Interview with Jim N. - Master Box Reconditioning

1. Can you tell me about the master box reconditioning process from start to finish?

We get them in from municipalities and schools whose boxes have been decommissioned. And at that point, we check for any issues with the box, any problems as far as imperfections, broken parts, to see if the box is actually salvageable and can be restored to proper function. And then we can move on to the breaking-down process, which I and Dave G. will do. And that's prior to reconditioning the master box or street box itself.

At that point, we can begin the sandblasting process. I like to have plenty of stock on the shelves, because we move quite a few of these, especially in the last year. First, I will use the Scotch-Brite pad to clean the shells, doors, and back plate, and then use an oil-based paint thinner to clean up the box and prepare it for priming. After that, the priming process begins. The process of painting is roughly a week per box, because you have to paint it on either side, wait a 24-hour period, paint the other side, and then you can do the lettering on the shell itself. And then I can start the assembly of the box itself, which includes pull-down doors, pull hooks, chimneys, gaskets, and retaining bars for pull hooks on some of the boxes that need it.

2. So you start building them at that point?

Yes, I'll start building them, with all the parts that were reconditioned. Everything that goes back in the box is a refinished product. And then I'll start the process of making the box up, putting all the parts back together, and then it's ready for the next level: either it's a street box or a master box, and that moves on to John, who creates the code wheel, and then Freeman, who assembles the movements. 

3. You mentioned that you have some coworkers that you work together with on the reconditioning process. So what's that like?

It's excellent. I've learned quite a bit in the two and a half years I've been here. That’s thanks to John downstairs. And Dave G., he’s been a huge help. He's been here 20 years, so he has quite a bit of knowledge. And also Freeman and Bobby. Those guys were all instrumental in allowing me to learn this process, and to get to where I am today.

4. Aside from reconditioning, what other tasks do you take on at L.W. Bills?

I’m responsible for the shipping and receiving, picking up stock for certain jobs from suppliers, groundskeeping of the property, service and maintenance of all the trucks. I do what's needed around the building. And I also go out and support the techs if they need somebody for either an inspection or an installation.

In addition to the master boxes, I recondition the pedestals, inner cases, and ATBs (auxiliary terminal blocks).