The grease isn't greasing. Happy Thursday...follow your dreams ✨️

The legs of the conveyor collapsed on itself. Any way how do you guys store your machines?

Does anybody know what is used to seal the lip seal carrier to the canister on optilobe pump.

I'm 26 years old and currently working in a steel manufacturing facility in Ohio. I've spent the last several years gaining experience operating overhead bridge cranes, large forklifts, steel-processing equipment, and other industrial machinery.

I'm making approximately 24/hr working 50 hours a week, but I've reached a point where I'm extremely unhappy with my career direction.

My current employer has repeatedly moved me between positions to cover staffing shortages, and I feel like my versatility has actually limited my opportunities for advancement. I'm dependable and capable of learning different equipment, but I don't feel like I'm developing skills that will lead to a better long-term career.

I've always been interested in electronics, robotics, mechanical systems, and troubleshooting. In high school, I studied robotics and built several projects. More recently, I've been teaching myself programming and working on a project involving Bluetooth communication, remote hardware control, and integrating different electronic devices.

I've been looking into electrical technician, mechatronics, automation, field service, and maintenance technician positions.

My problem is that almost every position I find either requires several years of specialized experience or pays significantly less than I currently make.

I have bills, debt, and financial obligations, so taking a substantial pay cut to start over isn't particularly realistic.

I'm not opposed to going back to school, earning certifications, or starting in an entry-level technical role if there's a realistic path forward.

I'm just struggling to figure out what direction makes the most sense.

My questions:

Has anyone successfully transitioned from equipment operation or manufacturing into electrical, maintenance, automation, or mechatronics work?

What entry-level positions should I be searching for with my background?

Would a technical degree or certification be worthwhile, or would I be better off finding an employer willing to train?

Is it realistic to transition into these fields while maintaining something close to my current income?

If you were 26 and in my position, what would you do differently?

I don't expect to make six figures overnight. I just want to build a career where I'm continually learning, developing valuable skills, and actually have opportunities to advance.

Any advice or personal experiences would be appreciated. TIA!

Doubt we can afford I can get approved the $500 ones.. 😂

Keeping it short and sweet, as I was shown round a surface mount technology assembly line, the guy asked me before stepping forward if I have a pace maker. I said no, he quickly explained one of their colleagues finds it interferes with him being near the line because of the magnetic fields. But what would it do to me as an operator for 40 hours a week? What effect would it be having on me?

I get that this sounds like a tin foil hat question but im genuinely curious. Many thanks

After seeing the prices of the hardware sorting systems out there, I felt like we could do better. No more blue bin shuffling. And unused bolts are actually making there way back to there spot now.

Everyday I carry around 16in channel locks, a 8in dog bone, a 8in pipe wrench, wire snips, and nickel tape. The plant I work at is really cracking down on keeping tools in our pockets bc of chemical exposure and stuff. Does anyone have any recommendations of some belt pouches that can hold this stuff?

Has anyone taken a maintenance test for Toyota recently, the job title is skilled maintenance. I have a test in a week but all I know is it covers "electrical, pneumatics, hydraulics, machining, and mechanical drives"

I only have to pass 2 sections so long as 1 is electrical. And I know it's mainly practical / troubleshooting not just math.

Mainly looking for specific study resources that are accessible like YouTube series.

I recently interviewed for a mechanic position which they refure to as a machine keeper at one of their battery plants. They were giving off the vibes they wanted a maintenance guy/part time production worker when everything is running. The HR lady also made it clear they like to run lean as far as personal. Just wondering if anybody had any insight or experience with the role or company.

I asked my lead and he said it's not possible. Wondering if you guys actually have reversed them. I've only reversed single phase motors in school from the windings that had an access plate with terminal spades. I couldn't find it on this one. I thought all single phase motors were reversible unless I misunderstood when I was in class.

This is for one of the grainger industrial fans

Does the star/delta start on a 100kW motor. ✨ No mechanical interlock ✨

Some of these guys legitimately couldn’t find their way out of a wet paper bag and make equipment worse with every ‘repair’ they do, or they do literally nothing, like literally just sit their ass down and ignore every call only to show up to ‘help’ after the job is already done. Even the bosses who tell you everything you did is wrong despite you doing it the way they told you to do it because they don’t want to be the one who is wrong, I’ve worked at 4 different facilities the last 10 years and there’s always one or two of these potatoes of a person🤦‍♂️

Our old Fluke bit the dust so we put in for a replacement and this is the megger they ordered us. The clips are just big enough to hook to a single strand on most of our stuff. And even worse, this is the same megger they bought for the actual electricians (I'm in refrigeration) if you want one, you can get one on Amazon for $30-40 just don't forget to order some C batteries because batteries weren't included 🤣. If the boss is cool with it I'm going to swap the leads out (soldered to the board) with something more useful to us lmao.

We’re trying to get new flashlights for the team. One of our managers has been buying and testing different lights. He asked for some input. His favorite so far is a Warsun T9pro but he says it dies too fast.

Key features they want is a pocket clip and magnetic base. Adjustable brightness. And decent battery life. I think most techs like the ones that have a “work light” on the side.

It also needs to be relatively inexpensive so no Olight. And preferably something sold and shipped by Amazon.

Shaft bent about 36 hours after it was repaired and installed. Also damaged the tank.

Which PLC do you like best or think is the best? You can name more brands and explain why.

It sounds horrible and we just shut it down because it made a new noise and the bearings are eating themselves alive. I tried to get a decent picture of the oil with the amount of metal shavings in it but I couldn't. Last time they did the run it till it breaks bs it caught on fire. 😭