8 Tools That Linemen Need When Doing Recovery Work.

The California wildfires that spread through the state have destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Soon, the long and difficult task of recovery will be underway. Utilities like electrical lines, gas, and telecom lines will be prioritized. Lineman and other utility workers will flock from all over the country to help with restoring these crucial services. 

In times like these, workers, and the companies who supply them with tools and equipment, are extremely important. The workers are superheroes, and the supply companies are like Q from the James Bond movies. 

We often get asked which tools do linemen need when doing recovery work? Veterans know the answer, but many greenhorns are still putting everything together. For the purpose of this blog we're going to focus specifically on lineman hand tools and some accessories.  The following list is roughly sorted by most to least used tools.

The 8 tools that linemen need when doing recovery work:

1. Pliers: There are many different types of pliers. Lineman's pliers uses​ range from cutting and bending wire all the way to removing fuse nuts. 
   
2. Knives: Linemen knives can be used by hand or on the end of a hotstick (depending on which one you chose). A good knife should be easy to operate, even with gloves on. It will be durable, and sharp. 
   
3. Wrenches: lineman wrenches are great for specialty fasteners like eye nuts, eye bolts, and pole steps as well as standard nuts and bolts. The best ones can handle multiple pieces of hardware. 
   
4. Hammers: The best lineman hammer will be a purpose-built tool. It will have a non-conductive handle, the right weight (around 35oz), staple and hook removers, and a longer handle compared to a standard hammer. 
   
5. Bucket Hooks: If you're going to be working in a bucket truck, you'll want to look at some linemen bucket hooks. They can hold tools, bags, and accessories. 
   
6. Sockets: Lineman sockets can be used in conjunction with a power tool or handheld t wrench. Like wrenches, the best ones can tighten or loosen multiple pieces of electrical hardware. 
   
7. Tool Bags:  A good tool bag will make it easy to organize, store, and transport all your tools. Look for ones with extra durability features.
   
8. Wire Brushes: Cleaning certain electrical components is a must. The right wire brush will make that much easier. 
   

While limited, this list should provide some guidance to getting started. Each tool category is a clickable link so you can see what sort of options are available for that tool (on our site). Or, if you want to browse all lineman tools feel free to do so. 

At this time, we're going to do our absolute best to keep products stocked for the forthcoming demand. We wish all linemen and utility workers who will be conducting recover work in California good luck, and godspeed!