Time saving tools

[hey_poolboy]

Alright, I have a little $ that I would like to invest in some tool(s). I would like some recommendations on some of the most time saving tools you own or use.

I do mostly resi, and some light commercial.

I looked at one of these (http://www.toolbarn.com/product/milwaukee/48-06-2860/?ref=base), but really don't see much time savings since I can drill up to 9' ceilings with just the drill.

I've also thought about stilts, things like that. Anyway, that's the type of stuff I was thinking of. Any and most ideas will be considered.

[JohnJ0906]

I have a couple of organizers , one for screws, one for misc. fittings:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/JohnJ0906/HPIM1215.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p66/JohnJ0906/HPIM1214.jpg

Organization is the biggest time saver I can think of. I try to keep detailed lists of material needed, to-do, etc.

Sorry, no sexy tools or anything... :D

[ultramegabob]

this is one of the best investments I made when I started my business

http://www.industrialladder.com/productDetails.do;jsessionid=9B5EBE3AA1547D538F42E 1994534DB42?productID=3818&categoryID=373

this isnt where I bought it, you can get it cheaper alot of places, I posted this because it had a couple of good pictures of it being used...

[Dennis Alwon]

I looked at one of these (http://www.toolbarn.com/product/milwaukee/48-06-2860/?ref=base), but really don't see much time savings since I can drill up to 9' ceilings with just the drill.


You must be awfully tall. I would be lost without that milwaukee extension. It is a bit of a reach on 10' ceilings but it is great for 9' ceilings and for drilling down without getting on the floor or stooping.

I sometimes just keep getting it drilling the studs. I have had a few in my career and needless to say I love em.

[MF Dagger]

I just bought a milwaukee sub-compact drill for doing trim outs. The thing is awesome.
For service changes my Dad has a long tube thing with bearings that you attach your hole saw to the end of to keep it straight drilling through the roof. If anyone knows the name of that or where to locate one I would appreciate it.
Also a benfield miter box is pretty nice, not so much time saving as in my opinion a more quality installation. It holds flex so you can saw it straight through. You can use it on bigger gauge wire too to hold it for the hack saw if you don't have a ratchet cutter. The Milwaukee extension works pretty good, we haven't had the normal right angle out in a long time. My journeyman says that he worked with someone who had stilts and the guy flew at home runs and stuff. I usuall just walk on top in the attic. A wire reel helps but you can make that pretty easily with a couple scraps of wire and some chunks of 2x4. Nice sharp bits can save a ton of time. As can a good hole hawg.

[macmikeman]

Since you do commercial work, may I suggest one of these?- http://www.cscindustrial.com/images/GL-555R.jpg They can really speed up a pipe job if you have a transport to the job method.

[Buck Parrish]

Do you have a bit that fits in a large hammer drill for driving ground rods?

[tmbrk]

I've looked into getting a Fein super cut. A GC let me use his on a jobsite to cut in an outlet in a cabinet. What a great tool. It is expensive though and I probably wouldn't use it very often. But when you need it, you need it. And that's what it's all about, right?:smile:

[MF Dagger]

What's a super cut?

[Dennis Alwon]

What's a super cut?
It is a tool that vibrates the cuttr thru ceramic, wood, etc

http://images1.hdpi.com/product_enlarged/fein_supercut_FSC-20-SC.jpg

[ultramegabob]

For service changes my Dad has a long tube thing with bearings that you attach your hole saw to the end of to keep it straight drilling through the roof. If anyone knows the name of that or where to locate one I would appreciate it.



I have one, I just call it a risor jig, mine is made by Blackhawk Tools, but I dont think they make it any more. I have seen them for sale on ebay, but they didnt have the manufactures name.

[MF Dagger]

How about a trencher? I feel a ton of money is wasted having electricians hand dig trenches. Anyone figured out how long it took to make back their money on a trencher?

[76nemo]

Do you have a bit that fits in a large hammer drill for driving ground rods?

NICE call buck, I was trying to think of my best response, but I read yours first, and for the $ and time they save, you have me beat hands down. Nice call;)

[76nemo]

What are you lacking Mike? If you're doing resi, what are you using for a wire spool? I have the EZ Spool and absolutely love it. Let me go get a pic or link unless Marc beats me to it. I think he has one as well. Definetly worth the money, they'll adapt to almost any spools of cable.

[76nemo]

Here's the link Mike. You can get a little better price than this if you look more:


http://www.thetwistergroup.com/product/bes-ez-1000-ez-spool-wire/EZ-1000%20D27633.html

[HighWirey]

How about a trencher? I feel a ton of money is wasted having electricians hand dig trenches. Anyone figured out how long it took to make back their money on a trencher?

Regardless of the amount of trenching you do, the payback on owning a trencher is never. A new trencher is great, after they start to decline, they will eat your lunch. Better to rent one.

Best Wishes Everyone

[JohnJ0906]

What are you lacking Mike? If you're doing resi, what are you using for a wire spool? I have the EZ Spool and absolutely love it. Let me go get a pic or link unless Marc beats me to it. I think he has one as well. Definetly worth the money, they'll adapt to almost any spools of cable.

I think Marc has one's he made himself - he posted pictures of the a few months ago.

[ultramegabob]

how much money are you looking at spending?

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is my favorite tool. I can do anything with it.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db06b3127ccec462c386bb7900000066100UaNmbRs1Yg9 vPhY

[brian john]

With all the equipment I own, the one I never go anywhere without my angle grinder.

http://www.dewaltpowertoolsonline.com/Grinders/Dewalt-Grinders-D28402N-Grinder.html

[HighWirey]

Do you have a bit that fits in a large hammer drill for driving ground rods?

Always. For 20 lf rods in Central Florida a large hammer drill and bit was the way to go. We often had to place 40 lf rods. I owned a 45 pound pneumatic hammer and driver bit, and 100 lf of hose. Always rented the 135 cfm compressor for those projects.

Best Wishes Everyone.

[SiddMartin]

I couldn't make it w/o my Klein ratchet cutters, and self leveling laser (vertical)

[76nemo]

I couldn't make it w/o my Klein ratchet cutters, and self leveling laser (vertical)


Like this baby::grin: ?

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B0000CCXTS?showViewpoints=1

[electricalperson]

the rack a tiers laser level is a nice tool. one of my new favorite tools has to be the seesnake or the hole in one cutter http://contractor-direct.net/item.asp?PID=189

[ultramegabob]

Its nice to have a power inverter on the truck, mine is 2000 watts, i wish It was just a little bit bigger, I can run about any tool I need to with it except for my heat gun and some circular saws.

[76nemo]

the rack a tiers laser level is a nice tool. one of my new favorite tools has to be the seesnake or the hole in one cutter http://contractor-direct.net/item.asp?PID=189

Do you get alot of use, at least a couple of times a week, out of the SeeSnake Chris?

[quogueelectric]

Alright, I have a little $ that I would like to invest in some tool(s). I would like some recommendations on some of the most time saving tools you own or use.

I do mostly resi, and some light commercial.

I looked at one of these (http://www.toolbarn.com/product/milwaukee/48-06-2860/?ref=base), but really don't see much time savings since I can drill up to 9' ceilings with just the drill.

I've also thought about stilts, things like that. Anyway, that's the type of stuff I was thinking of. Any and most ideas will be considered.
By far the amprobe 2005 series circuit tracer can get one on ebay about 500 bucks used.

[wawireguy]

If you don't have a laser for laying out lights I'd consider getting one. Any time I do lights that are hard to measure it's nice to have one around:

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/dewalt/DW082K/

Only used a Dewalt. Might be nicer ones out there.

[mdshunk]

It's getting really tough to pick out one tool or gadget that is a time-saver that pretty much everyone isn't using already. Just sorta depends on what you do most days. I might say stilts today, since I was on them most of the day today. Old building under rennovation, and I had to cut about 30 million holes in the ceilings. The stilts probably saved 2 or 3 hours today alone, I feel. They have a pretty natural walking action, and take about 10 mintues to get used to. Not hard at all to walk on. Buy them at the drywall supply house that is local to you, since you want a local source for repair parts. The springs occasionally break and the straps wear out.

[electricalperson]

Do you get alot of use, at least a couple of times a week, out of the SeeSnake Chris?
i use it all the time

[hey_poolboy]

Goodness, I let my wife get back to work on the computer for a couple of hours, and you guys just take off.

Thanks for the great ideas so far. A new spool holder would probably be a smart investment. I've been using a homemade one for a while. The scaffolding is also a good idea. I so seldom use any that I rent or borrow when I need it, but a small section like the one linked to would smart, especially if I get a pair of stilts as well. :D I did drywall with my dad growing up and can get around on stilts pretty well, but never bought my own pair. Marc is right (not uncommon) the stilts are a life saver when doing lights, etc.

Just to answer the question, about $500 ish.

[walkerj]

I have one, I just call it a risor jig, mine is made by Blackhawk Tools, but I dont think they make it any more. I have seen them for sale on ebay, but they didnt have the manufactures name.

Drill bit extension, a piece of 2" rigid, a 2 1/2" hole saw and some washers.
Why buy one premade when you can make one yourself that can be broken down?

[macmikeman]

It's getting really tough to pick out one tool or gadget that is a time-saver that pretty much everyone isn't using already. Just sorta depends on what you do most days. I might say stilts today, since I was on them most of the day today. Old building under rennovation, and I had to cut about 30 million holes in the ceilings. The stilts probably saved 2 or 3 hours today alone, I feel. They have a pretty natural walking action, and take about 10 mintues to get used to. Not hard at all to walk on. Buy them at the drywall supply house that is local to you, since you want a local source for repair parts. The springs occasionally break and the straps wear out.

Good call on the stilts. They do save time. Back when I used to concern myself with going really fast when wiring houses I used to use them alot for that. Now I just charge a lot more and go at a human pace. I like it better that way for some reason....

[220/221]

The best timesaver ever is a well organized truck.


As far as tools, this is one of the best tools to come along since I have been around. One arbor, hole saws from 1/2 to 1 1/2 with a "stop" built in so you can't run them into hot parts. If you don't abuse them they will last a really long time.

http://www.toolfetch.com/media/7534.jpg

[quogueelectric]

The best timesaver ever is a well organized truck.


As far as tools, this is one of the best tools to come along since I have been around. One arbor, hole saws from 1/2 to 1 1/2 with a "stop" built in so you can't run them into hot parts. If you don't abuse them they will last a really long time.

http://www.toolfetch.com/media/7534.jpg
I second this post I havent used holesaws in years since finding carbide cutters for steel.

[jnsane84]

You might want to invest in a set of metric screwdrivers.They're the bomb diggity.:grin:

[stretch12]

rotozip old work boxes done plaster done siding even cementatious with right bit done

[ultramegabob]

rotozip old work boxes done plaster done siding even cementatious with right bit done


I would have to second that one, good for bathroom tile, fiberglass or plastic wall covering, plywood, drywall, and plaster and lathe without destroying the wall, lots of bang for the buck....

[hey_poolboy]

Rotozips are great. I haven't 'bit' the bullet and bought a battery one yet though.

I still don't have a set of the carbide hole cutters. I just haven't wanted to spend the $$ on them yet.

[iwire]

I would like some recommendations on some of the most time saving tools you own or use.

A well trained apprentice. 8-)

[ultramegabob]

I use my hole saws mostly on wood, for cutting holes in panels I use a uni-bit and either my ratchet or hydrolic knock out kit.

[boboelectric]

I Vote For my 18 volt cordless drill

[hey_poolboy]

A well trained apprentice. 8-)

Fantastic time saver! It's just that the cost is ongoing...:smile:

[76nemo]

Do you already have the ground rod driver bit?,...it's cheaper than pawning that job off on an apprentice:grin:

[jnsane84]

If you dont already have one of these, they're really great.

http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/9/DW920K-2_K1.jpg

[Mike Burch]

I have two 12" medical forceps that I carry with me. One has a straight end and the other has a loop end that also lock down. These have come in very handy and save me a lot of time grabbing fishtapes, wires, dealing with walkerduct, etc.

[robh]

If you dont already have one of these, they're really great.

http://www.dewalt.com//ProductImages/PC_Graphics/PHOTOS/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/9/DW920K-2_K1.jpg



I had one of those but it sits at home gathering dust after I got one of these-

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PS20-2

[Mike Burch]

These get a vote from me as well. That was money well spent.


I second this post I havent used holesaws in years since finding carbide cutters for steel.

[220/221]

for cutting holes in panels I use a uni-bit and either my ratchet or hydrolic knock out kit.

This is where the carbide holesaws save time.

The unibit has to work very hard and take out a LOT of material. This uses battery power and takes time.

With the KO punch, you still have to drill a hole so you might as well drill it to the proper size and be done.

I haven't found a hole saw that will effectivly drill a 2" or larger hole in an enclosure so I need to drag out the punch set for those.

[roger3829]

Its nice to have a power inverter on the truck, mine is 2000 watts, i wish It was just a little bit bigger, I can run about any tool I need to with it except for my heat gun and some circular saws.

Power inverter is the way to go.

Charges the batteries for cordless tools while driving in between jobs.

Runs most tools.

Good for short term temp lighting power while you are working.

[wirebender]

I had one of those but it sits at home gathering dust after I got one of these-

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PS20-2



I got one of those and one of these:
http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PS40-2


I much prefer the Impactor. Higher rpm - works great for trim out.

[wirebender]

Power inverter is the way to go.

Charges the batteries for cordless tools while driving in between jobs.

Runs most tools.

Good for short term temp lighting power while you are working.

I'd like to get one for just that reason. Any recommendations on brands or a website to buy from?

[ultramegabob]

I'd like to get one for just that reason. Any recommendations on brands or a website to buy from?

mine is a coleman, but I believe it is made by Vector, Im very happy with it, other than I wish it was a little larger. I bought it on ebay. mine is 2000 watts, if I bought another one, I would pay a little more and get a 3000 watt.

[wirebender]

Thanks, bob.

[Rampage_Rick]

Power inverter is the way to go.

Charges the batteries for cordless tools while driving in between jobs.

Runs most tools.

Good for short term temp lighting power while you are working.
I've got a kW unit with jumper cables attached. I've used it for the aforementioned uses, plus a few more. During a 3-day outage I kept it running 24/7 off an electric golf cart. Just the essentials: lights, 36" TV, and satellite receiver. One cart is good for about 12 hours, 3 hours per battery. Cleaner than a generator in more ways than one. If it came down to it I've got a fleet of 80 to burn through...

Oh, and Dewalt makes a nice 12V battery charger (DW9109)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/410GQJ3K0PL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

I'd like to get one for just that reason. Any recommendations on brands or a website to buy from?

Stat-power (now Xantrex) They're located pretty close to here. Bought mine at Costco around 8 years ago. AFAIK they make a large portion of the entire market.

[iaov]

I just bought the new Milwaukee cordless driver. Small, light,powerfull. Battery charges in less than an hour and lasts most of the day. Its taken a couple of falls off the ladder already with no damage. Bits change easy. I love it.:smile:

[roger3829]

I'd like to get one for just that reason. Any recommendations on brands or a website to buy from?

American Van, NorthernTool websites both have them. Don't remember where I got mine. Try a google search.

I have it installed behind the passenger seat, hard wired to the battery. It has a two wire remote on/off that I connected to a 60 minute spring wound timer. (after I left it on overnite and woke to a dead battery a couple of times)

I cut a box into the steel divider in the van for a duplex, strapped down 2 dewalt chargers to the step, covered them with a sheet of plastic to keep stuff from falling in them when the batteries were out.

It also is good for charging cell phones.........

[ultramegabob]

I didnt mount mine in my truck, I made leads for it out of welding cable and crimped on some jumper cable clamps. I bought a big padded lap top computer bag at a rummage sale to carry it in. I left it portable to use for recreacational activities.

[roger3829]

I didnt mount mine in my truck, I made leads for it out of welding cable and crimped on some jumper cable clamps. I bought a big padded lap top computer bag at a rummage sale to carry it in. I left it portable to use for recreacational activities.

I try not to confuse work tools with play tools.

For recreational activities I have a Honda 3kw generator. Lightweight and SUPER quiet. You could put a piece of plywood on it and play cars.:smile:

[ultramegabob]

Those little honda generators are pretty sweet, I have a buddy that has one they are quiet, light and compact...

[iaov]

rotozip old work boxes done plaster done siding even cementatious with right bit doneThe roto jip and old work boxes have put a lot of money in my pocket.

[marcerrin]

Alot of great replies, and I agree with most. Especially the Fein saw, I use mine constantly.
A great little tool that is fairly cheap, and always comes in handy for me is this guy, http://www.innovativetools.net/Products/Select-A-Bit%20Multi-Drivers.asp, the Select-a-bit. Its small so you can stow rigt in your bag and dont have to carry around nut drivers with you.

[iwire]

If you don't already have one ...

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L11080316.jpg

I spend a lot of time traveling and this saves me time and stress.

[ultramegabob]

If you don't already have one ...

http://cdn.overstock.com/images/products/L11080316.jpg

I spend a lot of time traveling and this saves me time and stress.

I have been wanting to buy one for a while, I wish I had one last week, I had to take a detour around a road repair crew out in the county and got turned around, probly wasted a quarter tank of gas trying to get back on track..:mad:

[mdshunk]

I spend a lot of time traveling and this saves me time and stress.
Funny that you mention stress. I worked for a few years for a company several hours to my north, and all of their work (service) was in towns I'd never heard of before, let alone knew how to get around in. I used a trucker's atlas at the time. I never thought in a million years that not being able to navigate easily would cause the stress that it did. It really made me grumpy, and made the every-day small stresses seem amplified. This stress was the major factor contributing to my leaving that position. If they had these GPS gadgets then as they do now, I'd probably have never quit. To top it off, the dispatcher was a jerk and wouldn't even tell me something as simple as what highway or major road would get me headed in the right direction so that I could look for more specific directions when I got there. He just sat around smoking cigarettes and playing games on his computer all day anyhow.

Oh, something I learned that others might find helpful. Don't ever call the customer for directions. If you do, you're already an idiot before you've even arrived.

[ItsHot]

I have been wanting to buy one for a while, I wish I had one last week, I had to take a detour around a road repair crew out in the county and got turned around, probly wasted a quarter tank of gas trying to get back on track..:mad:
A quarter of a tank will almost pay for one!:D

[mdshunk]

I had mine put in at a stereo shop. They rigged it so that it will mute the radio and play through the radio speakers when it needs to say something. Really helps with the road noise and all, to have the GPS playing though the radio speakers.

[iwire]

I had to take a detour around a road repair crew out in the county and got turned around, probly wasted a quarter tank of gas trying to get back on track..:mad:


I can't say it's perfect but boy is it good. Most times it will re-route me correctly. Once in a while it seems to get a particular route 'stuck' in it's electronic brain. When that happens I tell it to stop, they tell it to figure the best route from there.

It also knows where many businesses are, if I type in 'electrical' I will get all the businesses near me with that in the name, pretty handy to find the closest supply house it has the phone numbers as well.

I only paid $300 for mine and I am very happy with it. :smile:

[ultramegabob]

. Don't ever call the customer for directions. If you do, you're already an idiot before you've even arrived.


All I want from a customer is an address, customers directions usually amount to, "Which way are you coming from? Well, Take 350 W. to 780 S. then turn right on the third gravel road, you drive for a while, maybe ten minutes or so until you see horses, then turn right when you see the orange post, thats where you need to turn, drive until you see a house with a tire swing and thats my next door neighbor"...

[iwire]

I never thought in a million years that not being able to navigate easily would cause the stress that it did. It really made me grumpy, and made the every-day small stresses seem amplified.

I agree 100%

A few weeks ago I had to go about 50 stores in CT for a survey, 20-30 minutes in each store.

Had it been with a map I would have hated it, with the GPS I enjoyed it. I went down roads I never have before, the scenery was great and the whole time I knew what time I would arrive at the next stop.

[hey_poolboy]

A GPS would be awesome. I very seldom need it, but it would sure be handy. Of course, even if I had one whenever I really needed it my wife would have it. :roll:

[brian john]

I learned a valuable GPS lesson on my recent trip to GA. Keep a map handy durn thing (gps) took me way out of the way twice to get to a location.

BUT they are invaluable for close in address finding.

Oh and Mapquest suggest a route that was over a 100 miles further that my common sense route. Like your voltage tester always check your Mapquest/Google Maps and GPS

[electricalperson]

the rack a tiers is another good tool to have. you can use them as a little work bench and they take up less room in the truck than jack stands. the rack a tiers company makes a lot of cool time saving tools

[LarryFine]

http://www.lsdinc.com/content/main

[marcerrin]

Another great tool is a milwawki hole hawg wit the really long handle. i've heard them called a "long tom". I can't seem to find any info about it on the net. If someone else knows what I'm talking about please fill me in.

[Rawls007]

This thing actually works! I use it all the time for bending up to 3/4 PVC without a bender.

http://www.thepipeviper.com/index.html

[LarryFine]

This thing actually works! I use it all the time for bending up to 3/4 PVC without a bender.

http://www.thepipeviper.com/index.html
I don't like the way it makes ultra-small-radius bends. A standard 90 looks like a long sweep in comparison.

[ultramegabob]

Another great tool is a milwawki hole hawg wit the really long handle. i've heard them called a "long tom". I can't seem to find any info about it on the net. If someone else knows what I'm talking about please fill me in.


I think you are talking about a Milwaukee Super Hole Hawg.

[220/221]

The Pipe Viper video was sketchy. The bend didn't look too smooth to me and when they cut away from a video, I ALWAYS suspect shenanigans.

[tmbrk]

A GPS would be awesome. I very seldom need it, but it would sure be handy. Of course, even if I had one whenever I really needed it my wife would have it. :roll:

GPSs are some of the best things I ever invested in. We do service work in a wide area so we drive all over the place. It already has all gas stations and restaurants programmed in and I entered all supply houses and home centers (Lowes,HD,Menards). It is the best for getting in and out of those subdivisions that seem to go on forever. When my wife and I flew down to Florida we brought one and used it in the rental car.

Cons: New developements don't show up. Sometimes it does take you out of your way but nowhere near as bad as mapquest. Just make sure the settings are set the way you want them to be.(ie.,shortest route vs. shortest time)

[electricalperson]

This thing actually works! I use it all the time for bending up to 3/4 PVC without a bender.

http://www.thepipeviper.com/index.html
how do you remove it out of the pipe? personally i wouldnt bend pvc without a heat box or blanket

those tight bends might be a little tough to pull around too

[K8MHZ]

Alright, I have a little $ that I would like to invest in some tool(s). I would like some recommendations on some of the most time saving tools you own or use.

I do mostly resi, and some light commercial.

I looked at one of these (http://www.toolbarn.com/product/milwaukee/48-06-2860/?ref=base), but really don't see much time savings since I can drill up to 9' ceilings with just the drill.

I've also thought about stilts, things like that. Anyway, that's the type of stuff I was thinking of. Any and most ideas will be considered.

They work *great*. We call ours 'MOAD', for 'Mother Of All Drills', 'Big Moe' for short. Used with a self starting auger bit and a drill stop they are amazingly fast.

[K8MHZ]

This thing actually works! I use it all the time for bending up to 3/4 PVC without a bender.

http://www.thepipeviper.com/index.html

Over a hundred bucks to replace a propane torch and a can of 'Zinc-it'?

(The 'Zinc-it' is perfect for hiding those nasty scorch marks)

[Rawls007]

how do you remove it out of the pipe? personally i wouldnt bend pvc without a heat box or blanket

those tight bends might be a little tough to pull around too

I've got a piece of romex looped thru the end to pull it out. The bends are a little tight but still manageable as long as the runs aren't too complicated.

[hey_poolboy]

I can't bring myself to get the viper. As long as the weather is halfway warm I just bend PVC with my regular bender. You can't get 90's, but offsets and such are fine. You just have to overbend and hold it for a few seconds.

[220/221]

I RARELY have to pull out the torch anymore for PVC. I just use 90's and cut them down if I need 45's or whatever.

[hce727]

Check out these drill extensions, they are great! www.priceand rutzebeck.com

[e57]

How about a trencher? I feel a ton of money is wasted having electricians hand dig trenches. Anyone figured out how long it took to make back their money on a trencher?Due to the shear economics of scale in my area - no electrician would be caught dead digging a trench - or for that matter many other tasks no one would pay ME to do. Much cheaper to hire laborers to do that - or offer the cost savings to the customer by keeping NIC.

As for tools - the first post had it.... The extendo-drill (http://www.toolbarn.com/product/milwaukee/48-06-2860/?ref=base) has my bet in 3rd, behind a carbid hole cutter set (http://www.acetoolonline.com/Lenox-30878-500CHC-14Piece-Electrician-Holesaw-Kit-p/len-30878-500chc.htm)for KO's, and the winner being a decent line level to blase out layout time. David White (http://www.mytoolstore.com/dwhite/cllaser.html) will reduce the expense of Hilti (http://www.hilti.com/holcom/modules/editorial/edit_listpage.jsp?catname=/prodintros/current/pml32) without a compromise in quality of the line...

I think in forth place would be a good TDR unit or tracer - only in this placement due to cost and daily use...

[emahler]

I RARELY have to pull out the torch anymore for PVC. I just use 90's and cut them down if I need 45's or whatever.

why not just buy 45's?