scott_8222

Why do tin snips cause an issue with the union?

Toronto Sparky

In Their minds...
Only time they think you need them is if you were doing sheet metal and drywall guys work..

Used to be a Time when a Phillips (star) screw driver was also not on the list (Again Drywallers tool).
Now that most devices are Phillips we clearly need them. As well as Torx and security types.
Hmmmm No wonder that box keeps getting heavier..

electricalperson

i just got my new veto pro pac XL and i love it. its pretty huge i just finished organizing it here are the photos
anybody that is thinking about getting one of these bags DO IT. they are very durable. i think my quest for the perfect tool bag is finially over.

one side is my screwdrivers and nutdrivers and the other side is pliers and stuff like that

electricalperson

i cant imagine doing ballast changes without nutdrivers. i have every nutdriver klein makes except the 11mm metric.

i got a set of metric nutdrivers because some generators we install have metric hardware on them and i almost ripped my hair out trying to remove a 10mm metric nut that was holding the control cover on.

what would you use instead of a drywall saw if they didnt allow them?

azsly1

for the union guy... guess union electricians never had to cut apart a bundle of rmc thats got metal bands on it... never had to cut a ceiling grid to get a pipe through it.... MULTIPLE other uses....

Toronto Sparky

They tell me the drywall guy is supposed to cut the hole for you... Right! I don't speak their native tongue.

Toronto Sparky

Side cutters work well for me..

electricalperson

do they think your taking away work from the union drywallers? im not bashing but i worked on a union job before and they wouldnt even let me cut a piece of wood. the carpenters got mad at me. they were union and i wasnt

Frasbee

Did they wait for you to plug in their cords too?

azsly1

i think its ridiculous that somebody frowns on certain tools... if they help you get your job done in a quick, safe, and efficient manner, whats it matter? your making more money for whoever you work for...

drsparky

It is not about the use of tools it is about who buys them. I have a tool list and if any other tool is needed the contractor buys it. The tool list is subject to contract negotiation, give and take on both parties.

__________________
"Whatever is felt is within suffering."

Peter D

Because sometimes certain organizations aren't about doing things in a quick and efficient manner.

InPhase277

Am I to understand that if a tool isn't on the Union tool list, you aren't allowed to have it? Nut drivers, tin snips, and sheetrock saws are almost like body parts. Are you allowed to have Channel Locks, or do you have to find a plumber too?

drsparky

How about a rigid 300 or a Greenlee 555? We have a tool list. As the foreman if they need snips, hole saws, knockouts, benders I make sure we have them on site. If someone comes to me and they need anything that is not on the tool list I buy it and put it in the gang box for their use. If you want to carry your own nut drivers, knock your self out. If you need nut drivers and don’t have the bucks you can use the company ones that are in the gang box, they will have the company name or paint on them.
Chuck

__________________
"Whatever is felt is within suffering."

electricalperson

do you guys use tool checks for this? in school when we needed a tool we would have to give a metal disk with a number that was issued to us. they made sure all our tools were back in the tool crib. i wonder if that is used in the real world. guys at work seem to loose the companies tools a lot

Kevin J

[quote=drsparky;95889]How about a rigid 300 or a Greenlee 555? We have a tool list. As the foreman if they need snips, hole saws, knockouts, benders I make sure we have them on site. If someone comes to me and they need anything that is not on the tool list I buy it and put it in the gang box for their use. If you want to carry your own nut drivers, knock your self out. If you need nut drivers and don’t have the bucks you can use the company ones that are in the gang box, they will have the company name or paint on them.
Chuck[/quote

Since being on this forum, I have learned that there is a tool list for union guys. If I could ask one question, is it all right for a union guy to have more tools than what is required on the tool list? I mean, can you carry what you want, or are you required to bring only what is allowed? Just asking for curiuosity sake, not trying to make waves.

CFine

for my local we got 4 sets of tool list. one for Commercial, one for Resi, and one for Telecom. But the last one is 4 items long and is just a list of recommended testers/meters to get. the only thing on any of these that is ambiguous is the small ordinary tools on the ommercial list(aka Off set screw drivers etc)

MechanicalDVR

[quote=Kevin J;95910]
Well I have never had my chops busted for having more than what is on the list but if anything happens to your tools (break, stolen, etc) the contractor could be an ass and not do anything for you. I did more than required for my last employer and was paid well over scale but I was laid off before other guys because of being paid more.

Toronto Sparky

Union Plumber tool list..

1 pr Wilcos (channel locks)
1 16ft Tape measure


All other tools supplied by contractor!

Toronto Sparky

I idea behind the tool list is to make all members equally equipped.
And to keep cost to members down.

And Yes.. The only tools a Union Electrician can bring on site are on that list.
At the same time every Electrician must have every tool on that list!

The list itself depends on the Local and Principle agreement.

Of course all being said tool list issues rarely come up unless the contractor tells you that you have to go out a buy a tool to be able to stay onsite.

Most of the tool boxes on sites almost need a two wheeled dolly to move them around. ;-)