Welcome to West Coast Man!
Licensed commercial/industrial electrician with 30+ years in the trade.
I share real-world tool use, maintenance work, and life in the Pacific Northwest, from the shop to the farm.
If you're into tools, EDC, and practical skills from someone who actually uses the gear, you're in the right place.


West Coast Man

You young whipper-snappers don't know how good you've got it.

Electric knockout punches? Luxury.

We had a Greenlee punch, a ratchet, and sore shoulders.

And yes... we walked to school in the snow... uphill... both ways. 👴

1 day ago | [YT] | 30

West Coast Man

I started my electrical apprenticeship in 1993, so this was the first NEC code book I ever learned from.

This isn't my original copy—I lost that somewhere along the way—but I found this one on eBay and couldn't pass it up. It's amazing how something as simple as an old code book can bring back memories of being a brand-new apprentice, trying to figure out conduit fill, box fill, and wondering if I'd ever know this trade.

Thirty-three years later, I'm still learning.

What was the first NEC code book you worked out of?

1 week ago | [YT] | 66

West Coast Man

Quick update from the old guy...

Between keeping up with the farm, working a full-time job, trying to stay ahead of the summer heat, and generally running myself into the ground, I've decided to take a short break from posting videos.

Nothing dramatic. No channel-ending announcement. No midlife crisis (that I'm aware of). Just a guy who's realizing that 56-year-old bodies don't always agree with 26-year-old ambitions.

The farm still needs fences built. The sheep still need tending. The day job still starts before most people have had their first cup of coffee. And lately, by the time I sit down in the evening, I've got just enough energy left to stare blankly into space.

I've always believed that work is important, but so is knowing when to ease off the throttle for a minute.

I'll still be around reading comments, answering questions, and probably tinkering with electrical projects in the shop. I just need a little time to recharge the batteries before jumping back into the video grind.

Thank you to everyone who's watched, commented, subscribed, bought a shirt or sticker, or simply stopped by to say hello. This community has grown into something I never expected, and I appreciate every one of you.

The videos will be back.

For now, this old electrician/farmer is going to drink some water, find a little shade, and pretend he's retired for a few days.

Rock on,

Jay

1 month ago | [YT] | 48

West Coast Man

Just picked up these Knipex 6 in 1 pliers. Cuts, strips, crimps, and reams 1/2" & 3/4" EMT. I'll try them out for a few days to see if they'll earn a spot in my daily work carry.

Anyone use these? Thoughts and opinions?



amzn.to/3SabVPI

1 month ago | [YT] | 72

West Coast Man

If you're interested in becoming an electrician but haven't started yet, what's the biggest obstacle?

1 month ago | [YT] | 9

West Coast Man

Did I just find my favorite strippers? Have you used these before?
Cornwell CTG70

1 month ago | [YT] | 48

West Coast Man

Added a Fluke T+ Pro to my troubleshooting arsenal.
What's your favorite way to verify ghost voltage? 👻

1 month ago | [YT] | 30

West Coast Man

Slapped the new sticker on my hardhat to let everyone know I have soft hands. 😄

1 month ago | [YT] | 23

West Coast Man

Well... they're finally here. 😃

A few weeks ago I took a huge chance and ordered my first batch of West Coast Man shirts and honestly had no idea if anyone would want one.

These are the same tri-blend shirts I wear myself—soft, lightweight, and comfortable enough to wear all day whether you're chasing breakdowns, working on a project, or just relaxing at home.

Featuring the West Coast Man logo, Mt. St. Helens, and the motto:
Work Hard • Go Home

Available now on the website along with the stickers: fleecevalleyfarm.com/collections/west-coast-man

Thanks to everyone who's supported the channel. Every order helps support both the channel and the farm.


P.S. If you've been telling me I have "soft hands," there's a sticker for that too. 😂

1 month ago | [YT] | 22

West Coast Man

A couple viewers have commented that I have "soft hands." 😄

Well... they may be right.

So instead of arguing about it, I turned it into a sticker.

If you've spent any time around the trades, you've probably heard:
"You got soft hands, brother."

Now you can proudly display it on your hardhat, toolbox, lunchbox, or wherever you keep your emotional support screwdriver.

Available here:

fleecevalleyfarm.com/products/west-coast-man-soft-…

⚡ Work Hard • Go Home ⚡

1 month ago | [YT] | 19