I just journeyed out last year. The #1 most important tool for an apprentice to carry is a notebook and pen in my opinion. At all times, from 7am to 3:30pm, even in the bathroom. You just never know when someone is going to grab you and give you a list of stuff to do or give you some instructions. If you don't write it down you'll forget. Not just for apprentices, JWs should all have the chest pocket notebook and pen too.
Well done! As a Canadian journeyman I can see that you are more than adequately prepared. You've chosen great tools and PPE. You have the right attitude and I'm confident you'll become a journeyperson very soon. My advice for skinning cable safely and easily would be to purchase a skinning knife made by.......you guessed it Klein Tools. Have been using mine for 15 years and it's perfect for skinning round sheathed conductors. Good luck with your career. I subscribed today and look forward to seeing your progression through the trade. 👷♀️
Well. Yours is a,fine selection of tools. I find that a good digital multimeter is essential for troubleshooting and checking things that I've installed. Every job is a little different, your ideal fools are going to be a little different
@@LexElectric I like the jaws of the knipex alligators, but they use a pin style adjustment mechanism that I think slips out of location easier than the tongue and groove that channellock uses. Which I guess can be a positive, but I find it annoying. I haven't tried the cobras, they have a push-button adjustment.
Hey awesome stuff.. check out the Crescent 2 in 1 Linesman's Pliers and Wire Stripper.. anytime I can have a tool that can serve multiple purposes it’s a win (plus the built in hammer)..
Great video! Im in Toronto and curious about becoming a 309a electrician. What was your route to become an apprentice? Did you pay to take a 8 month pre-apprenticeship program at a college? Did you find a government funded pre -apprenticeship program at a college? Did you find an employer willing to train you from scratch? Thanks! What's the best way to stick out from the competition??
Hey Chris, thank you for watching! And hello to a fellow Canadian 🍁. Great questions, I think I may dive into them deeper in a separate video. But for now: I started doing a government funded pre-app course, then became indentured with a non-union company, then did 2nd year on my own dime, then got hired by the union! Best way to stick out: put your photo and quotes from colleagues on your resume!
@@LexElectric Photo on resume huh. That's a new one to me. It's looking like my path may be similar to yours with working a while before catching IBEW's approval. I'm in your neighboring region (Seattle area) and have been curious how the different locals operate. I've assumed same general idea even though different countries.
@@aaronbrown5631 I have also heard that having your cover letter and resume have matching header, with your name in bold, helps you stand out. I'm not sure how it works in the states, but having a bit of experience under your belt can't hurt your chances!
Oh also! Do you stick to Klien because of company policy? After 4th year I switched to Knipex pliers (because I like isolated tools and switched to service work), chanel lock needle nose, Wera screw drivers (from KMS in Coquitlam) and Greenlee stripers.... Because yea. Also, fluke is awesome for volt tiks and meters
I just got Klein because it's readily available and most people had Klein's I worked with. Not policy. I will probably end up switching to Knipex as I have heard great things, and when I can work on live stuff it'll be handy. I have bought a fluke volt tick before for someone else haha.
Hey, my name is Kimberly Rodriguez and I am currently a senior at Bronx Design And Construction Academy, I’m in the electrical major and I want to be able to pursue this trade as a career, Thanks a lot for your videos they really help I really appreciate it.
Hey man! I am not an apprentice, but I wanted to check out other people's tools. I'm an FSR B out Of Victoria. ...my Wiha linesmen pliers actually have a hammer section built into them. It's hilarious. They are also isolated because...oOooooo....
@@LexElectric the plumbers and the other trades always talk trash "Why don't you carry a hammer?" Oh, I do have one it's my "electrician hammer" ie: pliers. Now that I work a lot more resi than commercial, I did actually get a good one. Putting in a few hundred staples with pliers got old fast. But if I was still doing as much commercial as I used to, that hammer would live in the van
@@LexElectric.....just do what comes natural to you....maybe what tools etc you find interesting about the trade and so forth....I've been doing this type of work for 28 yrs....I just like different perspectives.....no one knows everything.....good luck with you're channel......👍
i was taught to do the same thing. in my opinion, cutting your splice at an angle helps when you're splicing more than 3 wires on a single wirenut as yo ucan more easily get teh wirenut snug.
@@LexElectric always interesting to see what everyone prefers using. Gives me good ideas for when I look to apprentice. Also nice to see a Canadian perspective. I only have really found UK and American channels so far.
Always test with a meter. Once you get to higher voltages you can get false readings through induced voltage. NCVT def have their place for quick check while troubleshooting, but always verify lack of power with a meter.
Dude first month as a apprenticeship plumber in Arizona. Thy have me doing the hardest work I’ve ever done. Stuck behind a shovel for days on end. Have me pick up these bozos that have DUI. Have to drive a hour to pick them up & about another 20 min tho the job site -that is a new task. Operating an excavator well not even just digging with a shovel then the excavator comes.
Yes these are composite toes. Most people say steel toes when referring to work boots with hard toes, could be a regional thing. Look for the ohm symbol if you're in Canada, then you know it's non conductive.
@@LexElectric well I live in the northeast so I have had some experience with them but a lot of the USA doesn't really know of them I call it a Robertson or a Canadian Philips. square bit wld be most pple wld call it lol
@@LexElectric yes correct on history of the Robertson fastener and driver. I learned a lot of Canadian wire methods from watching Mike Holmes shows and by no real coincidence a lot of the same methods and codes are the same in my area as well I share a very small border being the granite state or the motto live free or die lol
I just journeyed out last year. The #1 most important tool for an apprentice to carry is a notebook and pen in my opinion. At all times, from 7am to 3:30pm, even in the bathroom. You just never know when someone is going to grab you and give you a list of stuff to do or give you some instructions. If you don't write it down you'll forget. Not just for apprentices, JWs should all have the chest pocket notebook and pen too.
Absolutely! I always have one on me.
Well done! As a Canadian journeyman I can see that you are more than adequately prepared. You've chosen great tools and PPE. You have the right attitude and I'm confident you'll become a journeyperson very soon.
My advice for skinning cable safely and easily would be to purchase a skinning knife made by.......you guessed it Klein Tools. Have been using mine for 15 years and it's perfect for skinning round sheathed conductors.
Good luck with your career. I subscribed today and look forward to seeing your progression through the trade. 👷♀️
Thanks for the compliments! I appreciate it. More videos coming soon!
Thank you for making this and talking about what tools are necessary
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 😊
Thank you for the video! You are very artistic and I am sure you are on the right track. Good luck and remember only the persistent achieve the goal.
Well. Yours is a,fine selection of tools. I find that a good digital multimeter is essential for troubleshooting and checking things that I've installed. Every job is a little different, your ideal fools are going to be a little different
I'm a new apprentice, I use all of those and my channellocks or my Knipex Alligator pliers daily. Thanks for the videos!
That's awesome! I haven't heard the term alligator pliers before.
@@LexElectric it’s what Knipex calls one of their product lines. They have cobras too. All scary bitey animals.
@@ricker76er ah I see. I need to look into Knipex, they have been highly recommended.
@@LexElectric I like the jaws of the knipex alligators, but they use a pin style adjustment mechanism that I think slips out of location easier than the tongue and groove that channellock uses. Which I guess can be a positive, but I find it annoying. I haven't tried the cobras, they have a push-button adjustment.
@@ricker76er must resist urge to go out and buy all new tools 😭
Hey awesome stuff.. check out the Crescent 2 in 1 Linesman's Pliers and Wire Stripper.. anytime I can have a tool that can serve multiple purposes it’s a win (plus the built in hammer)..
Nice idea! Thanks for commenting ☺️
Great video! Im in Toronto and curious about becoming a 309a electrician. What was your route to become an apprentice? Did you pay to take a 8 month pre-apprenticeship program at a college? Did you find a government funded pre -apprenticeship program at a college? Did you find an employer willing to train you from scratch? Thanks! What's the best way to stick out from the competition??
Hey Chris, thank you for watching! And hello to a fellow Canadian 🍁. Great questions, I think I may dive into them deeper in a separate video. But for now: I started doing a government funded pre-app course, then became indentured with a non-union company, then did 2nd year on my own dime, then got hired by the union! Best way to stick out: put your photo and quotes from colleagues on your resume!
@@LexElectric Photo on resume huh. That's a new one to me.
It's looking like my path may be similar to yours with working a while before catching IBEW's approval. I'm in your neighboring region (Seattle area) and have been curious how the different locals operate. I've assumed same general idea even though different countries.
@@aaronbrown5631 I have also heard that having your cover letter and resume have matching header, with your name in bold, helps you stand out.
I'm not sure how it works in the states, but having a bit of experience under your belt can't hurt your chances!
2nd year apprentice here. I love the Knipex scissors for stripping wires/cable
Will add to the list! Where do you buy Knipex? I haven't seen them in stores.
@@LexElectric www.kctoolco.com or www.misterworker.com Amazon also has quite a bit of Knipex. Great videos, keep it up.
@@LexElectric you can find them in Amazon..but the linerman's pliers its all you'll need
@@raulcoss3906 thanks for the tip!
@@LexElectric you're welcome
Oh also! Do you stick to Klien because of company policy? After 4th year I switched to Knipex pliers (because I like isolated tools and switched to service work), chanel lock needle nose, Wera screw drivers (from KMS in Coquitlam) and Greenlee stripers.... Because yea. Also, fluke is awesome for volt tiks and meters
I just got Klein because it's readily available and most people had Klein's I worked with. Not policy. I will probably end up switching to Knipex as I have heard great things, and when I can work on live stuff it'll be handy. I have bought a fluke volt tick before for someone else haha.
Wiha seems decent too. The wholesalers sell them at a decent price. But I've only used the plier so far. The Knipex channel locks are awesome
@@LexElectric It's really cool to see what other sparkies carry in their pouches!
@@JadedMax definitely!
@@JadedMax I need some new channel locks, maybe I will pick up a pair!
Hey, my name is Kimberly Rodriguez and I am currently a senior at Bronx Design And Construction Academy, I’m in the electrical major and I want to be able to pursue this trade as a career, Thanks a lot for your videos they really help I really appreciate it.
Thanks for your comment Kimberly! Best of luck in your school, you'll do great I'm sure 😁
@@LexElectric Thank You🙏
Thanks for the video! Can’t wait for more!
Thank you! I have a few lined up that I'll start releasing (hopefully) weekly!
6-32's take a #1 or green Robbie. Good video!
Hey man! I am not an apprentice, but I wanted to check out other people's tools. I'm an FSR B out Of Victoria.
...my Wiha linesmen pliers actually have a hammer section built into them. It's hilarious. They are also isolated because...oOooooo....
They probably figure if you can't beat em, join em! I used to work out of Victoria as a first year. I miss all the sunshine 🔆
@@LexElectric the plumbers and the other trades always talk trash "Why don't you carry a hammer?" Oh, I do have one it's my "electrician hammer" ie: pliers. Now that I work a lot more resi than commercial, I did actually get a good one. Putting in a few hundred staples with pliers got old fast. But if I was still doing as much commercial as I used to, that hammer would live in the van
@@JadedMax it's definitely one of those toils that collects dust in my tool pouch! Usually only need it in a pinch so the Klein's will have to do.
do u recommend a tool belt or a pouch?
Try the greenlee wire strippers you’ll never look back.
Thanks! The Klein ones handle keeps slipping, so maybe I will get Greenlee my next pair.
Just subscribed...I'm an electrical contractor....just curious about the channel content....nice to "meet" u Lexi.....
Thanks for subbing! More content coming soon, just dealing with life stuff right now! Any video requests?
@@LexElectric.....just do what comes natural to you....maybe what tools etc you find interesting about the trade and so forth....I've been doing this type of work for 28 yrs....I just like different perspectives.....no one knows everything.....good luck with you're channel......👍
@@johnnyfreeman1018 thanks Johnny!
New sub 👍🏽. I’m a Klein man myself
Thanks! Klein is great 🛠️
I cut my splices on a angle. Is that a bad thing?
As long as it is clean and fits under the wire nut I think it's fine.
i was taught to do the same thing. in my opinion, cutting your splice at an angle helps when you're splicing more than 3 wires on a single wirenut as yo ucan more easily get teh wirenut snug.
@@ThreePhase470 very true!
Nice tools and looking lovely
How about a what's in my tool bag tour? Or you everyday carry?
That is a great suggestion! Will add to the list
@@LexElectric always interesting to see what everyone prefers using. Gives me good ideas for when I look to apprentice. Also nice to see a Canadian perspective. I only have really found UK and American channels so far.
@@PawsumGaming thanks for watching! I try to keep a unique perspective.
I know you said you recently changed work boots! what kind do you wear now (and I guess a link to support you too!)
Thank you! I wear the Dakota Women's 8030 8". I don't have a link, but you can find them at Marks Work Wearhouse !
Hi I'm saif from india which college u have studied plz reply
Camosun, or BCIT
@@LexElectric fees and eligibility criteria plz reply
@@netabettiahwala3617 check their websites
@@LexElectric thanks for reply & have a good day & u look beautiful
@@LexElectric I want to study in camosun plz suggest me
What brand is the vest
It's Pioneer. I've included a link to purchase in the bio, and also a cheaper version from the same brand 😊
ibew 213?
Yep!
OMG IT HAS POCKETS! lol this just went on my wishlist!
Nice! The more pockets the merrier.
Really great video!! Apprentice LU890 Southern Wisconsin! I have a bunch of my own tools, love my kleins.
If it ain't klein it ain't mine
Thanks for the comment! I just bought insulated Klein screwdrivers and now I want to update my whole kit 🤑
Always test with a meter. Once you get to higher voltages you can get false readings through induced voltage. NCVT def have their place for quick check while troubleshooting, but always verify lack of power with a meter.
Fair point
Appreciate the video.
Thank you! Appreciate you!
Good luck 👍👍👍
Thanks!
As a electrician you do a lot of math. Especially when you do side jobs and you dont have a engineered plans.
Dude first month as a apprenticeship plumber in Arizona. Thy have me doing the hardest work I’ve ever done. Stuck behind a shovel for days on end. Have me pick up these bozos that have DUI. Have to drive a hour to pick them up & about another 20 min tho the job site -that is a new task. Operating an excavator well not even just digging with a shovel then the excavator comes.
That sucks! You should definitely ask for gas money at least. Are you union?
Great video
Thank you for watching! 😌
shouldn't wear steel toe. should get composite. they don't conduct electricity
Yes these are composite toes. Most people say steel toes when referring to work boots with hard toes, could be a regional thing. Look for the ohm symbol if you're in Canada, then you know it's non conductive.
informative
Pockets?! Omg.
Beautiful.electrician
Robbie driver should have known you where Canadian aaa lol
What do you call it?
@@LexElectric well I live in the northeast so I have had some experience with them but a lot of the USA doesn't really know of them I call it a Robertson or a Canadian Philips. square bit wld be most pple wld call it lol
@@wizard3z868 Canadian Phillips 😂 too funny. The guy who invented its name was Robertson (and I believe he was Canadian!)
@@LexElectric yes correct on history of the Robertson fastener and driver. I learned a lot of Canadian wire methods from watching Mike Holmes shows and by no real coincidence a lot of the same methods and codes are the same in my area as well I share a very small border being the granite state or the motto live free or die lol
@@wizard3z868 Mike Holmes is a Canadian icon 😂
Hi friends how are you
Nice looking dear
Hii madam please job for me 🙏🙏🙏 election best