Here is what I found tends to be true and these are the nature of things I focus on with forums. I really look back, for lack of some skills I am a great estimator. I don't have the ability to make complicated calculations but most of the worlds stuff is designed ahead of us and they already put a pencil to it so if it twists off I replace with 1 size larger.
I found out everything doesn't need and isn't always as strong as it can be. I get that quite a bit.
Since I can barely add I copy, when I started at 18 I built heavy, some a real waste and in multiples, I copied what I saw, materials were a bit different. Today I can land right near the edge, most of it I come out a gage heaver or so than someone with a sharp pencil, with one off fabrication and maintenance its easier, strengthens connections to have a little overkill. 1 extra bolt, lengthen a weld a bit and make it way more effective.
Now this brings us back to the receptical. When I was 20 I worried pitifully about such things, went out of my way and while I did that I miss some really important ideas that take me a long time to learn,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, that's the point. I even did a lot of stuff right and didn't have a clue why but I missed some here and there too that so far havnt been fatal and I even reach back in a couple places I worked on over the years and fix a screw or 2.
In comparison it hasn't been that bad and I get to see others along the way, some legit, some handyman types. The issues are different but they are still slobs in the sense they wont put a cover on etc, don't use a clamp.
It isn't they used a cheap outlet, I am sure somewhere it has been a problem but is really miniscule compared to the human factor. Even among the best there is error, its less but **** happens.
Now I demo some stuff I wired 35 yrs ago when I fussed over the outlets, I remember that, the brand and model doesn't just jump out at me and I have actually tossed some. I own some of it a long time. My work bench has been a fairly busy place and we put in some cheap outlets with the idea we would simply replace them,,, well, aint had one that hasn't worked perfect.
Its what we found out about the Walmart grinder and some other pieces. The shocking reality is that the HF screwdriver has replaced the Klein, there is a place for it but its not demanded for a wall outlet replacement and since I operate screwdrivers multiple times on most days really prefer a collection vs a set.
Low cost is an asset. Didn't cost me but 50$ to replace every switch and outlet in a common house recently, took a lot of the pain and decision out of it. Got rid of boxes too small, the cost of the materials became a minor factor. Left 10 ft of old wire in the whole place.
I could have left obsolete wire in a rental, could have left it alone but I am a service upgrade junky as well as wire replacer from hell. The assessment of quality work by the semi professional,,, or extreme professional is often skewed.
