Which trade or profession needs the greatest product knowledge?

Discussion in 'Just Talk' started by WillyEckerslike, May 20, 2018.

  1. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    Following on from a post on another thread thanking a decorator for his knowledge of different paints available it set me wondering who needs the widest knowledge of their product...

    I imagine this could be broken down into trade and profession as two groups.

    I first approached this by thinking who needs the fewest tools. A brickie maybe - a trowel, some string and a spirit level - easy. So they won't feature in the list. But then I thought 'Wait a minute - not only have I just insulted every brickie in the country - there are also literally hundreds of different bricks in use so slow down and try again' Then I gave up and thought why not open it up to fellow tradesmen for their thoughts.

    I actually know the answer (I think) but I'll wait and see what responses come back - if any........
     
  2. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Not so much products, but knowledge of the regs,etc.

    Then probably a tie in first between a gas engineer & spark.
     
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  3. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    As I've thought about it more I think I had better exclude the professions for the moment - doctor, vet, solicitor and so on.
     
  4. DIY womble

    DIY womble Well-Known Member

  5. joinerjohn1

    joinerjohn1 Screwfix Select

    Nah, not even top psychiatrists can understand a woman with PMT. :p:p:p
     
    WillyEckerslike and KIAB like this.
  6. DIY womble

    DIY womble Well-Known Member

    Post marriage treatment
     
  7. Jord86

    Jord86 Screwfix Select

    Most crucial knowledge required- gas registered Plumber AND Electrician (though you wouldn't know it from peeking at their forum), agreed with KIAB.

    Broadest all round knowledge on most aspects of the building trade, who works with the largest toolkit and widest range of different and allied materials, and a lot of the time has to rectify other trades cock ups- Carpenter (I would say that though, wouldn't I.)

    Most return for least investment -Bricklayer or Roofer.
     
  8. ramseyman

    ramseyman Screwfix Select

    One thats often overlooked is landscape gardener/designer. I dont mean those who cut a bit of grass or chuck a few stines inva corner and call itva rockery but someone who can model land/ground using all the different types of hard landscaping materials, getting all levels drainage etc correct, then knowing the hundreds if different types of trees shrubs and plants and what they need for ongoing maintenance. Plus all the different machinery and legislation relating to use of different pesticides etc rtc. As said an underrated profession fir the true professionals, not the chancers
     
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  9. facilities

    facilities Guest


    A wringer out for a one armed window cleaner :)
     
  10. Bob Rathbone

    Bob Rathbone Screwfix Select

    If we use safety as our measure, then gas followed by electrician, but if we use pure knowledge of our measure, then the electrician is followed by the gas installer/tester.
     
  11. Crowsfoot

    Crowsfoot Screwfix Select

    I would give to the plumber on the basis that a plumber can easily do gas if they are affluent enough to pay the course fees but give a only does gas man a plumbing job and then it really is oh dear!
    Most plumbers also do electric work too (which is very closely related), yet the electrician will usually back away from any plumbing; all in my experience of course.
     
  12. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

  13. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select

    There’s no trade that can’t be fully learned on one of those 5 day wonder courses surely ....... ? :confused:

    (Shall I get my coat now) .......:eek:
     
    Heat likes this.
  14. goldenboy

    goldenboy Super Member

    No argument about this surely.

    Fencing specialist.
     
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  15. Jord86

    Jord86 Screwfix Select

    The revered 'Window Fitter' position is one that many aspire to reach, with relatively little tool expenditure and knowledge of construction required, the ability to feed a load of flannel to Mavis/Edna/Joan/Maureen (delete as applicable) whilst charging thousands for the experience is a truly eye opening experience, surpassed only by their ability to disguise a mismeasured window fit by a 30mm silicone bead and 50metres of pvc trims.
     
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  16. DIYDave.

    DIYDave. Screwfix Select


    You forgot to mention the indespensible use of expanding foam
    Jord :)

    Any size gap no longer an issue - foam and trim, job done, happy days :(
     
    KIAB likes this.
  17. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    Based on the combination of theory and practical skills...I would say old style Electrician.
    Motors, control gear, cables, conduit, pyro, power invertors, electro-mech interfaces, logic , control panels etc./etc.
    RS
     
  18. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Endangered,extinct species nowadays...:D
     
  19. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    Thank you all for your replies.

    I'm with Ramseyman on this. Gardener!

    A proper horticulturalist has to know thousands of different plants, what conditions suit them best, what ailments they suffer from and how to treat them, how to prune and trim them either to encourage growth or flowers or both and so on.

    Let's face it, Bricklayers' Question Time isn't a regular feature on Radio 4 is it but Gardeners' QT has been running for decades.

    Just my opinion of course.

    Thanks again. Willy.
     
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  20. Bob Rathbone

    Bob Rathbone Screwfix Select

    Not quite extinct, RS and I are examples of old dinosaurs that still roam the now desolate plains of real electrical knowledge.
     
    retiredsparks likes this.

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