The Evolution of Lineman Tools: From Traditional to Modern Innovations
You hear it if you sit outside and block out the cars and loud music. Hear what? The humming of the powerlines in the background. To most folks, this might be the soundtrack of modern civilization. Keeping those lines humming safely takes a lot of work, requiring a particular person and tool. The lineman today is not the lineman of the past due to the modern innovations that have shaped this industry. Linemen rely on each other to do the job safely and their innovative tools to do it right. Let us take a trip down the power line to explore the evolution of lineman tools, from the basic to the high-tech.
Humble Beginnings
In the early days of electricity, linemen were tough, thoughtful, and hardworking; their tools represented that. Most tools like pliers, climbing gaffs, and wrenches were made of steel or some other durable metal. Most linemen wore heavy-duty top hats with basic climbing tools that were not considered fall protection equipment. No bucket truck was thought about in the early days, so hooking the pole was an everyday thing, just like driving our vehicles to the store. Basic personal protective equipment was just that, basic. So, wearing safety glasses, steel-toe boots, cut-resistant gloves, and Flame-resistant clothing did not exist. This is a thought: what if we could do like the movie and go “Back to the Future”? Once the 2024 lineman opened the door of the DeLorean and stepped out into the 1950s, I wondered what conversation would be had. You know what, I can see it now: the 2024 lineman arrives at the job with all his safety gear and walks up to the 1950s lineman, shakes his hand, and says, Can I have a (JSB) Job Safety Briefing before we start work? And where is the pen so I can sign off on it? I can only imagine the strange look of the lineman of the 1950’s.
We are now moving forward to 2024! We have tools and technology on our side and should be improving, but unfortunately, we are not. We still have deaths and severe injuries within our industry, and it's not due to the advancement of tools. A wood automatic stick has now been upgraded to a fiberglass one. Don’t worry about getting our climbing tools out of the bag because bucket trucks are our saving grace for completing work safely. No more top hats and leather gloves because we have hard hats, safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, and so much more, but unfortunately, we are still getting hurt. We have lightweight battery-powered tools instead of the wood pop tools that would require the O-die. No more reading a paper map because the advancement of GPS technology has made traveling easier and finding down conductors faster. Modern innovations with lineman tools have changed how we approach and work. We, as lineworkers, have to make sure we are evolving as well, which is done through studying, learning, and training.
By understanding the evolution of their tools, we gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and innovation that goes into keeping our electrical grid humming and working safer.
Written by: Curtis Bradley, CUSP.
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