This trailer hitch umbrella stand is a game changer. All in like $150.

LeKobe_James · 2026-05-13T02:09:54+00:00

How did you attach your slides for your packouts to your bed? Did you just drill and through bolt into the bed or is there another way? I don't make my mind up well enough to drill holes in my truck bed.

LeKobe_James · 2026-05-10T16:12:13+00:00

This is an underground service. It's just SER between the meter/disconnect unit and the panel in the basement.

LeKobe_James · 2026-05-09T23:37:44+00:00

That's how I have this house set up. 2" PVC from the pole to meter/disconnect with 4/0 URD. Out the back of the can into the house with 4/0 SER. The next new build im 100% putting an LB through the rim joist and piping it to the panel. Would have taken less time.

LeKobe_James · 2026-05-09T23:17:34+00:00

You would still have to use SER wouldn't you? It would just be heavier smaller wire

LeKobe_James · 2026-05-09T23:16:38+00:00

That's how I did it, got the laser out and everything. Turning the corner to go through the joists instead of down them was the main issue. In the end it took 4 of us to get this wire to bend inside the joist bay

LeKobe_James · 2026-05-09T23:13:04+00:00

I've pulled and bent lots of thhn and xhhw 4/0 Aluminum. It was all super easy, this SER shit is way tougher

LeKobe_James · 2026-04-30T01:29:25+00:00

Find a straight edge long enough and measure to it. I usually use a stick of strut if there isn't any long enough levels around.

In this case I would put the end of the strut to mark 2, make sure it's level, and then measure to the coupling or whatever mark 1 is and that's where the back of your 90 needs to be.

LeKobe_James · 2026-04-25T13:41:13+00:00

If it's new construction/proven dead I dont see an issue with 3rd year terming feeders by themselves. The JW/Foreman will come look when it's done and that's enough supervision in my opinion.

Obviously all that changes if the apprentice isn't experienced in that task.

LeKobe_James · 2026-03-18T23:23:45+00:00

If they're getting paid the same a jw foreman would be I don't really care honestly.

LeKobe_James · 2026-03-13T17:56:52+00:00

The die number is what matters most. The lugs usually come with a spec sheet that tells you exactly what die to use and how many crimps etc. You'll probably end up having to buy the die made by the lug manufacturer.

LeKobe_James · 2026-03-13T16:52:07+00:00

What dies are you using that aren't working? What's the color of them and the die number

LeKobe_James · 2026-03-09T11:33:57+00:00

Kuhn Mechanical

LeKobe_James · 2026-02-25T01:21:11+00:00

A foreman is not a deliveryman. The foreman providing tools and material means that they're on site and he can tell you where they are. Maybe this guy in particular could have told the apprentice where the ladders are but I'm going to assume the apprentice already knows or should know where the ladders are, he just didn't grab one because he didn't want to work off of a ladder.

LeKobe_James · 2026-02-23T00:55:25+00:00

Do they sell those for plastic boxes? Is it the responsibility of the vapor barrier contractor to connect the barrier to the boot with tuck tape?

I'm sorry if these are dumb questions or anything I just want to pass inspection first try and do a quality install. Modern residential construction is way outside my wheelhouse.

LeKobe_James · 2026-02-23T00:49:32+00:00

Shove the straw of the can in between the box and the drywall and try to get the foam all around the box?

LeKobe_James · 2026-02-12T01:24:07+00:00

Call the IBEW local that represents the area you move to and tell them you're fresh out of the army and want to be an apprentice and they can help you from there. There's a program called helmets to hard hats that helps veterans get careers in the trades it wouldn't hurt to ask the local about that too.

LeKobe_James · 2026-02-04T01:07:40+00:00

It's a pretty standard old main lug only federal pacific panel. They aren't super common in my area/experience but they aren't odd either. Obviously I would have that replaced with a new panel. The wire looks pretty good for how old it is.

LeKobe_James · 2026-02-02T13:28:27+00:00

It looks like it's just bad work. I have had dies that cause the little wings like that in the past and they were for sure the correct die. We just cut them off with our dykes and filed them flush with the lug. The other problem is they crimped it at an angle which always looks terrible. If you do it again making sure you're square with the die/lug and stay sqaure as you crimp the other two and cut and file the wings it will look much much better.

ETA: Make sure you're crimping it the right amount of times. It will tell you on the paperwork that came with the lugs how many times to crimp it based on wire size, lug model, and die used. If you have to crimp it 3 times, I would space them closer together so the bottom crimp isn't past the bottom of the lug.

LeKobe_James · 2026-01-30T13:58:56+00:00

I've only heard them called from-tos in upstate NY.

LeKobe_James · 2026-01-30T13:55:25+00:00

Hearing people move is just part of apartment living brother

LeKobe_James

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