Reiki is an Energetic Addition to your Healing Tool-Kit | Surviving the Diagnosis

A lineman can also be referred to as a power line technician, and their job is tough. Their usual task is to set up and maintain electric power and telephone lines. However, the responsibilities of a lineman can extend to the installation and maintenance of transmission and cable TV lines. Being a lineman means that you are responsible of outdoor installation and maintenance tasks. Those who do the same job inside buildings are called electricians. If you are a lineman, then, you know you cannot work without your lineman tools.

Linemen are hard workers who cannot do their jobs without their hand tools, which they carry around on a daily basis. Unlike tools used by any other worker, a lineman’s tools require proper installation, because they are used with electrical installations. The handles of these tools are coated with rubber to prevent the worker from getting electrocuted.

Pliers are the usual tool that linemen use regularly. According to the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee or NJAT, pliers are the most commonly used tool in power and transmission lines installation and maintenance. These tools are used to grip, pull, and bend materials like electrical wires and cables. There are a few types of pliers. Each type is used for specific purposes.  For instance, the long-nosed ones are used when working on cables in tight places. These long and narrow pliers are also used to work with small wires. There are also heavy-duty lineman pliers, which have a strong grip. These can cut thick wires.

Cable strippers are another commonly used tool by linemen. Wires and cables are covered with an insulating material, which protects the wires from the weather. In electrical wires, the insulation prevents the conduction of electricity, thus protecting anyone handling the wires. However, during wire installation and maintenance, the wires or cables may need to be “skinned.” A lineman uses a wire stripper, whose sole function is to remove the insulation covering the wires. A cable stripping device can remove the sheath covering of the cables. There are different types of cable or wire strippers, but they basically perform the same kind of task.

Screwdrivers come in really handy, as they are used not only by linemen but also by any handyman. Screwdrivers used by electricians and linemen should have insulated handles too. Generally, different types of screwdrivers are used, because one type alone is insufficient, as screws come in different sizes and types too.

Aside from the three tools already mentioned, other important ones are wrenches, sockets, hammer, knife, and measuring devices. Linemen have to carry these tools around their body for convenience at work. They can be very bulky when brought together at once. Then again, these tools are generally easy to use and are essential to the job of linemen, electricians, and technicians.

The jobs of these people require safety precautions. Aside from the tools mentioned, they have to be in proper attire at work. Protective gear may not necessarily be considered as a tool; however, it is relevant to the safety of the worker. Safety gear includes hats, protective glasses, gloves, safety harness, and safety boots.