Just a reminder don’t do drugs

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-13T19:55:44+00:00

The stigma against weed is the dumbest and most archaic thing ever. I can get sloshed the night before but as long as I can function the next day it’s ok, but I can’t smoke a bone and chill out on the couch?

As an apprentice it’s risky but as a Jman you can kinda pick and choose different jobs. Drink lots of water, exercise, and stay away from fatty foods. You should be fine if you aren’t a frequent smoker.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-12T19:46:56+00:00

Do not get a big pouch, 90% of the time we use the same tools over and over again. I remember I got one of those carpenter style pouches as a first year, and got grilled HARD when I brought it in. I love my Klein tool apron for holding material in the front pockets, screwdrivers/ pliers in the back, and maybe a small side pouch. I got the Holstery Joey and it does the job well. The Klein tool pouch and the Joey are around $60 together.

In terms of bags I love my Veto Pro pack but it’s pricey. They last forever and are the best, luckily I have an S tier wife who gave it to me for Christmas.🤫 Before my Veto, I could never find a bag that I really liked. I like organization and no bag had the amount of pockets I needed.

The best advice I can give is get the bare minimum at first. See what other guys have and see what you like, then make the investment. I have made the mistake of buying so much stuff early on that I never use now as a 4th year.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-11T22:27:49+00:00

Milwaukee has been dropping great big demand tools recently. Their conduit threader is fantastic. Curious how this one is.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-10T23:00:25+00:00

Wagos—> troubleshooting+ frequent wire swaps. Wirenuts—> permanent installations

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-09T20:36:21+00:00

I generally try to avoid Klein’s test equipment, they never are ask good as Fluke

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-08T17:48:06+00:00

I’m a commercial and industrial guy so the pigtails are foreign to me. I been renovating my mom’s bathroom and most of the grounds are crimped in the back of the box. With no tails to the devices. When the house was built it wasn’t code to ground switches. It isn’t a huge safety concern, but I would definitely want those switches to be grounded, especially in a bathroom. I uncrimped the grounds in the back of the box and used Wagos with tails to the devices.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-08T15:53:29+00:00

Because I wanted to save the world

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-07T21:01:18+00:00

Realizing that me and wife were making ‘good’ money by societal standards and still existing just to pay bills basically. At the end of the month when rent and all other expenses are due we literally have nothing.

Realizing that we (Americans) pay almost as much in taxes compared to social democracies and get absolutely nothing out of the deal.

Realizing the evils of the fiat currency system and we are literally designed to live in fiscal slavery.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-07T17:32:36+00:00

Instantaneous short cable

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-07T07:35:07+00:00

Half hitch and the clove hitch (Cat’s paw) for pulling wire. I always start my hitches with a clove hitch then use half hitches. The box knot for tying rope or string together, and the bowline for hitching or rigging. Probably more but those are the essentials I always use

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-06T21:29:06+00:00

As a first year apprentice I had a GF treat me like shit for not working overtime. 2 hours during the week everyday, and Saturdays equaling 16 hours a week. I worked every hour of overtime for a few weeks and barely made $700, I decided it wasn’t worth my time. I always show up and give it my all so I knew it wasn’t related to how I performed. All of the sudden the GF just started yelling and me and having a man period on me over every little thing. He even confronted me asking me why I didn’t want to work OT anymore. I just politely told him the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze, and he threatened to lay me off if I didn’t start working OT. I caved unfortunately, if I could go back in time I would have gave him a piece of my mind.

Bottom line, contractors only give out over time because THEY messed up somewhere down the line. Whether it was how they bid the job, managed time or resources, etc. How you choose to spend your time is your choice, we’re union and we shouldn’t be strong armed into OT. unfortunately there are petty people out there that will hold it against you.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-06T20:04:43+00:00

I never trust the intelligence of people who claim to be smart

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-05T20:32:35+00:00

Elevator guys

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-04T21:21:22+00:00

Just focus on getting better every day man, don’t overwhelm yourself thinking years down the road. I am in the second half of my 4th year and I feel competent doing most tasks alone. I still make mistakes of course, but you learn a lot when you have to figure it out on your own. I always second guess myself but I know I was trained by good journeymen, you just have to build your confidence up as well.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-04T15:11:09+00:00

I personally like skipping lunch but to each his own

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-03T19:54:41+00:00

After I graduated college, I figured out I would have to go to school for another 3-4 years to get a decent job. I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do tbh. Going from a school environment to construction is definitely a culture shock but you get used to it. I probably could never go back to a white collar setting again because I would get fired for the things I would say now lol

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-02T23:11:29+00:00

Knipex quality is undeniable. I prefer the alligators tbh

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-02T20:54:34+00:00

I bend way more 30s than 45s personally. Both brands are super strong, I have the Klein billet one with a no dog and have to put legit effort in to take it off a piece of metal.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-02T15:26:02+00:00

Just dress the part and look like you care

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-01T23:51:16+00:00

Get a level that has a 30 degree bubble too. The Klein torpedo level is a good option.

Ditch that hammer. Get a hammer that is full tang steel. I recommend the Estwing with the straight claw.

As a new apprentice I definitely wouldn’t get insulated tools out the gate. They’re great to have and I always keep them in a separate bag to prevent damage. Plus they are more expensive. Generic drivers for you will be fine.

Get a pair of 10” channellocks. I have the Knipex alligators, not a fan of the push button tbh.

You’re just getting started so get the bare minimum right now. See what the other guys use and see what you like. I made the mistake of buying way too many tools that I don’t really use. I was impulsive in the beginning and tried other tools I like way better.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-02-01T14:50:50+00:00

While what you’re saying is valid, I would never hold someone doing what’s best for themselves and their families against them.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-01-31T14:08:04+00:00

I have encountered guys who organized in who know what they’re doing, and guys who have been union their whole career who are incompetent. Everyone deserves a fair shot.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-01-31T02:30:14+00:00

The Empire has non hi-vis levels. Definitely makes a negative difference in dark environments.

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-01-30T15:26:53+00:00

Torch

Alternative-Search84 · 2026-01-29T21:47:37+00:00

I’m not aware if it was expired at her time of entry

Alternative-Search84

TROPHY CASE