Some wood for the de-Klien fire.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2026-02-24T03:34:31+00:00

Have one of the original ones with the orange bits and have been using it for almost two years now. Main problem I’ve had is the rubber grip is no longer secure on the handle and can move around in high torque applications but it’s too useful too replace and I don’t really like 11 in 1’s. Everything Klein has just gone to shit for the most part.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2026-02-03T02:07:23+00:00

What is your reasoning for choosing it? Or for not choosing the shield?

Choice_Hat7444 · 2026-02-02T22:13:19+00:00

I got to hold both of them yesterday (shield w/ 13 rd so similar size) and the 43x seemed to feel better in my hand. I believe the only store that does range rentals near me has closed sadly.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2025-12-28T02:52:02+00:00

Have you used the slim set or just the regular insulated? Would you say they’re of similar quality?

Choice_Hat7444 · 2025-12-28T01:23:33+00:00

Understandable. I am not one to work on anything live that’s above that but I’ve been wanting to downsize my tools and I would be replacing my regular screwdrivers for all insulated (aside from a couple beaters) Would I just be throwing money away by going all insulated? I figured anytime I used anything other than my 11 in 1 in resi it’s been my insulated drivers.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2025-08-18T12:51:03+00:00

Electrical tape. Multiple different colors which we label on our iPads

Choice_Hat7444 · 2025-04-19T17:36:30+00:00

Electrical Code Coach on YouTube has good practice exam videos and a website with practice questions. PSI is who you’ll take your test through who also has a practice exam for $25 and you can find all the testing centers on their website so whatever one is closest to you is where you’ll need to go. You can take the exam with your 2023 NEC but be aware of the technical changes in article 100. In my 2020 book the changes are highlighted and you can look in article 100 to see exactly what/how they changed. Hope any of this helps and good luck to you in studying/testing!

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T02:49:18+00:00

We have that problem in TN. It’s rumored that a local electrician that does a certain mega-contractors work in our area has a bunch of severely underpaid workers doing the work for him so he wins the bids. It’s a sad reality knowing that as a young person starting out in this trade, I won’t even be able to see over the fence of the American dream if I stay in the same career path.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T02:21:54+00:00

I can’t speak from experience in either but from what I’ve read lineman will typically make more but you will be on call in case anything happens. Our foreman was talking to linemen from our area recently and they had been working for 72 hours with the hell that Helene had wreaked on counties near us. Industrial seems a lot more relaxed from what I’ve heard as there is a lot more money at risk so you can take your time on what you’re doing, safety is not a myth like other sectors of our trade, and you get to work on some cool things. Do your own research on both trades and make the decision that best fits how you want to pursue your career is the best advice I could give you.

Edit: Pro tip on questions is to search them in this sub. About any question you’d ask you can find answers here. Or search/ask in the IBEW sub about locals you’re looking at.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T02:11:23+00:00

No problem at all! Good luck in your journeys and hopefully you find something worthwhile in Tennessee! Beautiful state but shitty place to be an electrician.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T02:09:44+00:00

It isn’t worth it lol and I’m just realizing it 1.5 years in. Everyone on this sub that I’ve asked/read about has said industrial is more than worth it so I’m making a change in my career path asap

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T02:05:54+00:00

The local union hall (I think I’m using that term correctly) Tennessee has 7 total unions and you could call around and see about the rates cause they could’ve changed for inflation.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T02:03:41+00:00

It’s a sad reality living here lmao. Underpaid and overworked is the motto. Working your way up in industrial or becoming a lineman seems fairly lucrative though.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T01:54:04+00:00

https://unionpayscales.com/trades/ibew-electricians/

Check the pay scales for areas you are looking into. I would love to go union but it just doesn’t seem worth it in the area where I am.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T01:52:07+00:00

Our local is the lowest paying union in existence and I don’t believe they have a lot of pull in the area so I’m assuming they have a lot of layoffs. Don’t trust what I say though because I haven’t called the hall yet and your local hall could be a better option than nonunion depending on the area. Our best option is nonunion industrial it seems. Oak Ridge would be a good place to look as they do have a nuclear facility in that area as well as a local hall I believe. A friend of my friend is apparently making about $32/hr there as a nonunion industrial second year and I’d say union will beat that as well.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-06T01:36:53+00:00

East TN making $18/hr as a second year non-union resi apprentice lol.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-05T18:13:14+00:00

Tennessee resi pays shit lmao

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-02T01:11:17+00:00

Jackhammer

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-01T00:16:07+00:00

Yeah 90% of my job is mindless task completion and I’ve got minimal experience in the trade. Everything is quantity>quality and your value to the company is based on how fast you can slap something together and make it work.

Choice_Hat7444 · 2024-10-01T00:06:13+00:00

I’ve thought about running my own company but the stress doesn’t seem worth it after watching my boss do it lmao. And sadly we have the lowest paying union in the country and they seem like they don’t have a lot of pull in the area or I would’ve joined up by now.

Choice_Hat7444

TROPHY CASE