Every month, we pick the top Ideas That Work submitted by you, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR readers. These ideas can't be found in any code or guidebook and are only learned or devised through years of experience and thinking, "There's got to be a better way to do this!" Please remember, the ideas presented in this article are for consideration only. Before using such ideas, make sure codes and safety standards have been fully adhered to.

Now, without further ado, here are this issue's Ideas That Work!

Two hole saws, one guide

Ever accidentally drilled the wrong size hole with your hole saw? Find the correct hole saw and put it on your arbor. Then, take the wrong size hole saw and screw it on the inside of the correct hole saw. Now you have a guide to help drill the correct hole.

Derk Gratton
New London, Minn.

Scope in your pocket

I recently found myself trying to fish out an MC that had been buried in a wall for a television plug. I could feel it on the end of my snake, but it was stuck. I could have grabbed my inspection scope, but instead, I reached into my pocket and took out my smartphone. I put it on video and turned the flash on, and I instantly had a handy pocket scope. I had more control than with a traditional scope and a better viewing screen. Once I saw what the MC was caught on, I easily relieved it.

Peter Renzi
East Greenwich, R.I.

A new use for cheese tubs

You know the plastic containers that grated cheese comes in? I wash and reuse those for holding screws, wire nuts, lock washers, etc. These containers are clear, heavy plastic, water-resistant and better than cardboard boxes. The tops open to shake out small quantities, and you can remove the top for larger quantities.

Anthony Sciarello
West Orange, N.J.

IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA that has saved you time or money on the job, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ­readers would like to hear about it. Be sure to include a good photo of your idea—hand sketches are often hard to interpret. Note that some similar ideas are submitted by more than one person. In these cases, the one that is more clearly written and includes a photo is given precedence. Send your letter and photo to Jack Pullizzi, Ideas Editor, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 1100, Bethesda, MD 20814-5372, e-mail [email protected], or use the online submission tool at www.ecmag.com/ideasthatwork.

CASH AND TOOL PRIZES FOR WINNING IDEAS Each published author in Ideas That Work receives a $50 American Express gift card from ELECTRICAL ­CONTRACTOR. In addition, Southwire (www.southwiretools.com) will send the following set of electrician’s tools to each month’s first-place winner:

• Cable cutter
• Fish tape
• Long nose pliers
• Side cutting pliers
• Diagonal cutting pliers
• Pump pliers
• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Crimpers
• Multimeter

DISCLAIMER: The ideas presented in this article are for consideration only. Before using such ideas, make sure codes and safety issues have been fully adhered to. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR disclaims any liability from your use of these or any other ideas. ­ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR reserves the right to reprint the words herein at its discretion.