Our Roots

Ken Whiteman • January 6, 2024

About the Owner of Tinkering Toolbox, LLC

I grew up under the guidance of a skilled Millwright, Mechanic, Repair and Renovation Contractor, mason, Fabricator, and DIY enthusiast—the son of a railroad builder. On the other side of my family, my Grandfather, an Air Force mechanic and the son of a local Builder, further contributed to my exposure to various construction aspects for both homes and businesses.
From a tender age, I immersed myself in the world of construction, observing, fetching tools, and cultivating a love for all things related to fixing and building. By the age of 5 or 6, I already knew I wanted to be a construction worker, driven by the thrill of disassembling and reassembling things seamlessly.


Throughout my life, I've worn various professional hats, including roles as a pizza maker, telemarketer, cashier, security guard, roofing laborer, kitchen line cook, rust prevention, and truck bed liner technician, and a truck driver/warehouse worker. Although these roles may not have directly related to my current work, they equipped me with valuable skills in systems understanding, time management, logistics, coordination, communication, and customer and employee relations. However, I realized that none of these paths aligned with my true passion.


In 2017, a unique opportunity arose to leverage my early skills and experiences when I was commissioned to assist in renovating a friend's home. This marked the turning point where my passion for construction resurfaced. Over the next few years, I delved into industrial mechanical construction and maintenance, alongside taking on small-scale handyman repairs that further fueled my enjoyment of providing such services.


Amidst the challenges of the pandemic in 2020, I decided to use stimulus payments to invest in basic hand tools. Acquiring a contractor's license, I embarked on the journey to establish Tinkering Toolbox LLC. Offering a range of services, I dedicated myself to expanding my knowledge and mastering the intricacies of running a business. From fixing cars, installing doors, and mailboxes to handling electrical devices, drains, fences, and drywall, my repertoire expanded.
My clientele includes commercial giants such as Dollar General, Walmart, Gabes, and Tinseltown, among others.


As of now, my pursuit continues—expanding knowledge and striving to provide the best services possible for the Erie County community.

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Knob and Tube wiring. descovering wiring from 100 years ago!

By Ken Whiteman • August 7, 2024
Knob-and-tube wiring, often known as K&T, was a common method of electrical wiring in North American buildings from around 1880 to the 1930s. This system used single-insulated copper conductors running through wall or ceiling spaces, passing through protective porcelain insulating tubes in joist and stud drill-holes. These conductors were supported by porcelain knob insulators for stability and were shielded by flexible cloth insulating sleeving, called loom, when entering wiring devices like lamps or switches. Originally using asphalt-saturated cotton cloth for insulation, it was later replaced with rubber. Splices in knob and tube setups involved twisting conductors, soldering, and insulating with rubber tape and friction tape (asphalt-saturated cloth) or placing them in metal junction boxes. Knob and tube wiring is no longer permitted in new construction, but existing installations are often allowed to remain if left undisturbed, unaltered, or disconnected. If any changes are made, the wiring must be upgraded to meet modern safety standards and NEC regulations. It is crucial to have only qualified professionals handle electrical work or maintenance. Note that while Pennsylvania does not have a statewide electrical license requirement, individual cities, towns, boroughs, and municipalities may have their own regulations.
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How much does it cost to install doors?

By Ken Whiteman • August 7, 2024
The cost of installing a door can fluctuate depending on the specific job and client preferences. Doors come in a variety of styles and designs to cater to different tastes. There are hollow and solid slab interior doors, as well as exterior entry doors, storm doors, and screen doors, with options of wood, metal, or fiberglass materials. Clients may choose to reuse existing lock sets or opt for new ones. Sometimes, rebuilding the door frame is necessary if it has been damaged or rotted. Door prices can range from a few hundred dollars and can increase based on the desired aesthetics, design, material, and other factors. Labor and equipment costs can also vary, with the average cost for installing an exterior door typically falling between $600.00 and $1,000.00. Interior doors generally range from $150.00 to $400.00, while storm doors can cost between $500.00 and $900.00. It is always wise to have a rainy day fund with at least three months' worth of expenses or around $5,000.00 for unexpected projects like these. Costs may differ based on project specifics and individual contractors, as well as market fluctuations. If you're interested in discussing your door installation needs, please reach out to us – we're here to assist you!
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Evolving Tradecraft: A Decade of Change in Home Services – Modern Contractors and Handymen vs. the Past

By Ken Whiteman • January 17, 2024
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