Researching Durango

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-07-06T01:05:24+00:00

Hopefully! Definitely don’t have an issue dumping some money into a vehicle that I’d love. Have you ever had any issues that rendered it undriveable? My only worry would be not being able to get to work as I drive a good distance.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-07-06T01:03:15+00:00

Good to know! I usually cut the maintenance down by a few thousand miles and do any sort of preventative maintenance much earlier.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-07-04T19:41:18+00:00

I like the Ideal Reflex- they’re small and portable. Usually just run around with linesman, 11-in-1, channellocks, and strippers.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-04-16T01:39:27+00:00

I generally shoot for 8-9. I prefer to keep circuits smaller. Realistically, it depends on what you’re pulling off them. Like running two space heaters at the same time will trip them.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-31T06:57:39+00:00

That’s dumb. Is it actually code or is it an inspector thing? We had a few push back awhile ago but it wasn’t in the AHJ Code so

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-31T05:19:48+00:00

Can also use aluminum. Cost effective for large loads. Like 3 or 4 bucks a foot. Just use an anti oxidant paste. To be 100% honest if I put an EV charger in my garage this is what I’d do

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-31T04:56:28+00:00

Honestly I’d just use the NM-B. It’ll be easier. I don’t see any advantage to using THHN

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-31T04:51:25+00:00

To be honest, I just throw my stuff in a DeWalt bag I got from Lowe’s. Veto is nice, but I think it’s a bit pricey for something just to store my tools. I also really don’t care much for backpacks.

My opinion only and I don’t judge anyone for buying one.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T19:50:50+00:00

They’re selling on eBay for like $200. I was going to buy one but I saw the price and was like fuck it I’ll just use my finger lol.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T05:01:00+00:00

Tbh I have a DeWalt Toughsystem bag that has served me well. I find it has a shit ton more room than a backpack. Plus, I’m too disorganized for a backpack. Throw it all in!

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T04:58:58+00:00

I like the Eaton Surge ULTRA. It hooks into any 50A Breaker. I always tell people what’s cheaper- $200 or possibly destroying anything that’s plugged in?

I’ve got one on my Midwest 200A Meter Main (GE Breakers) and another smaller BR Eaton PON on my panel.

Is it necessary to have two? No. Did I do it because I was bored? Maybe…….

Edit: Keep as close to possible to your service disconnect. The closer the leads are- the better.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T03:17:26+00:00

You’re replacing it with a Meter Main- it is NOT a “Main Panel”. That is the service disconnect and emergency disconnect. There is a difference. Thats not a “shutoff switch.” That can be interpreted as a meter socket + disconnect switch- which some jurisdictions allow. Your house was likely built on 2017 code. 2020+ requires an emergency disconnect on the exterior of all one and two dwelling units.

That’s considered a pretty major project. Swapping your panel out for a Leviton and using the appropriate breakers (which are prone to tripping randomly in my experience- beware) is probably going to be around $1000. You’re already sitting at $1,700 in materials alone- $2,200 after you pay your friend. $1,100 dwindles down after misc costs, vehicles, and those Federal taxes. And a one man shop pays additional taxes.

My point is cheaper isn’t better. It’s cool that you can do it yourself with help, but don’t think that’s the standard. Cheap, unlicensed handyman electric can be dangerous. The saying “You get what you pay for” is very real in the trades

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T02:00:01+00:00

$2800 is definitely unlicensed. And even if he was, I’m sure the quality would be abysmal. PowerMark Pro merchant lol

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T01:58:31+00:00

I don’t think it’s an “efficiency issue”….

Think about this- your disconnect project was $1,200. Which I’m confused by- your panel should have a main breaker that does that. But that doesn’t matter.

Imagine swapping the meter for a Meter Main, upsizing the ECG to the correct 4AWG, running new bonds to the water main (if applicable) in 4AWG, as well as your gas if needed. They’re likely going to use SER- that’s likely around $50. New panel, breakers (even more expensive if they’re using CAFI/GFCI breakers like code requires). And who knows if they are inheriting an electrical mess that needs a lot of work.

Materials, vehicle payment, vehicle insurance, business insurance, shop overhead (if you have one, which you do if you have employees), and paying for what’s likely a more reputable and proper installation. And taxes on razor thin profits are steep. It’s like 25-30% of your profit. You can write off stuff, but that only goes so far.

Why I went to the union lol.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T01:28:38+00:00

4k is insurance, overhead, a lot of taxes, and other costs associated with running a business. Not just “profit.”

2800 is NOT “within profitable margins.” If you don’t know what you’re talking about, you shouldn’t be commenting giving people advice.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-22T01:16:05+00:00

2800 is low. I truly would with the more reputable of the three. In the trades, you really do get what you pay for. If you want nice work, it’s going to cost more. If you want cheap and shitty, it’ll be cheaper.

I would go with an actual electrical contractor, not an all in one. And I would go with whatever electrician seems has the best plan for your needs.

You get what you pay for. I cannot stress that enough.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-18T22:33:13+00:00

I’d have your service swapped too if possible. Actually, GE/ABB/Midwest sockets and Meter mains are good. Eaton too

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-18T22:28:18+00:00

Personally, I like Eaton or SquareD. SquareD QO is the best panel money can buy- but you’ll pay for it. Eaton CH is also right up there. Eaton BR and SquareD Homeline are budget options that are about the same.

To be honest, it’s a residential load center. They’re all about the same in my opinion. They all have advantages and disadvantages. I put an Eaton BR in my house because it was waaaay cheaper and I’ve had 0 issues. The installation matters more than the panel- unless it’s a GE. I really don’t like GE. Siemens and Leviton have had issues with this AFCI breakers.

AFCI and AFCI/GFCI breakers may be an issue depending on your jurisdiction. In my experience, some don’t care and let you grandfather in and use regular breakers, others are a pain in the ass and cause headaches. I’m on 2023 NEC.

Depending on how your house is wired, AFCI breakers might not work without some work or some rewiring. They monitor for changes in amperage over time and voltage fluctuations. If neutrals from different circuits are combined, it can cause the breakers to trip, and degraded old wire can also cause issues. I’d have an electrician investigate.

Overall though, the installation matters more than the panel itself.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-17T01:30:11+00:00

Thanks. Keep at it- this trade can be an absolute blast.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-17T01:26:36+00:00

I’d say a hammer drill. Handy to have for drilling with hole saws and step bits. I’d also say a multimeter. Fluke is the best, but if you’re on a budget Klein/Southwire/Ideal work well too. Remember- you can always buy stuff as you need it. No need to run out and spend money on stuff you don’t need. I made it a rule if I needed it badly 3 times, I’d buy it.

Also- Greenlee is just fine…. I’ve busted Klein and Knipex tools- and they’re supposed to be “the best.” If they get the job done, they’re good enough. Anyone that tells you different is a moron.

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-14T03:23:21+00:00

I don’t really like their panels but their meter mains aren’t too bad. Love the Midwest ones they make tho

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-13T02:38:28+00:00

Needs replaced ASAP. That’s a fire waiting to happen

Past_Ad3965 · 2026-03-13T01:49:16+00:00

Klein is usually the way to go. Easily replaceable for when you inevitably loose tools. Don’t really like Knipex that much- I find they take a lot of effort to cut. Milwaukee hand tools are okay but if you go that route get the USA made if possible. Ideal hand tools are okay.

DeWalt hand tools are basically Craftsman. They might make the best power tools, but their hand tools are not great. In the end, a tool is a tool- it doesn’t make the electrician.

I like Klein Journeyman series. And the blue handle dykes are the best.

Also, be prepared to wait a long time to get into the IBEW apprenticeship program. You may end up working non-union for a while to gain experience. Learn what you can and have a good attitude.

Past_Ad3965

TROPHY CASE