Solutions

PROBLEM: Copper pipe and fittings have to be prepped for joining by sanding them clean. This is a tedious and messy job. Is there a way of doing this that is fast and easy?

SOLUTION: Get some adhesive-backed sand paper that is used on sanders. (Nonslip tread material for stairs also works well.) Cut it into strips and wrap it around two or three fingertips. Now the pipe and fittings can be quickly sanded.

CONTRIBUTOR: Ralph Bauer, JM Originals, Ellenville, NY.

PROBLEM: An existing hole in an electrical box is too small for the next conduit size. Lacking a knockout but having a hole saw of the correct size, how can the existing hole be made larger?

SOLUTION: Use the hole saw to make a hole in a piece of board that is about 1-in. thick. Position this hole over the existing, smaller hole and clamp the board in place. Enlarge the hole by drilling slowly with the hole saw.

CONTRIBUTOR: Pete Daly, GE Appliances, Louisville, KY.

PROBLEM: After pulling multiple wires through a conduit, it is sometimes time-consuming to remove the electrical tape holding the wires to the fish tape. How can the tape be easily removed?

SOLUTION: After taping the wires to the fish tape, twist a 2–3-in. tail on the electrical tape. It can now be easily removed after pulling the wire bundle.

CONTRIBUTOR: Jim Schwaller, Maintenance Supervisor, Sporlan Valve Co., Washington, MO.

In all cases, even if not specifically mentioned in the writeups, verify that the tip does not violate any relevant code, standard, or practice. Always use the appropriate safety equipment and procedures when applying the maintenance tips.