How Efficient Are Your Repairs?

Dec. 18, 2018

To make your repairs more efficient, video a few of the most commonly performed ones.

Before answering this question, think of a basic woodworking situation. You need to cut 1/8 in. off a piece of trim, or you need to cut a vertical and a horizontal piece so they mate perfectly at the ends. Trying to do either task without a miter box or equivalent (something that holds the piece and the saw in alignment) would be very difficult and time-consuming. Yet, this simple fixture allows you to perform the task quickly and accurately.

Common repair tasks are often performed with the “no miter box” approach. To make your repairs more efficient, video a few of the most commonly performed ones. Then watch to see which steps seem to require three hands or some ad-hoc method of supporting the work.

The equipment manufacturer may offer special jigs or tools. Your electrical distributor, local hardware store, and big box home repair center probably have tools that could be used, or adapted, to simplify the work process. Take the video of a given repair job with you and ask for a recommendation of something that will make this or that subtask more efficient.

For example, your video shows Bob tucks a flashlight under his chin; an LED headlamp is a better solution.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.