Simple Solutions

Problem: When a tool or part falls through grating into a deep pit or sump it is difficult to retrieve. Is there a way to get the item back without going into the pit?

Solution: Make a "grabber." Jam one handle of a pair of pliers into a length of 1/2-in. thin wall conduit. Drill a hole in the conduit just past the end of the plier handle. Attach some fish line or light cable to the free handle of the plier. Feed the line through the hole and out the other end of the conduit. When the line is pulled, the pliers will close and grab the dropped item.

Contributor: Ralph Dewey, Solvay Polymers, Deer Park, TX.

Problem: Sometimes two pieces of pipe have to be welded in the field, away from a work bench. How can the pieces be held together for welding?

Solution: Make a simple fixture for holding the pipe or other small sections. Use a suitable length of 11/2-in. angle iron as a foundation. Weld three pieces of 31/2-in. square, 1/4-in. plate to the angle iron as feet. Tap a hole in four pieces of 4-in. pipe, 11/2-in. long. Weld the pipe to the feet as shown. Weld handles to pieces of threaded rod and screw them into the pipe sections. This fixture will hold and align pipes and other small objects to be welded.

Contributor: Mike Recker, Premcor Refining, Lima, OH.

Problem: Pushing steel fish tape through conduit can be difficult if it is long or has many bends in it. How can the tape be safely fed through the conduit?

Solution: Using compressed air can be dangerous because of excessive pressure or flying projectiles. Take nylon twine and tie it to an object approximately the size of the conduit ID. It can be a piece of cotton or the cap from spray paint. Attach a shop vacuum cleaner to the other end of the conduit and turn it on. Feed the string into the conduit. The vacuum will quickly pull the string to the other end.

Contributor: Bob Keiser, Shift Coordinator, Carpenter Technology Corp., Reading, PA.