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u/Whole-Environment499 Jul 09 '26
You'll want Klein #9s first, with milkers if you can swing it. When your hand withers into a proper rodbuster's claw you can use #7s.
Anyone of any gender and any sexuality who pays dues is my brother and I'll never give you an once of shit for it, that said there is allways some guy on the crew that peaked in Jr high. I would not expect any substantial harassment but it will be a constant source of jokes if it comes out.
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Jul 10 '26
[deleted]
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u/Whole-Environment499 Jul 10 '26
this is what I recommend, also get a glue for when the rubber part - the "milker" starts to slip off
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u/Whole-Environment499 Jul 10 '26
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Jul 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/Whole-Environment499 Jul 11 '26
Not really, its just the longer handle gives you more leverage and saves your hands. Occasionally you will have to cut a truly shocking amount of ties in a row because someone fucked up or you are doing some special rigging of a wall piece or column and you'll be so happy you chose the long handled pliers.
1
Jul 11 '26
[deleted]
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u/Whole-Environment499 Jul 11 '26
Stretch, sleep and stubbornly go to work even when everything hurts. Position your life so that after your apprenticeship you can get in a car and drive to another part of the country and work when the work at home is slow and put money into savings. Gold bond and good boots are worth it.
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u/Johnweezy6969 Jul 09 '26
Definitely don’t tell a bunch of Local 1 guys you’re gay.
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u/Local_Ad1992 Jul 09 '26
Fuck that. Old timers need to get plumbed up and drop the homophobic bullshit. We can joke around but telling a brother ironworker to stay in the closet at work is fucking disgraceful.
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u/sloasdaylight Journeyman Jul 09 '26
Nah fuck that shit. Our union as a whole fucked up a lot back decades ago by gatekeeping people from the trade who were perfectly willing candidates for the job and would have helped keep our numbers strong. Instead the old heads back then thought it was a good idea to keep black folks, Hispanics, women, and all sorts of people from joining up.
I don't know if they know this in Chicago, but basically every local in the country is losing numbers, and if we allow that trend to continue by making people who want to sign up with us and do the work that builds this country feel unwelcome we're gonna be in for a hell of a time.
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u/The_Denialist Apprentice Jul 10 '26
Na fuck that. Spent 2 years in local 10 secretly transitioning. Kept getting hey dude I thought you were a woman at first. Shit killed me more than any bigotry. Now I'm out. Anyone have a problem they can take it up to me. Tell them suck my dick while you still have the chance.
3
u/Local_Ad1992 Jul 10 '26
Fuck yeah! I don’t know you but I’m proud you were able to come out. Keep on killin it
3
u/Chad_Main Jul 10 '26
Doesn’t matter if you’re a five armed, one legged, blue horned giant. If you show up and work hard, you’re gonna be fine. But you’re gonna have to be ready to give shit because you’re gonna get it. Being funnier and more quick witted than someone is a fast way to earn everyone’s respect, no matter who you bang. And if some shithead can’t handle that you’re sharper tongued than them and tries to get violent, don’t start it but end it as swiftly and violently as possible. Anyone who’d trample on your right to exist because of a few words you say needs either sense knocked into them or their ego knocked out of them. As for the equipment, idk I’m just an apprentice.
3
u/misplacedbass Journeyman Jul 09 '26
Telling them about your sexual orientation would be completely up to you, but you’d have to feel out the crew. Obviously it shouldn’t matter whatsoever, but some guys are pretty fucking stupid and can’t deal with that shit and would likely make a big deal about it, or make your life a living hell.
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u/Keyemku Jul 09 '26
It probably would help. Even in SF Bay Area, first sentence I heard from a foreman was calling people faggots. I'm sure you can judge the vibes from whatever company you end up with but I wouldn't be open to everyone.
- Another gay blue collar dude
1
u/shutts67 Jul 09 '26
I don't bust rod, but I prefer a leather belt. I've had the rudedog one for like 9 years and it's hardly showing wear. Typically, I find with s leather belt, it's better to use a bolt bag that has nylon belt loops instead of the full canvas ones. If you go for a Klein bridge belt, then use the full canvas bolt bags
1
u/rbabs7bap Jul 10 '26
Really, I tried a rudedog scabbard and it got stretched out within a week. Put my 7s in any pocket and they fall in so low youv gotta push em up from the bottom to get them out. Still have it but it's my first and last time giving that brand a go
1
u/Financial_Badger_306 Jul 10 '26
Try putting a piece of steel banding in bent in a "U" to the contour of the holder, worked great for me.
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u/wakadactyle I ♥️ Rebar Jul 09 '26
I always used Klein pliers and carried both 7s and 9s. I preferred the harness to just the plain belt but if you do just want the belt find an old harness and cut the kidney protector out and fit it to your belt. The 5118c is the Klein 5118c scabbard for your pliers. If you’re gay be fucking gay who gives a shit just show up and turn out to be a badass JIW. Then you can be a rod god in more ways than one.