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.

For a note on "game-changing ideas" from the Ideas That Work editor, Anton Mikec, click here.

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

A conduit for organization

For those who use a tote-type tool carrier (the square fabric ones usually with a handle), here’s a simple but
effective way to organize your hand tools. Cut some ½-in. EMT or PVC conduit into 4- to 6-in. lengths (depending on your tote’s height), and place them
vertically in
the main-storage section of the tote to hold screwdrivers, nut-drivers and
other tools in place. I used a bungee cord to wrap the conduits together
to
keep them from falling over in the tote. This allows you to quickly
locate and access these tools without searching through a pile in the bottom of the bag. You can experiment with larger diameter conduit to store
other tools vertically, as well, such as pliers, jab saws and drill bits.

John Hemmings
Charleston, W.V.

A remedy for sharp blades

I reuse medicine bottles to store my razor blades. No matter the type of razor blade, they fit nicely and securely in a medicine bottle. It keeps the blades from getting thrown around in a tool bag or box and getting damaged, or, worse yet, your fingers could be cut when you reach in. I also use medicine bottles to store my screw tips. It keeps them organized instead of lying at the bottom of my tool bag or box. The bottles help to keep parts, screws, etc., safe and secure while doing a repair, and the cap won’t pop off accidently.

Greg Szumowski
Miller Place, N.Y.

Receptacle back support

When installing receptacles, sometimes the drywall has
been cut a little higher than the ears on the device. This makes the receptacle float and can cause broken covers. To solve this problem, I
install a
6-32 nut on the screw behind the receptacle. Do not fully tighten the nut. Leave enough clearance so the screw will easily turn. This will give back support for the device. I buy a whole box of 6-32 nuts and keep them in my truck to use when needed.

David Bailey
Loganville, Ga.

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.