Once it was necessary to use two types of tape on splices--rubber tape with friction tape over it. Now there is a plastic tape on the market which takes the place of both and has good insulating quality. It is called electrical tape, or plastic tape, and resists water, oils (which would damage rubber tape), and acids. You'll need a lot of tape in your electrical work, so keep a roll on hand.
As you go along in electrical work, you'll be adding tools and other equipment, such as a trouble light and maybe an ammeter or voltmeter. Other tools you'll want to add will be a Phillips screwdriver, open end wrenches, a crescent wrench, small hack saw, hand drill and bits.
You'll also be using some regular carpenter's tools such as hammers, saws, and so on. Unless you use them frequently, you don't need to keep them in your electrical kit.
It's a good idea to start acquiring a supply of electrical parts--lengths of wire, fuses, switches, sockets, plugs, and other items that will come in handy. There are parts you can salvage from old lamps, motors, and other equipment. Such a collection can be a real treasure chest when you need a part in a hurry. But be sure to throw away all faulty parts.
[Illustration: Figure 1. Completed tool chest.]
To keep your tools always ready for use, a tool chest will be very handy. It's the 4-H way to work. You'll be surprised how much easier it makes a job when you have your tools, various parts and repair equipment all in one place. You can make the chest (Figure 1) with a saw, plane, screwdriver, pencil, ruler or carpenter's square, and hammer.
A piece of lumber 1" by 10" by 8 feet long. (1" lumber is actually only 3/4" thick--this is the thickness you'll be working with.)
2 small handles with wood screws, or one large handle
Some No. 6 penny finishing nails or wood screws about the same length
1. Cut your lumber into the following pieces:
Then, set up the two end pieces and nail to bottom section. Refer back to Figure 1 as you go along to see that box is shaping up as shown. Nail the front and back sections to the ends along the bottom. Wood screws can be used instead of nails.
3. Lay the top in place and attach hinges to the back side, about two inches in from each end.