Today I interviewed a girl who wanted to learn a trade and be just like April Wilkerson. Check out her channel. She’s pretty badass!

CERTAINTEED MASTER SHINGLE APPLICATOR The CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator program provides education in every aspect of shingle installation techniques and the approved procedures for installing all CertainTeed shingles. The program utilizes the Shingle Applicator’s Manual and covers topics such as good workmanship practices, roof systems, estimating, flashing, ventilation, and product installation instructions for all of CertainTeed’s shingle […]

You just want a job in construction but are not really certain where you’ll end up? Walk onto any jobsite with this rig over your shoulder and you will earn instant respect. Prove that you know how to use them and it puts you up a whole dozen or so notches!     **Prices as […]

What’s unique about most people’s job as a tradesman is that every day is different. Usually it’s in a different location, with different people, under different circumstances. For crying out loud, cover your butt and keep a log of each day. Imagine that one day you’re called to give testimony in a courtroom. or what’s […]

Carpenters do much, much more than simply frame houses.  Carpenters are guys who can put things together.  Whether it be wood, steel or anything else, it’s a carpenter that gets the job done. An entry level Carpenter Helper usually makes $12-$15/hr and a Lead Carpenter $27 or more (on payroll). If you’re good with your […]

4″ taping knife 6″ mud knife 12″ mud knife Mud pan Utility knife Dust mask Tape holder Pole sander Recommended How To Videos: Drywall finishing made easy How the Pro’s Mix Drywall Mud and Apply Tape Applying the first coat of mud Applying corner bead  

I talked with a mid-level electrician recently who told me that he burned his arm with 270 volts while changing the ballast on a fixture. He said that his helper was supposed to turn the light switch off and apparently didn’t. Rule #1: Don’t trust anyone. Test it!  

The absolute very first tool that every tradesman needs is a great tape measure.  If you only show up with one tool—let it be a high quality tape. Don’t waste your money with a tape that is less than 25′. If you are a carpenter, especially an exterior carpenter, get a 30′. Occasionally I see […]

If you’re an electrician you should have a dedicated phillips screwdriver and probably a flat head, in addition to an 11 in 1 (or 9 in 1). ..For the rest of us the multi-unit will suit nearly every possible need.  

Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Pencil Hammer Chisel Margin trowel Hawk Tuck-pointing tools(various  sizes) Brick trowel Wooden dowel Masonry brush a quality bucket

Have you ever wondered what is in the tool bucket of a successful sheet metal worker? Here’s a list of the top 26 items to get you started: Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Your Rig Something to put your tools into Tool Punch Hammer Screwdrivers Razor Knife Right, Left, and Center 18V Cordless Drill Hole […]

Entry level electrician? Start with this list of tools. Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Electrician’s tool pouch Klein straight tip screwdriver Klein Phillips tip screwdriver Klein 11 in 1 screwdriver/nut driver 9” Lineman’s side cutting pliers 8″ Long Nose Pliers 8” Diagonal cutting pliers Straight Claw hammer Battery screw gun with hammer drill feature Torpedo level […]

The first tools that every entry-level Carpenter should own Rig, tool belt, or Bags Hammer Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Carpenter’s Pencil Retractable Utility knife Journal Tool Box (or in this case, a bucket) Stanley Flat Bar Speed Square Yellow-handled Snips Cordless Drill or Driver Screw driver The Journal of Light Construction Magazine

The best all purpose hammer will generally be at least 20 oz.  Lighter than that and you can’t drive a nail.  Heavier than that and you’ll be fighting off urges to frame houses. A smooth face is far more versatile.  A waffle face is only for framing. ALWAYS buy a straight claw.  The only thing […]