Lineman Slang

For people who don't know what we do here are some terms and definitions

Bucket Truck: A truck we use to work on the lines. The boom heights range from 40’ to 110’ depending on the job you’re working on. There are two points of safety barriers that protect a lineman working on energized conductors. One is a boom insert that is placed in the middle of the lower boom and the other is a bucket liner that is placed in the bucket itself where we stand. Both are tested once a year with a 50,000 voltage.
Digger Derrick: also known as a Digger Truck or Pole Truck. It is a truck that we use to set poles in the ground. It is equipped with an Auger. It can dig a hole about 18”around and about 10’ deep depending on the pole size. Most booms today run in three stages that can reach about 40’. We use a winch line that is made with a nonconductive Sampson rope to lift the poles up. It also has a set of pole guides known as pole grabbers or pole claws that are at the end of the boom. They keep the pole straight so we can plum it. The last section of the boom is the insulated fiberglass used to set poles in energized lines.
Extendo stick: Extendo stick- this a fiberglass telescoping stick that can reach heights from 5' to 40' this stick has 5' sections,You push each section up and lock into place until you get to the height you want.Each section is insulated this puts a barrier between you that is standing on the ground and the high voltage on the top of the pole or line which could be a voltage of 1,000 volts to 50,000 volts.Lineman use these sticks for refusing transformers and powerlines,opening and closing switches and also removing tree branches and critters off the lines.These sticks are mainly for reaching poles and lines that are inaccessable to a truck like behind houses on the sides mountains etc.The sticks are tested and checked for cracks before use for a linemans safety.Another useful piece of the extendo stick is the universal end,you can put just about any kind of tool on it from a tree prunner to a voltage tester.Each truck is equipped with one.this is a very handy tool of the trade.
Framing Wrench: Framing Wrench aka a Fargo wrench or a lineman's wrench this a rachet wrench with universal sizes that fits just about any size bolt or nut on a pole
Hooks: Hooks aka climbers or gaffs these are used for climbing wood poles they are shaped like an L there are two of them one for each leg.Each hook is equipped with two straps one goes around foot and ankle and the other strap goes around the leg below Knee.They come in a couple different types of metals such as steel,alluminum,and titanium.There is a sharp steel spike on the inside of the hook which is used to hold you on the pole,Only about a quarter of an inch goes into the pole.The spike is also called a gaff. When sharpening the gaff with a file you use a guage to make sure your at the right length and shape it is critical that you get the gaff sharp.You want to sharpen the tip of the gaff with a little dove tail that is so you don't cut out of the pole.
Journeyman Lineman: A person who works on energized conductors (powerlines) from 120 Volts to 500,000 volts and works from heights of a 30’ to a 300’ tower. A lineman goes to a four year apprenticeship program to become a journeyman. It consists of digging holes to climbing poles. The lineman also learns how to work with many different tools of the trade as well as different voltages. A lineman works in all different climates erecting powerlines all over the country and the sea. A lineman works around the clock restoring and maintaining power to big cities and small towns. Making sure we have air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter and lights all year round.
To cut out: To cut out - means when climbing a wood pole going up or down your gaff either catches the side of the pole or hits a knot in the pole and your leg gives possibly sending the lineman to the ground unless he or she can get back into the pole in time before hitting the ground.
Tramp Lineman: A lineman who travels from job to job meaning working from town to town or state to state. A tramp travels all year long living on the road. They also live away from family. They mainly work for contractors chasing down big jobs like working seven days a week and at least ten hour days. Tramp linemen work through a union known as the IBEW International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Working through the union protects your job and protects the lineman. The union also gets you premium pay for the dangerous jobs you perform.

Framing Wrench