.
Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive, 2 oz Bottle-Carded, TM-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQKGR0/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_XTH5H3PYXMQM399Z8RZT
Patch a hole by gluing in a square on the inside of your pants and glue down all loose threads to that patch from the outside. The glue dries clear and remains flexible. No problems in the wash.
I mostly patched knees but occasionally where I put my tools in my pockets. Stop those as quick as possible with a patch.
Patches are just squares I cut from my first pair of worn out pants.
I have also used this adhesive to attach any fray edges to stop the fray.
The earlier you get to the damage the better.
I think this is a good start.
Knife. I use a milwaukee fast back. Hands down the best knife there is.
Good Pencils. Don't fight shitty Pencils trying to sharpen them, get the Ticonderogas.
Klein torpedo level. Specifically this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M302QTV/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WHB8K2RPAX6WPR420ZQF
Klein 11 in 1. In my experience it's the best multi screwdriver out there.
Klein Heavy Duty linemans.
At the end of the day, your tool list shouldn't be that long. So just every other week or so invest in a nice tool and start with the tools you find yourself using day in and day out. Before you know it your entire tool bag will be filled with tradesman gucci and you'll be all good.
I wear this one.
The fibre-metal is much lighter than plastic, and the harness is quite comfortable.
Not sure if anyone has these yet...they fit right under your pants and you dont have to waste time looking or strapping on your shitty knee pads....or if you want you can "double up" with the protection.ShinyPro Knee Compression Sleeves with EVA Padding, Knee Braces for Men & Women Athlete, Perfect Joint Pain Relief for Contract Team Sports, Volleyball Football Baseball Softball Cycling (White, M) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07MDZHSZ7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_4WQYXFMTAQNVRJ2VRB19
Rupert Murdoch does, actually.
You should actually probably watch the short film titled The Brainwashing of my Dad if you’re interesting in the effects of the media on a large segment of the population.
It’s not the app, nor as convenient but you can find hard copy book on Amazon for $43. Sometimes less. Here’s a link:
NFPA 70 2017: National Electrical Code (NEC), Paperback (Softbound), Fast Tabs and NEC Quick Card, Set, 2017 Editions https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPXZEF9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8N5AW3343BFHPFWANP8X
It may have been encapsulated and the risk of exposure lowered/eliminated. In the case of encapsulation, a prudent measure is to label the building material with a warning there is asbestos and not to disturb. Someone dropped the ball here and it shows badly on the work I have dedicated my life to. Usually it is qualified people who compete asbestos surveys and if they have not taken steps to communicate the hazard they should go back and correct it.
If you are interested in learning more about asbestos please read my ebook it's free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited members or a low cost educational guide for non-members.
https://www.amazon.com/Asbestos-Exposed-definitive-identification-including/dp/B08H566HPS
If what you're working on requires you to use it regularly, you'll probably end up memorizing it just from that alone.
Ugly’s has an app thats pretty good and there are numerous other free electrician apps that have it built into them as well.
Probably depends on how much stuff you carry around on the regular.
https://www.amazon.com/Occidental-Leather-5053-Electricians-Pocket/dp/B000KL56OE
I use this for service calls and small stuff with the bulk of my hand tools in a Veto bag. Lets me carry a couple screwdrivers and plies on my person without much added weight or bulk.
I also have a full set of tool bags I wear for rough ins and larger projects where I need materials as well (bending conduit, working on a ladder, etc). But I try not to wear it every day since it isn’t light. Hope that helps a little
I'd hold off on spending to much on work boots unless you're ok with the costs.
That's not to say don't get a good pair of work boots.
I'm saying a good pair of work boots like Thorogoods or Redwings will run upwards of around $200, and the thing about it is you really do want to get 2 pairs of boots, and switch them out, so you don't wear them out prematurely.
I actually spent the majority of my first year wearing these:
Their not bad their just a little on the heavy side, but their a decent pair for the price.
My only complaint is they suck when you gotta go up 12 flights of stairs.
2017 Journeyman Electrician Exam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946798002?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I ordered this and it helped me pass it last week. Did like a 1/2 to a hour of studying for a couple of weeks using this and passed it fairly painlessly. It’s was nice because like everyone this year the last bit of my apprenticeship was crazy and we got no prep for the test.
You’re better off going on amazon and typing in electrician hard hat stickers. That’s where I got a decent amount like 30+ for like $25-$30. And there are some good ones in it. I’ll edit this with the one I bought last year.
Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Electrician-Stickers-Hardhat-Decals-Lineman/dp/B07KXJFRX2 It was 55 stickers for under $35. It was still dirt cheap