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Subject - Truck Stock (list of parts)
John A. Peters Do you have a list of parts that you carry, that you can share? I am thinking of the really basic items for a very small service truck, or even a hatchback or a 4x4, for a man just getting started. We could just start out with a very minimal list. Things like, 4 20A fuses, 5 GFI, 2 S3, 4 SW, 4 switch-plates, 5 Plug devices, 4 plug-device covers, 3 20A CBs, 2 15A CBs, 1 100A CB.

If you have a list in a form that can be emailed, then we can help each other fine tune it and use it as a base to start from. If your list is already typed up, it will save us all some time. Maybe it is in the form of a excel sheet? JaP
ecarbine John,
I am curious if you have gotten any response to this query, if so would you be willing to share what you have found out with me?
John A. Peters None yet. I try to keep all of us here, on line, where we can share with one another.

I found a copy of Pete's Truck list, on my hard disk. It is entered in a bit of an unusual format that works with my estimating program. This means I can update the prices. I can convert it to an email. If I do and upload it here, will you help improve it? What will you use it for?
John A. Peters I did have on off line conversation or two. Scott is the owner of this list. He said he plans to cull the best items here and put it in a date base on line searchable by Google and publicly available. Correct me Scott?

Can any one else update us as to what was learned on a off line conversation?
Doug Wells Hey Scott I would sure use it thanks. Would we do it right down to lock nuts and bushings too.pvc and ittings emt also.
John A. Peters Thanks for the email, Bruce,

I would like to move this discussion back to the forum, so I am replying here. May I ask you to consider re-sending your note about your idea for parts cards with photographs, please? No need to send the attachment, since it looks like a lot of work went in to your parts list and you may want to keep it proprietary. If not you could make it available by request or put it on a web page.

In the past I had a step van that supplied enough parts for three men to do a fairly big residential job including a service change. However often we had to make a restocking run once per job. I used to use a set of pages with stock levels as backup and for use when we had a restocking session.

However the best method I found that worked, was also used by a supply house that resisted the use of computers. I liked their plan since at the time we could not put a computer in the van or if we did it was too big and fragile and it (KayproII) needed 110V AC. The plan is that if you take the last one of a part you have to write it on the order list. If you ran out of a part then you know that some one **** ed up and they will be talked to, to make sure it did not happen again.

What we do now days is "walk the job" with the contract in hand and place post-its at the location of each outlet or task. Then I leave it up to the electrician t make a list of parts needed for that job, and then he goes shopping. We find it more efficient to purchase parts for each job since San Francisco is such a compact city, and we can use A MUCH SMALLER VEHICLE, like a large 4x4 or suburban van or large station wagon or panel van like a astro van. Less insurance, gas, etc. and easier to park in the City.

If I were going to stock a full stock van, today, I definitely would take advantage of the palm pilot and it's bar code reader attachment. Many parts have bar codes now days, although not VERY many. The other parts use bar codes on the bin and also in a catalogue book. Make a deal with a supply house to restock your truck(s) from the result of bar-coding each part as it is used. This list is emailed in to the supply house, and they deliver the restock to the truck over night. Has any one had success with this plan?
Scott Vickrey As for the truck list, (which I think is a great idea) there should be more than one. Commercial list, Residential list and a Commercial/Residential list. It would be great if someone could give us something to start with. I can easily build a simple database that people can add items to and use if anyone is interested. I would hate to write it if no one would use it though.
What do you think?
wilkie We are currently in the process of converting everything to bar code. We are scheduled to have all the inventory and physical setup done within the next 2 months. We are scheduled to make the complete turn on April 1st. There are several hurdles left to cross, and the major one is the actual bar code eyes or guns. As my techs currently carry blackberrys(we did this to prepare for bar code), Nextel has promised me that the new model will have the eye in the phone and the software by April. If not we may have to purchase some equipment for the vans. The reason we want to use Nextel, is with the bluetooth, we can use the proximity of the supply house intranet to reconcile the pos along with the barcode. This may or may not happen by April 1, but we will be on barcode with the goal to be not to have to write another part down or really need to speak to the supply house.
And yes, we do have a detailed inventory list in order to accomplish this. It is residentially geared, as we do not perform commercial service. It is probably not what you guys are looking for, as mine is not just how many of what kind. Each part is key coded, material description, quantity stocked, unit cost, and specific bin location. Our bin locations are very specific to each van.
ecarbine Scott, I would certainly use it
Thanks
Ed
John A. Peters So would I
Scott Vickrey It's on the list
IndCom Would you folks mind sending me that list as well, I already have the infrared barcode reader on my m515 and could use a system like you have developed. Are you going to charge for this? If so, how much? I'd be willing to pay for that type of programming!
kiwisholland I too would like to see this list. I am now in the process of outfitting my new van and this help would be priceless.

Thanks!
Scott Vickrey OK here's what is in the works for the truck stock lists. I'm currently building a database to which anyone can add a part and recommend a quantity. When someone views the list they will be asked which of two parts they would carry on thier truck if they could only have one or the other. Over a short period of time a well prioritized list will develop. Unfortunately I have to go snow skiing first.
DYNAMITE I also would like to see this list
John A. Peters Here it is! (You owe me some updates and improvements)




BROOKLINE ARIES ELECTRIC CO.
121 Santa Rosa Avenue.
San Francisco, CA 94112-1929
Office 239-5393 509-3599 Cell
FAX 585-1245 Lic 273651



Excelent list of parts for one man and a vehicle.
If anyone else knows any better then mark it up and send it in.

GOAL: Updated on 02-20-00 Looked at on 2-2-05

WHOLESALE-M TIME PRICE

1. NOTES
Note: Keep your power tools locked up or at a
out of sight. You have been warned. The crooks look in to the
cars to see what is available.
.
Kevin's guess was accurate with in 4 percent.

2. Pipe 2,015.00 +1/3 -10,808hrs -83,88
Wholesale
( 1 1 6 50 10
A stick 0 EMT 3/4 2.80
A bundle 100 EMT 1/2 10.00
6 MC 12/3
3 L-B 1/2
Short LB 1 S-LB
1 SS-90 1/2 -83,897.24

3. Romex, MC 92.81 +1/3 12.55 91.24
Wholesale
( 6 125 125 125 83
1 roll 250 Rx 14/3 0.96
1 roll 250 Rx 14/2 11.25
1 roll 250 Rx 12/3 28.75
1 roll 250 Rx 12/2 16.25
6 MC 12/3 34.03

4. THHN 76.40 +1/3 6.12 71.49
Wholesale
( 20 500 500
1/2+ Roll 300 THHN #12 ( White ) 35.00
1/2+ Roll 300 THHN #12 ( Black ) 35.00
1/2+ Roll 300 THHN #12 ( Red ) 1.40
1/2+ 300 THHN #14 ( White ) 0.03
1/2+ 300 THHN #14 ( Black ) 0.03
1/2+ 300 THHN #14 ( Red ) 0.03
Zip cord 20 Wire 18/2 ( Gold zip )
20 Loom

5. Boxes 57.32 +1/3 10.49 57.26
Wholesale
( 3 3 3 6 5 6 4 4 2
Vert bracket 3 5S VB ( Tabs are cut off ) 6.00
5S = 4-11/16 4 5S Box 11.68
4 4S VB 3.20
10 4S Box 3.60
12 4S Deep
6 4S-Deep
Octaganal 3 3-Oct LCE ( Loom clamp ears ) 1.83
3 4-Oct LCE 1.35
PVC = Plastic ( ) PVC-Adjustable 1-gang
( ) PVC-Adjustable 2-gang
( ) PVC-Adjustable 3-gang

6. Boxes continued 57.32 +1/3 10.49 57.26
Wholesale
BL = Blank 12 4S BL 4.02
6 5S BL 5.00
6 4-oct BL
6 3-oct BL
Switch box 3 SW-box 3-1/2 9.12
3 SW-box 2-1/2 5.88
3 SW-box Cut-in 5.58
4 bar-hangers
Do you carry metal switch boxes any longer?

7. Ext Boxes 31.88 +1/3 2.80 31.85
Wholesale
( 2 1 1 2 4 2 2
2 3-oct ext 4.94
2 4-oct ext 3.82
4 4S ext 8.80
1 5S ext ( Deep ) 8.16
0 5S ext ( Shallow )
1 4S ext-2x4 2.50
0 Handy ext 1.63
0 Sw-Box Ext 2.00
0 Goof ring

8. Plaster 30.00 +1/3 0.00 30.00
Plaster kit
Instant patch 1 gallon
Instant patch 1 Quart
Instant patch 1 Very small container in tool bag
Quick fix None?
Wire mesh None?
Sand paper Some?
Wood 20 Plywood 3x8 size 3/8 thick
Trowell
WD-40
30 dollars parts 30.00

9. Raised Covers 37.62 +1/3 5.20 37.56
2 ea of every ( 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 4S-IND GFI 0.40 4.44
2 4S-IND SW 0.40 2.00
2 4S-IND PR 0.40 2.00
2 4S-IND SW-SW 0.40 2.02
2 4S-IND PR-PR 0.40 2.92
2 4S-IND D&D 0.40 3.58
2 4S-IND GFI-GFI 0.60 3.00
2 4S-IND GFI-SW 0.60 3.00
2 4S-IND 1-3/8 0.40 3.66
2 4S-IND 1-9/16 0.40 3.66
2 4S-IND 1-3/4 0.40 3.66
2 4S-IND 2-1/8 0.20 1.83
2 4S-IND Blank 0.20 1.79

10. Rings 0.00 +1/3 0.00 0.00
2 each of every
size mud ring,
including 4-oct
to 3-oct
up to 3/4 thick ( See below )

11. Rings One-gang 11.04 +1/3 1.10 11.02
Wholesale ( Price each )
( 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 4s-1g Flat 0.91
2 4s-1g 1/2 0.77
2 4s-1g 5/8 0.88
2 4s-1g 3/4 0.99
0 4s-1g 1-in 1.22
0 4s-1g 1-1/4 1.59
0 4s-1g 1-1/2 2.15
0 4s-1g 2-in 2.51

12. Rings Two-gang 25.35 +1/3 1.90 25.32
Wholesale
( 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 4s-2g Flat 2.40
2 4s-2g 1/2 3.02
2 4s-2g 5/8 2.32
2 4s-2g 3/4 2.52
0 4s-2g 1-in 3.54
0 4s-2g 1-1/4 5.52
0 4s-2g 1-1/2 6.00

13. Low volt 25.00 +1/3 0.00 25.00
I CARRY A VERY LIMITED AMOUNT OF LOW VOLT ITEMS
0 door releases
Asorted buttons
2-in Brass Vict
Lighted & not
Insert buttons
2 diamaters
Rectangular
Buzzer
Bell
Fiew transformer
Chime kit
Phonen wire
Budget 25 dollars parts 25.00

14. Tackel Box SS-fittings 40.30 +1/3 9.72 39.56
Wholesale
( 8 15 2 20 10 40 20 25 50
25 SS-con 1/2 6.00
20 SS-coup 1/2 3.75
Single hole 25 Strap 1/2 3.00
Two hole 25 Strap 1/2 6.00
10 Ko-seal 1/2 4.00
8 pair 16 Reducing-washer 1/2x3/4 1.00
Others 2 ea ( Reducing-washer 6 to 25 cent
4 Ko-seal 3/4 0.68
15 RT-con 1/2 11.85
8 RT-coup 1/2 3.28

15. Tackel Box Rain TIte 40.30 +1/3 9.72 39.56
Wholesale
( 8 15
??? 15 RT-con 1/2 11.85
??? 8 RT-coup 1/2 3.28

16. Tote 65.25 +1/3 7.20 65.20
Wholesale
( 0 6 2 2 3 5
RT-Box 5 RT-box Cast-Cover 20.00
2x4 box 6 RT-box 3-hub 10.98
4-Oct 1 RT-box round 11.06
4x4 0 RT-box 6-hub 18.00
2x4 bl cover 4 RT-Plate 2x4 5.16
? RT-Plate 4x4
Shower heads 2 RT lampholder
1 RT Ext box

17. Breakers & Fuses 203.35 +1/3 5.70 203.35
Wholesale
( 1 1 1 1 1 1 5 5 2 3
? C-B 15A 9.75
? C-B 20A 6.50
6 C-B 15A-15A 40.50
8 C-B 20A-20A 40.50
2 C-B 15A-20A 8.10
3 FPE 20A 18.00
3 FPE 15A 18.00
0 Square-D 20A 9.00
0 Square-D 15A 9.00
3 Square-D 20-20 22.00
3 Square-D 15-15 22.00

18. Fuses 89.20 +1/3 2.34 89.20
( 1 2 2 3 4 2 4 5 5 5
15A 4 Fuse plug 4.65
20A 4 Fuse plug 4.65
30A 5 Fuse plug 4.65
Bases 4 Fuse Adapter 3.36
Non Tamps 20A 4 Fuse Non-tamp 4.44
Non Tamps 15A 4 Fuse Non-tamp 8.88
Non tamp base 4 Fuse 20A-base
Non tamp base 4 Fuse 15A-base
Cartridge ? Fuse 30A 1.77
Cartridge ? Fuse 60A 1.88
Push Button 15A PB fuse
20A PB fuse
30A PB fuse

19. Bulbs, fixtures 19.84 +1/3 0.92 19.84
Wholesale
( 2 2 2 1 4 2 1
Bulbs 0 Lamp 40W 0.84
Bulbs 4 Lamp 75W 1.10
Bulbs 4 Lamp 100W 2.20
Bulbs 1 ( Lamp 300W
Bulbs 2 Lamp 75W-PAR 7.20
2 Fixture porclean 3.00
2 Fixture pull-chain 5.50
6 Fixture Temp-light

20. Dimmers 0.00 +1/3 0.00 0.00
Wholesale
Dimmers only
if left over
Maybe some Dimmer AY-600
Dimmer DV-600

21. Tools 1/2 0.00 +1/3 0.00 0.00
Fish-wire 18-in
3-ft 6-ft 12-ft
Pull wire 50-ft
Chain and string
Umbrella
Catch dust)
1/2 bender
Hack saw
Diversa bits
Carrot drills
CB finder
Greenly 440 6708
Phone Toner
Stud Finder

22. Tools 2/2 0.00 +1/3 0.00 ! 0.00
Mikita
90-drill - Battery powered
3/8 110V drill
Tool box includes:
Romex conectors
6-ft ladder
Tarps canvass
and 2 mil PVC clear plastic covers
Saw-Z-all - Battery powered
Poilet drill or
Bell hanger bits
18" 24" 36" lengths
Spade drill bits
Ext cords 50-ft
and 15-ft
23. Devices White 85.02 +1/3 4.82 85.01
Wholesale
4 1 0 0 1 1 7 9 9 4 9
4 Device S3-277V
10 Device SW 6.75
6 Device S3 5.20
4 way 1 Device S4 9.78
Plug 10 Device PR 9.00
Plug plate 9 Plate PR 1.80
7 Plate SW 2.73
1 Plate SW-SW 0.75
Stack switch ? Device S3-S3 15.00
? Device S3-SW
? Device SW-SW
24. Devices Deco
Wholesale
4 1 0 0 1 1 7 9 9 4 9
0 Deco SW
5 Deco S3
Plug 5 Device PR
Plug plate 9 Deco 1G
4 way 1 Deco S4
4 Device GFI ( White )
Assorted Deco plates up to three gang.

25. Devices Ivory 76.41 +1/3 3.19 76.41
Wholesale
1 4 1 0 0 1 1 2 4 4 1 2
1 Device SW 1.50
1 Device S3 1.30
Plug 1 Device PR 4.00
Plug plate 1 Plate PR 0.80
1 Plate SW 0.78
1 Plate SW-SW 0.75
4 way 1 Device S4 9.78
1 Device GFI ( Ivory ) 8.50
Only one or two of each type approx 6 total
Very fiew Ivory cover plates prox 6
Brown 1 SW 1 PL 2 Plates Brown

26. Devices single gang 3.45 +1/3 0.28 3.45
Wholesale
1 1
20A 1 Device SG 2.45
15A ? Device SG 1.00

27. Other raceway parts 11.77 +1/3 1.97 11.64
Wholesale
4 10 10 2
2 OS-nip 1/2 3.70
2 or 3 Flex-con 1/2 2.60
10 ft scrap 10 MC 12/2 2.70
12/2 or 12/3 10 MC 12/3 1.64
2 Tomic or = 4 dollars parts 1.00

28. Wiremold notes
1 Tackel box of fittings.
1 Tackel box of 2x4 voxes.
3 4x4 boxes of diferent depths.
20 feet of wiremold 500
6 round boxes diffetent depths & ext boxes.

29. Wiremold Tackle box and 34.80 +1/3 2.60 34.77
8 2x4 shallow?
Deep? W-M 5745 0.40 3.29
W-M ext 0.40 2.78
4x4 W-M 5747-2 0.40 5.65
Scrap raceway W-M 500 0.05 0.57
1 Male box-con W-M Male-Con ( 5782 0.20 1.43
1 Fem-box-con W-M Fem-Con ( 5781 0.20 8.66
1 Fur ? what? W-M 500 0.05 0.57
1 5711RH W-M Twisted-90 0.10 2.18
1 5711LH W-M Twisted-90 0.10 2.18
1 Flat-90 W-M Flat-90 ( 511 ) 0.10 0.91
1 Internal W-M Int-90 ( 517 ) 0.10 1.05
1 External W-M Ext-90 ( 518 ) 0.10 0.88
2 Round ext med W-M Med-fixt ( 5737A ) 0.40 4.62

30. Screws 20.00 +1/3 0.00 20.00
Drywall
Round head mach
Flat head mach
Self drilling
Budget 20 dollars parts 20.00

31. Victorian's 25.00 +1/3 0.00 25.00
Reducers
Cap hangers
Double loops
25 Dollars parts 25.00
Small plastic box of parts

32. Other 1/2
Wire pulling lube
Rain tite 2 DEEP Covers
5 - 6 ft fiberglass rods 5-ft?
Dish - disp cords
Radio
Romex stapler and staples
Phone beans Phone wire crimps
phone jacks square-stickys + wall hangers <-?
Phone wire and staples
Ground wire #6 bare for Bonding
Assorted ground clamps
1 Brass canopie Victorian
WD-40


33. Other 2/2
2 Long 16" dril bid ext for 90-drill
Extra flashlight batteries
2 drop lights 1 300W and 1 bare bulb clamp lamp
Safety goggles
Gloves - safety
Quick release Makita Chuck
Drill bits for above NICE!
Crimper built in to Kline linesman pliers
6-ft Fiberglass ladder


John A. Peters If there is one number I think it is the time to install (hours per hundred, maybe), and if there are two numbers I think it the 2-nd one is the wholesale cost. I have not used it in quite a while, but I can look at it later and do an update if there is a need or a wish. JP
kiwisholland That list is very, very helpful and a great starting point!

Thanks a lot for helping us all. I look forward to Scotts input
kiwisholland I used Johns list today when I went inventory shopping!

Thanks again.

What ever became of the database?
John A. Peters Did you mod the list?

What database?

My data base is available on line. You just have to make an appointment with me. You can look up parts prices and the time it takes to install and or you can do a bid where you type in the name of the room and the items like 4 PL 4 LT 2 SW and it gives the flat rate price. The two letter abbreviations sound kind of like what they mean.
Scott Vickrey John,
He's talking about the database I built that will hold a democratic truck stock list.
Kiwisholland,
I had to pull off the building of the frontend(user interface) temporarily to do a remodel.
I will have something for you shortly. Sorry, have to pay the bills
Scott Vickrey OK, here it is. The Democratic Residential Service Truck Materials List
I built this under the gun considering everyting elese I was juggling.
However, I think this list is fully functional and will be very helpful to many electricians as it develops. The list is really small because the whole idea is that it's not my list but a list built and perfected by numerous other electricians for electricians.
I will be adding other functionality to this list soon like a printable version.
Enjoy
Doug Wells Thanks Scott i added the reducing washers and knock out plugs (fillers )
JimmyDee Back when I ran a service truck, I carried one of every type of home type of breaker there was. This way I was covered for anything. I also carried 1/2 doz Junk a Matics (Pushamatics) because I might get 2 calls in one day for a problem with them. Didn't carry any Fed Pac because I refused to repair them.
Jim
electricpete Hello 'lectricians I am John Peters'old employee. I moved out of San Francisco and am now starting up my own outfit. I learned well from him. I just want to add some info of how I set up my service vehicle back when I worked for John (I keep the same set-up now). I stocked 100 to 150 feet of 1/2 inch EMT, and I used a medium sized (12"x6"x6")metal tacle box with about 25 connectors, 20 couplings, 40 1 and 2 hole straps, assorted reducing washers (on a shower curtain ring), 2-3 ofsett nipples, 2-3 short and long chase nipples, 2 L.B.'s, an SLB, and 4-6 conduit hangers. As you can probably see right away, by carrying this box around, I had all I needed for a day's worth of work all in the same container, ready to move around as the EMT worked it's way around the house. An 18 Volt Milwaukee Sawzall meant I did not need to drag around big extension cord. I also had another metal tackle box for raintites, This box had K.O. fillers for R.T. boxes and rust proof screws inside, too. Hope this helps.
wilkie All of you are probably already aware, but Cutler Hammer makes what is called a classified breaker. It is extremely flexible as it is UL listed to be installed in a wide range of panels. Now we all know what can be jammmed into what, that is what makes the UL listing so important. They come with a detailed list of panel models that you can cross, which is extremely long, and they will pass inspection. This one simple product has allowed us to reduce a large percentage of our breaker stocking requirements. No need to carry Homeline, GE, Siemmens, ITE, BR, and on and on and on. The only breakers of those kinds are the 2 poles over a 50 amp. Naturally, I am not encouraging the debate of who likes what product and why, I am just sharing a cost effective way to stock a residential service vehicle.
kbsparky
quote:
No need to carry Homeline, GE, Siemmens, ITE, BR, and on and on and on.


It was my understanding that the Homeline breakers could fit into the Cutler-Hammer type BR panels, but the BR breakers would not fit the Homeline. Did they change the design recently
John A. Peters
quote:
[i]
Excelent list of parts for one man and a vehicle.


Is any one using the job and truck-man parts list I sent in?

To find it search for Excelent list of parts and set the search choice to ( )Match exact phrase and you will find it.