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 😎

[@HabituaILineStepper]

Hey man, how’s the journey going? I’m 29 and finishing up trade school for electrical. Was driving trucks before I got into school with my CDL A. I’m now itching to get into linemen work

[@justin_lee3005]

I’m scared myself, I feel like I poured everything I had into my job for the past 6 years, laid off during winter every one of those years, stressed the entire time when I worked anyways. Finally going to get a job as a lineman and I’m extremely nervous, but just kind of tell myself this is my chance to figure out what’s next in life for me.

[@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.

[@ouaismoi]

hey, this belt look old compared to the one i have in country. better regulations overall.

[@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.

[@PaulFisher]

Love the guy who came out to meet you as you finished the job!

[@Bobsdecline]

He was great! Really put a smile on my face that he took the time to come out and say hi!

[@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.

[@HabituaILineStepper]

How’s it going??? Any updates on your lineman journey? I’m 29 now, looking to get into it asap

[@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.

[@Moomer2]

@@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.

[@Flaccid_Morning_Wood]

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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@LanceMcCarthy]

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

[@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

[@nicelypenn]

how much does it weigh?

[@brookecofoid1416]

@@nicelypennlike 60lbs

[@BillCohron]

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.

[@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 😁

[@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.

[@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!

[@Southpawwarrior48]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@geoff_va1]

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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@cheeseburgerbeefcake]

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

[@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 😊

[@ecospider5]

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

[@DennisRizor]

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.

[@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 .

[@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.

[@jetlaw_1]

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

[@MichaelLass]

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

[@vancejoy3724]

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

[@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!

[@sgtbaker81]

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

[@Mike-rn8gs]

I just started lineman school these videos really boost my confidence

[@Bobsdecline]

Hey everyone! In this video, I'm using my old school climb belt... My initial intent was to splice in some close up images and get a lot more in depth with climbing techniques, but that didn't seem to have a good flow with this particular footage. Decided to stick with a simple first person view while mentioning a few pointers. 01:55 Squirrel! 🐿🤦‍♂🤣 I'll be sure to make a more "step by step" video about climbing which will include things like, checking the integrity of the pole and properly sharpened gaffs :) Cheers everyone! 🍻👊

[@tomsims7868]

you did not cover the metal hook steps sometimes present are you no longer allowed to use them

[@patmcnally6]

Thanks For the Lesson Stay Well Aaron 👊👊

[@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!

[@michaelrees1376]

As a guy who spent over 30 years with 3 different Telcom this was very interesting. At all three "hitching the pole," that is strapping around before ascending was an absolute no-no. You would climb and then toss your belt around the pole. We faced encountering no parking signs, bird feeders, clothes lines and "Have you seen this cat" signs. We had to freehand to the top then throw the stap around. So much of your video was spot on, and things I had to teach to new technicians. Carry your hooks to the pole, don't wear them. Leave your Gaff guards at the base of the pole as a reminder to put them back on after you decend. Your life depends on small little hooks . Also, LOOK UP! It is so easy to get preoccupied with climbing that you climb right into high voltage. I really like tour preparation before climbing, it was a difficult thing to teach new technicians. Plan for what you need before you climb. Too often would encounter newbies that would climb the pole with 1 drop clamp just to drop it at the top and have to desend, get another and start again.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@shopenasupply]

whoa! this video gave me chills! great footage!

[@ewelmo3921]

As a retired lineman who learned the old way of climbing ( no fall equipment, arresters etc..), I have to say the new way is a lot safer then when I did it. We didn't belt off till we reached the top! I still remember those wrought iron spikes on top of that fence coming at and thru me when I gaffed out 30' up on a rotten pole. I sure wish I had your newfangled gear back then!

[@carryjgful]

😱🥺 yikes what part of ur body took that horrible impact & ripping? So glad ur alive! I fell 17' in 01 & a close by wrought iron fence ripped my right arm but only needed 3 stitches. Very fortunate. My left gaff slightly turned down while readjusting my hand placement above a power handle on the side of the pole during ascent, & if my body wuda went straight down insteda to the left I would be a vegatable or a kabob from it going into my head. Ended up with 2herniated lumbar disks, one thoracic compression & tears in 2 tendons on my outer right foot-ankle. I too wish they'd made the safer ways mandatory by then but it was a couple years after. The same year of my accident a PG&E lineman lost his life climbing a "spongy" pole he did not test & it cracked off & a step punctured his chest. RIP And a Lineman from the local Electric company died from a high fall in rainy weather late (also wrking alone) & his neck broke. RIP. This was the days of Nextels & b4 smart phones so no gps to see where someone is. Thank goodness for all the safeguards now. That cross strap wuda stopped my fall 4 sure.

[@ewelmo3921]

@@carryjgful My arms took most of it, of course the spikes went thru my arms and into my chest...

[@carryjgful]

@@ewelmo3921 Damn. You too sir are a walking miracle! When my sup saw the area where I landed and the closeness of the fence to the pole he said I had a guardian angel for sure. Fence was facing the "high side" & pole was a leaner so had to climb that side. I'd planned to move around to the tap side once at the work spot. This was just a simple discnnect for cable & cuda been rerouted for a bucket truck but I was the only woman & grateful they hired me & loved the job so never wanted to seem lazy... Jeepers, u musta had sum severe internal injuries & its lucky u didnt bleed out there. Literally u were the shish-kabob I cuda been. I'm so sorry u endured that. Falling that far just means it was a way harder impact... U relive every day im sure 😔

[@ewelmo3921]

@@carryjgful It's part of an insane series of events that happened that day! BTW - Lady linemen are great; I knew several that could out climb me any day of the week (with no safety gear - other than a belt). I wish there was more of them. Let me know if you want to hear the rest of the story of that day.

[@carryjgful]

@@ewelmo3921 of course. Please share. Mine happened on a weird day too but in a good way. It was an easy day with light jobs and I'd just met up with a rookie who wanted to go home early to his wife & new baby so he gave me his jobs for the day, a Saturday. If he hadnt still been there for my climb I wouldnt've gotten emergency help so soon.

[@Satori-g4v]

amazing video, I'm looking into plumbing after highschool. But I took a look at lineman as the ex-plumber who is helping me get an apprenticeship is now switching over to become a lineman! Great work man much respect to ya

[@nicholash1691]

Did you decide what ya want to to bud

[@gradyrm237]

I started with Bell Atlantic in Maryland 1998. Now Verizon. We were taught to climb not belted in until we got to our work height. Taught to descend the same way. No belt. Never heard of a crossover belt until 2010 time frame. Great video. I watch all your stuff. I go up 18 feet. 20 feet tops. That's where my paycheck is. You crazy knuckleheads go to the top of the pole! HA.

[@throttlebottle5906]

majority around here had all the taps placed multiple feet away from the poles and ladder hooks were your "friendemy". as of late the newer stuff has taps near and reachable from the pole poles, but not many go climbing as they mostly reschedule bucket trucks if it's not a simple ground based or short ladder repair.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@zillboop4687]

when I started lineman school the instructor pounded into my head "trust your ropes " because you need two hands to do your job. I remember the instructor yelling this to alot of my fellow students as they lol learned the ropes of pole climbing.

[@usmandibrahim5839]

I am Othman from Nigeria just to pass my gratitude for the updates for me it is more than lecture because you really help a lot and now I have to watch all your episodes but keep it up coming sir I have one question when you have time

[@Bobsdecline]

Thank you Othman! 👊🤝 What's your question?

[@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!

[@fullsendoffroad669]

Man for a while I've had no idea what I wanted to do with my life I'm 16 and I've just stumbled across this and it looks like I've finally found an interest I have no clue what you're saying but I enjoy the content and I hope one day I'll be doing this

[@gtbkts]

Thanks for the awesome content!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@buddiec41]

As a retired telecommunications Verizon tech 25 years great job, wish we had buck squeeze or cross straps when I was working. Verizon required free climbing to work height then safety belting on In Training to qualify, when in the field you could hitch hike . I loved gaffing and most guys would call me to hook for them especially areas where you stood at the top of the pole had to traverse down and climb up. Scary at times but learned to trust your equipment, stay safe and again great job

[@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.

[@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

[@wackyweyland8857]

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

[@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. :)

[@HabituaILineStepper]

What made you quit the electrical field?

[@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!.

[@The_Grey_Wanderer99]

This is great. Cant wait to get on the lines

[@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

[@benjurqunov]

We use "Stolpskor" in Sweden. They're far more comfortable, especially while stationary. You can even stand upright with no tension on your belt which really nice to relax a few minutes off your hips.

[@dingdongmagee]

You’re doing a great thing for the lineman community

[@sntfabrication]

What type of boots are you using here ? Steel toe n shank ? My Carolina’s are killing me change out socks halfway threw out my day

[@Alex-jo2oi]

Prob Hoffman

[@davidwestervelt6050]

I like how you use the rope at the top of the pole to bring up material and tools. I liked how it was nicely controlled. Could you talk about the knot you use and how long the rope is. Basically, how you set it up the rope so you can be efficient and secure it all and the theory. I am not sure if I will use it right away. But could be useful in the future. Also, maybe some handy knots you use on the job.

[@Bobsdecline]

Great idea for a video! Took a screen shot to remind me. I've gotta start making a list of these ideas 👊

[@davidwestervelt6050]

@@Bobsdecline Something else was the breakaway D link. It takes a lot to make it look that easy. One of the things that is a pain is to go up and down a ladder. Think this could save me time. Getting everything to the work zone. I see a lot of line trucks seem to carry a lot of smaller pieces of rope. I think to tie the lines back out of the way. I see watching you how it all can come together working at heights to be more efficient. It all seems to start with a good plan. I see you also fight with the trees the most. It seems more over the years inside the commercial buildings we work in seem to get more dangerous. They have all kinds of voltages, chemicals, material moving around and people who do not seem to know how to work around arial equipment. Every day is different. I really don t like the commercial ceiling fans. They are hard to tell how close you are at a certain angle. Sometimes it pays to have a really good ground person to look out for you. We recently had a vat of chemicals overflow. I notified my coworker. Which he was on a ladder in a safe area. But we decided after we could have handled a little different and we needed a new danger word for run like hell! Sometimes you just never know what a day will bring. Be safe out there. Thanks for all the hard work you do. I find you work very interesting.

[@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!

[@SodiumInduction-hv]

getting my gear in a few weeks!!

[@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.

[@johns3106]

I’ve been an arborist for 30 years…it’s very interesting to see the differences in equipment we use for spiking up a tree (pole) vs. what linemen use.

[@ImproveHumanity]

Climbing was something I looked forward to during my summer training. I loved it. It's so empowering, especially when you're up there with the other "soldiers."... However, in Southwest MN (USA) I guess it's pretty much unheard of to climb anymore. I heard most people just do it voluntarily once a year to prove they can still do it. Love this video tho! It's exciting to be excited about your videos because it feels like I'm on the right path... Never have I "researched" so much for a job I haven't yet done before. You're a solid teacher! :D

[@ersawyer18]

I work for a power and lighting company (street light devision) and I never really wanted to deal with high voltage until I saw your channel and am considering going to line school.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@forrestholmes6018]

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

[@mep1624]

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

[@joelhunter4082]

Great footage. Why does the utility company provide backyard lighting? Does everybody in the city get there back yards lit up?

[@throttlebottle5906]

in many areas of the Americas(USA/Canada), they'd provide yard/property lighting for a flat rate monthly fee. if you noticed it's also unmetered direct off the feeder to the home/metering device. they retired much of that service here locally or it's become very cost prohibitive unless your a commercial business property, so you mostly install your own on the home/private poles. (northeastern USA here)

[@stargazer7644]

@@throttlebottle5906 Where I live I have to pay yearly for the streetlight on the pole on the street.

[@jakiegoter2411]

Thanks for showing me a smarter way to hold the Jelco. The way I used to do it could have crushed my fingers if I cut out. I’ve moved on to cynch-lok now though and I’m not going back haha. Still cool to see though. Thanks

[@leroygreen1877]

Another great video. Can you do a video on how your safety eq is tested? (1KV gloves, Straps, test eq ect)

[@davejann4814]

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

[@ismaelabregana8907]

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

[@Journeyman1642]

I’ve got one of those big lineman impacts with the d ring on top. They are very powerful. Change tires no problem

[@giacomotallarida7059]

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

[@brucewatson1217]

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