Handline While working on a power pole, every lineman should carry a handline. It can be used for lifting or lowering smaller objects and also for holding transformers and other equipment away from the pole as it is being raised. The handline is usually made of 1/ 2-inch manila rope, approximately 30 to 35 feet long, and has a manufactured or self-made metal hook attached to one end. The handline is personal equipment and can be configured to best suit the individual or the job to be accomplished.

Pulley Line The pulley line, as shown in figure 4-44, is another lifting tool and is used to replace the handline when large quantities of material must be lifted to the top of the pole. When the pulley line is used in this way, the lineman can continue working, while the materials are being supplied by the groundman.

Figure 4-42.- Lifting strap and chain.

Figure 4-43.- Top dead-end snatch block. Pole Jack Another manual lifting device is the pole jack, as shown in figure 4-45. It is designed for easy attachment and removal from the pole and provides an unpowered mechanical lift that is used to straighten or remove power poles.

Figure 4-44.- Pulley line.

Come-along The come-along, a pulling tool, is normally used for dead-ending line conductors or installing guy wires (fig. 4-46). It is designed with a ratchet action that can be used to pull or release strain by placing the forward or reverse lever in the desired setting.

Grips The wire grips, as shown in figure 4-47, view A, are engineered to grip the wire and hold it when pulling or slow release is desired. It is used in the sagging operation and also in applying strain to the guy wire during installation. Different designs of wire grips are used, and you should ensure that you have the right one before you attempt to pull with them. A grip that is similar to the wire grip is called the bulldog grip. This grip, as shown in figure 4-47, view B, is made for pulling large objects, such as ground rods.

When pulling conductors, do not use this grip; it will cause damage that cannot be repaired.

SETTING POLES AND INSTALLING HARDWARE AND CONDUCTORS Constructing a pole line involves such functions as framing; setting poles; and installing crossarms, hardware, and conductors. The paragraphs that follow

Figure 4-46.- Come-along.

will cover these elements of work and give you a better understanding of how the construction is accomplished.