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Safer Ballast Connections

As with all electrical work being safe is always wise. This method allows you to easily disconnect ballasts from power sources without affecting the rest of the circuit. Of course you should always turn off all sources of power prior to working on any electrical equipment. This method eliminates disturbing feeder wire connections.

This tip was mailed in by:
Ralph Heath
IBEW Local 353, Toronto

6-32 tap and 36 drill – brown
8-32 tap and 29 drill – orange
10-32 tap and 21 drill – yellow
¼-20 tap and 7 drill – black

Draining Oil

An adjustable-end wrench is the only tool needed to change the tilt of the tripod pipe stand. You’ll find an adjustment bolt where the lower shelf attaches to the back leg. Loosen it, slide the leg collar to tilt the tripod pipe stand, then tighten the bolt. It will drain the oil from the conduit while threading without the use of blocking the tripod.

Karl G. Roersma

IBEW Local 275, Cedar Springs, Michigan

Holesaw safety

When using a holesaw on metal panel-cans, troughs or anything metal, use a fender washer slightly larger than your holesaw on the arbor bit. When it goes through, the holesaw grabs the washer and spins freely. This keeps the holesaw from grabbing, saving the teeth, bit and sometimes a twisted wrist. Remove the washer and finish cutting the hole.

John T. Tumlin

IBEW Local 613, Atlanta

Putting on Boots

To make putting on rubber boots over your work boots easier, slip a plastic one-gallon grocery bag over your work boots before putting on the rubber boots. This saves a lot of time and aggravation. But best of all, taking off your rubber boots is a breeze.

Dan Bertolozzi

IBEW Local 363, New City, New York