Take a look at these Ideas that Work! They originally appeared in the same or a slightly different form in Electrical Contractor magazine, a publication of NECA, and The Quality Connection magazine, a publication of the NLMCC.
Stabilizing Boxes for Concrete Pour
When installing floor boxes before a concrete pour on grade, leveling the box is often required. We found a way to stabilize the box and allow for its adjustment by the leveling screws. After establishing the rough grade, place a concrete patio block (2-inch works best) at the box location. Level it to ensure it won't tip or rock. Set the box on the block, marking it where the leveling screws touch. Drill a 1/4-inch hole the same diameter as the screws at their locations. This helps keep the box from sliding. The block serves as a solid base and allows for leveling the box without the screws penetrating the soil or gravel. Level the box to the appropriate grade and protect it from concrete entering. Pour concrete or grout around the box after installing conduits for stability.
—Bill Scroggins, IBEW Local 545, St. Joseph, MO
A Bottle Full of Nuts
Many of us store small parts--like wire-nuts, tek-screws, and assortments of nuts or screws--in boxes or cans. This method works temporarily until you get tired of opening cans or the boxes fall apart, thus rendering these parts useless, spilling them all over the workplace, or making them unable to be found. I use those 20-ounce, wide-mouth plastic drink bottles to store such parts. They are easy to store, weatherproof, convenient, readily available, and you can see the contents through the clear sides.
—Fernando V. Padilla, IBEW Local 413, Santa Barbara, CA
Stud Locator
"Prior to cutting the hold in the drywall for your box, you must locate the stud. I use a 1-1/2-inch small cylindrical magnet found at your local hardware store. I glue an 18-inch sewing thread on the end of the magnet. To find the stud, I hold one end of the thread 12-inches away from the magnet, with the magnet about 1/8-inch away from the wall. Slowly, I scan the wall until the magnet picks up the drywall nails or screws. Now you know the stud location and can proceed with your work."
—Fernando V. Padilla, IBEW Local 413, Santa Barbara, CA
Another Fish Tale
"When fishing wires or trying to hook another fish tape in a wall, I found using the metal support spine from an office hanging drawer file folder works great as a retrieval tool. This thin, flat, semi-stiff but firm piece of fetal has a natural hood that provides easy maneuverability, especially in tight working areas. When you hold it horizontally, the hook is automatically positioned at 90 degrees to hook the intended vertical item within the wall cavity quickly. This retrieval tool is small and light enough to be carried in your toolbox or tool pouch for easy access on the job."
—William Hertwig, Jr., New Rochelle, NY
Safe Way to Bend
"I have found out when bending 2-inch to 4-inch PVC-coated rigid conduit that that PVC would get cut or sometimes have a bad bend in it. I would get a file and file the edges of the bending shoe. Then, when we were going to bend the conduit, I would coat the inside of the shoe with Yellow 77 wire-pulling lubricant so the bending show would allow the conduit to move in the bending show without crimping the PVC or conduit."
—Brian Putnam, IBEW Local 113, Colorado Springs, CO
Easy-To-Find Color-Coordinated Hex Bits
"Ever have trouble finding those look-alike hex-head drill bits? Brighten them up with a wrap or two of phase tape. Color-coordinate each one to the standard color on your Klein nut drivers, and they will be much more noticeable and easier to find."
—Brian Putnam, IBEW Local 113, Colorado Springs, CO
Help for the Misaligned Bolt
"Sometimes you cannot get that last bolt in because of a little misalignment. Try this: Grind or file the front of the bolt on three sides, just like a starter tap. The bolt will self-tap right into the threads. It is simple and works every time for me."
—Jim Kehriotis, IBEW Local 595, San Ramon, CA