Lineman - Pole climbing

Hey Everyone!
Figured I'd strap the camera on for a first person view while climbing this one!😁
I still use an old school cross strap which can feel quite different from climbing with a bucksqueeze... The important thing here is to always be belted in and keep your fingers out of those tight places!
** These video's are NOT intended for training or D.I.Y. Only properly trained and authorized personal are allowed to work on this equipment. Always adhere to work methods and procedures particular to the company you are working for. **
Don't forget to drop a 👊 along with where you're watching from!
➡ / bobsdecline
Music courtesy of:
"All good in the wood" by Audionautix
KZbin audio
#Bobsdecline, #MilwaukeeTool, #Lineman

[@pampenchef7994]

I recently left my job of seven years as a culinary arts instructor and coach at a high school to run fiber. The teaching profession had driven me to a point where I was borderline suicidal, I couldn't afford to live and support my kids. My second day on the job we were in a low area after a week of rain and they asked me if I wanted to try and climb. I said yes, put my gear on and I remember looking up the pole and asking God if it's his will give me the confidence to do this. When I got to the neutral and hung my handline I took a second to breath and looked down and my heart was pounding. Then I looked across the skyline and the sun came out and at that moment I knew I made the right choice. I'm two months into this and your video helped me, Im just learning as I go. Your never to old to learn something new.

[@Bobsdecline]

That's amazing! Thanks for sharing and congrats/best wishes in your new journey! Pinned!

[@JustInThoughts.1]

Thats awesome man i kinda had a similar experience when i got into fiber. Except i asked for the strength to do it 😂lol i was scared as heck man. But 6 years later im still in the business just decided to go into the splicing side of things and now i never climb but it does definitely take a toll on the body but as long as your climbing safely it takes alot longer to get bad on your body. Just from my experience. Thanks for the share stay safe and be a sponge. Good luck bro 😎

[@robertoswalt319]

As someone with a fear of heights, I got the heebie jeebies more than once watching this video. When I was in high school electronics our teacher had pole climbing gear that he would let us use when supervised. At around 30 feet my knees were shaking so bad it wasn't funny. I truly admire and respect linemen.

[@draconightwalker4964]

you aint the only one who got the heebies from this one

[@repro7780]

You should check out the vids of guys who climb cell and antenna towers!

[@b0mm32]

As someone with a fear of heights also, I know the feeling. I was a telecom lineman for a few years and felt nervous the first few times up the ladder. I was terrified my first time up on spurs. After a while I felt amazingly calm on a nice day up a pole with the spurs, or on a ladder rocking slightly in the breeze hanging a mid-span drop. It comes eventually when you trust your ability, training and equipment.

[@hosedragger-204]

@@b0mm32 agreed. I'm a paid-on-call firefighter here in my hometown and I've always had a fear of heights (still do) but any time we train with our 75 foot aerial ladder truck I try to get out on the end of it if at all possible. I still dislike heights but I force myself to deal with it and to just suck it up and get out there.

[@terryhoyt2058]

The pole heights didn't bother me so much, but everytime he described how your finger could get jammed in a hook or bolt... made me want to yack at the thought!

[@edwardbaker1331]

I was a lineman 50 years ago. Our belts were junk compared to the newer systems. I did cut out once and fell 20 feet. I've had back trouble ever since. I'm glad the safety considerations are better now.

[@wanderer2766]

Thanks for sharing your comment. Its good to realize, that somebidy appreciates the new safe climbing gear.

[@TheLowTideBoyz]

I really liked seeing the customer come out to thank you. Love to spread positivity in this world!

[@theamerican7080]

The most comprehensive and sensible pole climbing lesson I've witnessed on or off the web.

[@johnnyrocker87]

Love your videos. I just finished my apprenticeship and got my Journeyman Lineman ticket today 8/11/2022 IBEW Local 1393. I’ve watched all of your videos and I have to say, thank you. I’ve learned a lot and had a few a-ha moments. Keep doing what your doing. Your content is great for anyone either already working in or interested in line work. Best wishes. 👊 Best wishes from Indiana.

[@daver7465]

congrats!

[@jeremyhundley3142]

After my Grandpa passed away, I got all of his old lineman gear, including his belt and spikes. Thanks for showing how they work, I know I'll never find myself climbing a pole!

[@LanceMcCarthy]

I'm not a Lineman, but am hooked on this channel.

[@upiper71]

Good climbing video. As a retired telephone technician for over 25 years I used the Miller Stop-Fall which is an older version of the buck-squeeze :) One big no-no is not to climb before testing the pole electrically with a foreign voltage tester and physically stabbing the pole with a large screwdriver below grade prior to climbing..especially those old cedar poles where they rot from the inside out. Safety first brother!

[@Master-ls2op]

company i worked for ITG did not care it the pole was crap you climb it no matter what... never call for a bucket or second hand. they would take it out of ya pay. you also could not refuse or they take it out of ya pay.

[@IdiotInaBox79]

@@Master-ls2op Too much lineman work out there to be dealing with that bullshit. You getting back to your family is #1 priority. This is dangerous work. No shortcuts for me.

[@ArmpitStudios]

Cool stuff. As I grew up climbing trees, watching linemen climb poles was totally fascinating. I wanted a set of spikes so much. And yeah, pre-attaching the ends of a single rope to both things is one of those “duh, that’s genius” things.

[@okaro6595]

When I was a kid they used hooks that wrapped around the pole. These spikes look scary.

[@ArmpitStudios]

@@okaro6595 Naw, totally secure if you know what you're doing.

[@Aholeintheozone]

You included a lot of good tips. One thing that surprised me coming from a line clearance arborist background is that you are allowed to climb solo. We weren't allowed to climb or operate a bucket alone in case something happened that necessitated a rescue.

[@kaliphjackson9218]

I believe he is a Troubleshooter, here in NYC we work the same way. Overhead works in crews; at least 2 guys to either climb or operate a bucket; but our troubleshooters work alone. They operate slightly smaller truckers in length which we call One-man’s. Of course they have rules when dealing with Primary alone such as only performing switch moves or putting on grounds without backup.

[@Bobsdecline]

Yessir! ☝️🙌

[@matthewmontrose2296]

​@@Bobsdecline my question is how many years in the trade??? I know you've seen everything a line has to offer the good and bad, for I've been in it for 20 years doing comm line construction and anyone who knows me knows I won't give it up I love it, my office isn't a factory and my beak is a bucket truck, your passion is strong

[@onejohn2.26]

Back in the day at the phone company we were not allowed to climb strapped in we had to climb freehand and over obstacles freehand and we certainly didn't have that retractable belt we just had a straight around the pole belt nothing else

[@Bobsdecline]

@Matthee Montrose 20 years here as well!

[@MultiMightyQuinn]

Having watched several of your videos i gotta say watching somebody talk about something they are passionate about is always fascinating to watch. You are obviously knowledgeable as you can explain things so simply but still understand the larger concept. Thanks for bringing me along with you, and keep doing what you do. It's really cool to see something I know so little about yet rely on daily. Cheers!

[@360ModsandHacks]

You showed this extremely well! I'm a telecommunications technician here in the US and gaffing is part of our training. You did a great job here and I really enjoyed the video! Keep up the good work

[@williamcohron2380]

Much respect to the guys and gals who do this kind of work. Thank you for all your hard work and sharing with all of us.

[@steelfist65]

This was a great video. My Dad was an old time phone guy. He had some great stories about pole climbing. This video reminded me of him. Thanks.

[@raidhhi2217]

I look forward to your videos. I have nothing but respect for what you do. Thanks for creating these very educational videos and stay safe out there!

[@tiggerthegreeb]

Thanks for the videos Aaron. I work for the Electrical Distribution Network Operater in the UK similar to yourself. In my company when it comes to pole climbing anything above 2 metres requires a harness to work at height but also requires to work as a team with the second man able to pole top rescue in case things go wrong. It's interesting to see you are allowed to solo climb in your company (I only mention as its an obvious difference not to try and highlight things in anyway). Really appreciate seeing the differences in different countries doing the same kind of work. Take care.

[@ecospider5]

Fantastic information. It's great to see all the safety precautions that are taken.

[@JohnGalt-vr3lx]

I enjoy watching this as it brings back great memories. My dad was an active working electrician from 1947 when he was discharged from military service post ww2, until 2003. He was a member of IBEW from the day he started work until the day he retired. Most unions these days exist solely to collect due and to shake down large companies for more money, even when their members are paid very, very well. IBEW and NECA both sponsored an apprentice program that was 4 years long. My father taught at that school until he was 90. I grew up around construction sites and industrial plants. By the time I was 15, I could bend pipe with the best of them (mostly because my dad was an excellent teacher) I could quote the NEC by heart. Now it's the IRC which determines what you can do and it varies from city to city. I started climbing poles at 15 or 16. I can't remember which year it was. We did a ton of short term jobs at saw mills in rural California and temp power drops for oil drilling. I joined the military at 17 and planned on being a lineman/electrician. Unfortunately, I was hit by a drunk driver and my spine was damaged to the point that climbing poles or crawling around equipment in underground vaults was something I can't do on a regular basis. So I became a deputy and at 34 I became a paramedic and work doing life flight helicopter transport. At 42 I became a registered nurse. I make enough to live comfortably, but at 56, I still work at least 1 day a week as either a lineman or inside electrical work. It's very satisfying to be able to go out and do your job and not have someone telling you exactly how to do it. I always loved doing pole climbing and tower climbing. You set your pace, you do the job right and you get paid well. I always feel happy when I am up a pole or tower or wiring an industrial plant. To this day, I still get a thrill when I turn the switch on and everything works

[@hitekrednek66]

Nicely done sir! You guys are awesome! As a retired firefighter, I was always impressed with you guys and the wrecker folks. Yall are da heros in my book.

[@bfine1962]

Just found your channel. Love the content. Im just a civilian watching from south east florida. Nothing but respect for you guys keeping us in power especially when the hurricanes hit. Been binge watching a lot of your videos. You are a very hard working excellent diagnostic technician. It's amazing how you can look at a problem from the ground and know what it is and how to fix it. Keep up the great work.

[@rickn501s]

You're a good man, Bob. You sure do know quite a lot about the many aspects of your job. Thanks for sharing them with us.

[@highgroundproductions8590]

Yeah, though his names Aaron apparently

[@jakesully5402]

Aaron, I admire your passion for excellence. You truly epitomize my belief that being a lineman is not just a job, it’s a calling… The efforts put forth by your brothers and sisters from all over Eastern Canada to Atlantic’s most recent hurricane prove my point. As an electrician, clients often state how much they admire what I do for a living; but I know that it’s really you linemen who are the true “keepers of the current”. You guys are everyday heroes in my book, right up there with nurses, RCMP, firefighters, military, and medics.

[@kgt9535]

Another great service call you carried us on again, bro. You're an inspiration to electricians and linemen alike. Remember to always be safe, and to keep the fire in the wire.

[@elitearbor]

This is pretty cool footage. My best friend became a lineman a couple years ago (IBEW 57), and the way he described this process was fascinating. The weight of all the climbing gear sure surprised me!

[@shawna.4601]

IBEW 57 is where I’m located too, crazy how much work RMP & IPC has put out the last few years

[@JohnDoe-nm5le]

how much does it weigh?

[@tannerwest6823]

I love watching you're videos. Hell I'm a plumber I don't even know much about this stuff, but I do know you're very thorough and careful and always do clean work. And you explain whats going on very well. Great videos dude! I learn something new every time I watch

[@vancejoy3724]

Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate this for us! Have a great day

[@jetlaw_1]

This is the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen on KZbin. I have a whole new appreciation for linemen.

[@AWESOME1509]

I think the thing I was most impressed by in this video was how impeccable and efficiently you were able to use your handline with no groundsman. Everything you had was already set and ready to go!

[@fredsasse9973]

I am waaaaaayyyyy too old to ever do this kind of work. I do however have the utmost respect for you and all the other guys and gals who do this work! Thank you for your clear and understandable explanation.

[@cheeseburgerbeefcake]

I've seen a few people up poles in the UK without lifting gear, really interesting to see it all explained!

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content!

[@frankmurphy5]

I'm thinking about applying to Hydro One for an apprenticeship. My name's also Aaron, so that must be a sign haha. It's not a job I ever imagined I'd want to do, but now that the opportunity's there I'm seriously considering it. I've worked in the trades, love building and fixing stuff, operated heavy machinery, love tools, heights, the outdoors. I had a good, but pointless job for 15 years and I'm glad I left. Now I want to do something that actually matters and that I'll actually like. These videos are really helping me make an informed decision, so thanks for making them 😁

[@elandseadel501]

started pole climbing getting up to 30-35ft was fun! And a bit of a thrill! It definitely gave me mad respect for lineman who ascend and descend with grace….I’m still slow but hopefully I get some finesse😂 I appreciate that you give back to the community with the knowledge you’ve obtained through your years of experience!

[@shopenasupply]

whoa! this video gave me chills! great footage!

[@anthonysage4323]

I've been in all kinds of construction in my life, and seen some crazy things but you guys and iron workers take the cake. BRAVO GENTLEMEN... BRAVO

[@keatonward6403]

This is great. Cant wait to get on the lines

[@user-ly8ot1yd1r]

Wow, who knew how much is involved in pole climbing/work. Masterful job in the explanation/video of you doing this. Keep the videos coming, really enjoyable.

[@MichaelLass]

I will probably never do this kind of work, but I keep watching your videos because they are very educational.

[@noelcastle3986]

Great video , in Australia we generally use hardwood poles . In my old company we used ladders and bucket trucks to work aloft . I asked managers years ago why pole spikes are not used and was told they are very hard to use on hardwood poles so ladders and pole platforms or bucket trucks only. Good to see how you climb and work off pole spikes it beats carrying a heavy ladder into difficult access areas like I often had to do .

[@geoffhurley8103]

I liked how you dropped the old light down and then pulled the new one up with the same rope. I'd have probably made an extra trip up the pole! Great videos. Please keep them coming!

[@jeffreykornspan9053]

How I know how you like climbing poles everyday! Great and easy job and thank god for the tight bite lugs. You always make it look so easy Aaron.

[@Anonymous-ff5wr]

My dad was a lineman in the Army Signal corps he did line work off and on for years tried to teach me how to climb I was up about 8 feet cut out and dint go back up many times I wish I had. People told me he was very good love your Chanel 😊

[@sgtbaker81]

Nice video. You are really good at explaining and demonstrating. Stay safe out there.

[@Southpawwarrior48]

Thank you for your service. You all risk your lives so others can be comfortable. Thank you so much

[@mep1624]

This was a very informative video. My group is involved with wall and mountain climbing..... and I learned several valuable tips here. Thanks!

[@angal9463]

Nice job Aaron, Really like the tips especially on working safely. In our small Utility in Eastern Canada we have a fair bit of backlot and most of the time we cannot reach with a truck as well.

[@mattdenis861]

Did this myself for about 12 years give or take in telecommunications work so it was lower on the pole and lower risk. They issued me one of these to use. It was easy for me to learn how to use it as I would often "hitchike" style climbing. The down side was that if there was anything else on the pole such as signs, power supplies, staples, tension supports, downguy wires it made everything a pain. Free style climbing was how I learned though. Some of the stuff I did in trees and walking/scooting the lines to get mid-span would have made OSHA and regular people scream. I also would climb ropes free hand mid-span to deal with equipment that was stuck. I am a small guy so was easy for me to carry my own weight even with just arm strength. That pole is really clean free of bs and also look to be a comfortable size.

[@wlsonoma]

40 years ago I climbed poles. Never saw this safety device. I also never had formal training. Climbed 500 ft. towers too. But I remember one time I was up a pole and a mother Doberman and two half grown pups came flying around the corner of a house and down to me. I got my work done and climbed down to just out of their reach. They were barking and jumping. I had a hammer in my pouch and got it out. Went on down the pole swinging. When I got to the bottom unsnapped the single hookup and reached down and grabbed a rock. They evidently knew about rocks because they took off immediately. But I can imagine what might have happened if I had been locked in like he is.

[@giacomotallarida7059]

I’ve been using that same choker belt and retractable for 15 years love it

[@wireddarkmaster1]

i just wanna say thanks for making these videos. I'm going to lineman school soon, and these videos keep me motivated for my end goal

[@Shelbyville16]

Great video, thanks!

[@Mike-rn8gs]

I just started lineman school these videos really boost my confidence

[@photocontrol]

Great instruction and pointers on pole climbing. That old Powerlite Private-Eye light was in good shape for it's age, looked like it was refurbed from originally being mercury to 100W HPS.

[@dingdongmagee]

You’re doing a great thing for the lineman community

[@longviewstud26]

Excellent video. Keep up the awesome work

[@samchapple6363]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@samsmith6791]

Nice video man! I pole climb at least a few times per week as a telecom technician, not because I have to, but because I just love it and I find that it's always good to see how someone else does something so you can learn a bit more. I am not as confident as you are with the jelco belt, I find it scarier than other models where the strap is choked at all times no matter what you do. Anyway, keep up the vids, I love it!

[@glen4cindy]

I loved watching this video. Pole climbing was the thing I hated more than anything when I worked for the cable company. BUT, we didn't climb anything like you demonstrated. We only had one belt/strap and we were not belted in at all when climbing up or down the pole. It was only the "right climbing angle" and holding onto the pole on way up and down that kept you on the pole. Belting on and off was very scary! If I would have had your climbing gear I likely would have been way more comfortable.

[@wirewaykingelectric4978]

Amazing climbing video!

[@brucewatson1217]

Great video good job explaining how to do it the right way keep up the great work.

[@romandabrowski8994]

Great video! I never used spurs, we had pole steps and ladders to get up a pole or up to a strand. We also just changed over from straight leather belts to leather belts with some extra padding….wow that was luxury!!

[@ismaelabregana8907]

Great video !! Stay safe always sir aaron!!👊💪

[@outlet6989]

I've had a bad case of Acrophobia all my life. My mother told me when I was a young lad, "Never climb higher than you can afford to fall." Great advice, mom!

[@dstarfire42]

You'd be an awesome on-the-job instructor. The way you're always talking about the safety measures and best practices and how you fit them into an actual work flow. It's not just how to be safe, or just how to do the job, it's 'how to get the job done without getting hurt'. That attitude gets you tons of respect. which comes in really handy when you have to remind somebody about working safe.

[@royordway9157]

That was interesting Aaron. 30 and more years ago we'd see linemen and phone workers climbing all the time even when the pole was next to a road. Now they all use buckets. I had a friend who was a phone guy. He drove a van and when he needed to go up a pole, he'd climb it. When the company started requiring them to use a bucket truck when it was neat a road, he retired. He loved to climb.

[@robertdouglas3456]

Great job young man! 🤩🤩

[@forrestholmes6018]

Loved the video my man! Hooks are my favorite way to ascend a pole in my line of work.

[@user-nq6xs9ti3r]

great video great view into what you guys do love the channel

[@echo5delta]

The way we were taught to climb power poles in the US Marines is pretty much exact opposite! We didn’t strap in until at the work area. Also we always had tree gaffs which were gnarly if you gaffed yourself in the ankle. That sound of someone sliding down a heavily gaffed pole is distinctive! Like ripping apart Velcro. Hahaha!.

[@kennethwhite8691]

this was helpful, i am considering becoming a linemen at 28 in order to make some big money by working storms and long hours. and this gives me a good view on what its like a bit.

[@martinelectrician5637]

Big men! Fantastic. Really! Well job

[@87bones87]

I love gaff climbing. Fun for me. Good video and good explanation throughout

[@danasheets1774]

👏👏👏 great work

[@tsegada256]

I really like that belt. I learned to climb back in the 80's with just a basic belt. Yours looks so much safer.

[@johnbrevard5966]

Hello, I am not in your line of work, But I have worked smart and hard as well and I Envy you 100% for what you do, how you do it and When as in Rain/Snow etc... It's so important to follow Rules and procedures diligently and I admire you ALWAYS DO!!... You are the lifeline to the world.. I hear enough about Truckers.. How about You Guys!!

[@wackyweyland8857]

I appreciated how slow you explained moving your climbing techniques and maneuvers.

[@glasslinger]

Back in the 60's we had a leather belt that went around the pole. This was fastened to our safety belt. By carefully centering the belt you could move it up or down. But if you yanked on it the belt would cinch tightly to the pole, stopping you from falling.

[@davejann4814]

The senior linemen would often yell at the new guys, “ the company is paying for both Hands”.

[@pook1291]

Great videos ive learned a lot from you. Keep up the great work be safe

[@stevenewberry860]

love the old days climb the pole to the work position belt in and go to work.

[@Disproportionableness]

I did an apprenticeship as a residential electrician for 3 years. I stopped and moved to a different career before completing my red seal ticket and there's days I think about what could have been if I would have continued on that path. Linesman was always something that interested me and there was a time I was debating going back to school for it but maybe in some other timeline I went through with it and that's why YT is showing all these videos now lol. Either way, very interesting content. :)

[@UNCCShannon]

Your channel has been very informative and this is coming from someone with a desk job. Keep it up because I thoroughly enjoy it

[@Bobsdecline]

Thank you! 🤝 P.S. love the profile pic! Lol

[@picobyte]

The pole climbing is really something i like. None of that here in the Netherlands. Love your primer vids on that!

[@ALSomthin]

Nice! I made a pair of pole climbing gaffs as a kid about 9 or 19 years old in the 60s in order to build a tree house in some pine trees that were close together. I went down the pole the wrong way doing my first climb and got full of splinters. It took me awhile to learn before I built the tree house. It would have been nice to have youtube back then

[@jameswyatt1304]

Great to see a professional working a pole... We had a free-standing tower for repeater work, so I just had the belt and no spikes. The effort it takes to pull yourself, safety gear, a few tools, and a rope over 100' up is amazingly draining. Then you still have to do the work and working with a 10' vertical antenna is it's own art. I really miss the view, but not the work.

[@JCWren]

I've never had to climb one, but the two 1000' towers I've been on both had elevators. 9 minutes to go up, 7 minutes to come down :) I'd probably get 100' (if that) up a tower climbing and be so winded and in pain they'd have to winch me down.

[@keything8487]

awesome video !!!!

[@dankification]

Ty for teaching us how to climb and snag free lights

[@nnyboy320]

One thing I caught that is a no no for us is the lack of hooking your drop line to the fixture before removing the support nut. Granted the light is technically garbage but you could always be like our 7 yr rookie who dropped a light onto someone's new Audi... Safety second is this kids life moto.

[@JCWren]

I was a little surprised by that also.

[@johnblair8146]

An interesting look at the quintessential craft of linework. Climbing poles.

[@user0118]

Very cool video. Not my line of work at all, but so very interesting. Keep them coming. Much love from Boston.

[@j2o3sh]

I changed one of those out at a fire station last year… graybar has a nice led version that looks the same as the old ones. Love your vids bro!

[@johnthreadgill2843]

I did that for 5 years and you have a lot more safety features than I had . The cross strap is really nice and 1kv gloves. We worked a lot of lines hot and in leather gloves.

[@lkm5462]

Great lesson

[@robertmeyer4744]

as a electrician I don't climb many poles . I have spent a lot of time up on a skyjack . of some kind of lift. Usually I have a crew and is a big help changing tools/supply's on the ropes. one thing I have been taught is never throw anything to the ground not even it junk. I like a 5 gal pail on rope. put the trash in it . I love how people come out and thank you. I get that hear in US as well. thank you for showing this video.

[@jamesspash5561]

Lol, years back climbing training. No choker belts, and strongly encouraged to free climb to the phone/ neutral before belting in. Too, boot, crushed stone at the base of the pole as an incentive to not fall. We did good. Then we were told we had to use the chokers. We hated them. We were old time taught, we don't need that girly stuff.

[@shaneherman8906]

I had a retractable safety lock one time on me. Would not release. Pulled out my hawk bill knife and I did a "Manual Release". LoL... But I love the new safety belt configurations and it took some getting use to as I came up free climbing and competing in Lineman's Rodeo's....

[@baconmcbacon62]

Excellent video! Often times I think this would be a much nicer job than sitting in front of a computer lol. Fist bump from Shreveport!

[@DavoShed]

Very Interesting. I like your customer relations at the end🤠 I’m not a linesman Here in Australia (at least in my state) I have never seen anyone climb a pole. I think they use an extension ladder up to pre installed foot pegs which are already on every pole. They then install a little 6” wide platform to stand on while working. Of course lots of safety gear as well. Just from my observations :)

[@johnwalker890]

Good job Aaron, I was never cut out to be a lineman, I always liked jobs a little less hazardous, or less demanding.