Top 10 Tools for Linemen

Linemen’s work is critical for homes and businesses, and this work requires a variety of equipment and tools. These tools help ensure safety and efficiency when working on power lines and electrical cables. This lineman tools list will guide you through the most essential equipment for tackling common tasks.

1. Claw-Milled Hammer

A claw-milled hammer suits several tasks. The milled face allows linemen to drive staples or nails into utility poles, while the claw end allows workers to remove ground wire, molding and nails. Lanyard holes at the bottom of the hammer allow for tethering.

2. Pump Pliers

Pump pliers allow linemen to grip, turn, and hold pipes, bolts, nuts, and other irregular objects. The adjustable jaws accommodate objects of various sizes. Tension-loaded joints reduce handle wobbling, ensuring a firm grip even when workers apply heavy pressure.

3. Utility Knife

Linemen often need utility knives to cut insulation and strip cable. A skinning knife is particularly useful for linemen because it can score and slit cable jackets and clip on armor rod tail ends. You can also find skinning utility knives with replaceable blades to reduce the need for blade sharpening after cable skinning.

4. Adjustable Wrench

An adjustable wrench allows linemen to handle heavy-duty jobs. These tools can accommodate many nuts and bolts sizes and provide leverage in tight spaces. Linemen often use adjustable wrenches to loosen and tighten fasteners and to complete high-line pole repairs and installations.

5. Folding Ruler

Folding rulers allow linemen to gain measurements for terminating wire and framing poles. Folding rulers with tough nylon provide durability and resistance to most chemicals, abrasion and weather. These rulers feature measurements on both edges and sides for streamlined operations and ease of use.

6. Cutting Pliers

Cutting pliers can cut nails, screws and most types of hardened wire. These pliers also feature a high-leverage design and cutting edges to allow workers to grip, bend or twist wire insulation. Klein Tools Diagonal-Cutting Pliers provide 36% greater cutting power than other models and feature a hot-riveted joint to eliminate handle wobble.

7. Bug Wrench

A bug wrench features dual ends to accommodate several size options. These wrenches aid in tightening bracket hardware, connecting wires to terminals and securing transformer lugs. Bug wrenches feature a ratcheting mechanism to ensure leverage for efficient tightening and loosening operations.

8. Screwdriver Set

Individual screwdrivers and demolition drivers feature designs for specific applications, making it essential to have a complete set. Generally, screwdrivers enable linemen to connect and disconnect wires at terminals like outlets or light switches, tighten screws on electrical boxes and terminal strips, and install new electrical components. Insulated screwdrivers aid in preventing shocks when working with live components.

9. Electrical Tape

Electrical tape is a versatile tool for linework. This tape protects low-voltage wires from connecting with secondary voltage grounded wires and maintains coiled wire. Electrical tape can also act as an insulated layer to protect from short circuits or shocks and safeguard connections from abrasion, heat and moisture. In some cases, linemen will also use electrical tape to differentiate wire types and phases for easier repairs and maintenance processes.

10. Power Tools

Power tools offer the efficiency and performance capacity necessary for demanding lineman tasks. Power tools for linemen include:

• Impact wrenches: An impact wrench allows linemen to access tight spaces and remove stubborn fasteners. These tools provide control and precision for seamless operation.
• Drills: Drills allow linemen to secure components, install bolts and create holes in utility poles. A drill combo kit can provide access to confined spaces and fast driving speeds necessary to ensure quick and efficient installation times.
• Cable cutters: Power tool cable cutters allow workers to cut through heavy-gauge wires that would require immense manual effort. These tools also improve cutting accuracy, ensuring the appropriate depth and precision for accurate cuts to avoid cable damage.

Buying Considerations for Linemen Tools

The hazardous nature of lineman work requires teams to utilize quality tools with appropriate features. When buying lineman’s tools, you must consider:

• Insulation: Tool insulation is critical for protecting from electrical shocks and electrocution. Linemen encounter high-voltage power lines regularly, and insulation creates a protective barrier between the conductor and the worker. Additionally, insulation can help maintain tool integrity by protecting metal components and offering a more comfortable tool grip during operation.
• Durability: Linework often involves working with heavy-duty materials, making it crucial to utilize durable and reliable tools. Tools must be able to withstand tough conditions and leverage high-quality materials to ensure longevity.
• Comfort: Ergonomics is another significant consideration. Many linemen work with the same tools for prolonged periods. Ergonomic tool designs enhance worker comfort, allowing them to complete tasks with less risk of repetitive strain and fatigue.
• Maintenance: It’s important to consider a tool’s specific maintenance needs. Consider how often you must sharpen or replace blades, cleaning requirements, handle maintenance and calibration needs for measuring tools.

Other Equipment and Supplies That Linemen Need

Along with the critical tools to perform everyday tasks, linemen must also rely on safety equipment for peace of mind and greater efficiency. Lineman work is inherently dangerous because teams often operate underground and interact with wires and cables with powerful electrical currents. Safety supplies and equipment to note include:

• Hard hats: Workers should always operate with hard hats. Hard hats are a durable form of head protection, ensuring workers do not face injury from falling debris. Face shields can provide additional protection.
• Insulated sleeves and gloves: Insulated safety equipment is critical for protecting against electrical shocks. Rubber gloves protect from voltages of varying levels, and tough leather can protect the rubber from damage. Workers should also wear rubber-insulated sleeves to protect themselves from injuries if they brush against a live wire.
• Boots: Rubber boots protect workers from electrical shock when climbing metal poles. Lineman boots should also offer impact protection to reduce injuries from falling debris and have insulation. It is also crucial to ensure the boots have exceptional traction to reduce fall risks.
• Climbing belt: Harnesses and climbing belts reduce fall risks when linemen work in high areas, such as utility poles. Quality straps, harnesses and belts must be able to support the worker’s weight and any equipment they may be holding or carrying.

Shop Our Full Selection of Lineman Tools

At Custom Truck One Source, you can find trucks and specialty equipment to meet business needs. We serve those in the largest utility industries, including forestry, oil, telecom, rail, construction and linework. Our linemen’s equipment provides the durability and reliability you need to complete tasks underground and above the surface. Browse our inventory or connect with our team for assistance finding the right equipment. We look forward to serving you.