Borrowing/Renting Climbing Gear?

[Brad Lillie]

I am going to be applying for a position locally and would like to having pictures of me climbing to show them along with my qualifications. I haven't had much luck finding inexpensive gear to use to practice with, so i was hoping someone might have unused gear to rent me for a week or so. I don't know anyone to borrow from locally.

I just want to practice a little bit and show i am willing to climb and gain a little experience. I can't justify spending a couple hundred on any until i know what i need for sure and get new equipment.

I need around a d25-d26 belt. I would pay shipping both ways and then some to use them. I would also cover any damage that could possibly happen and i would take perfect care of them while i had them.

So anyone want to rent some gear out for a few days?

Brad Lillie

[Highplains Drifter]

Son, Can't you find a lineman that lives close to you? In all honesty it is the liability to the person you rent the tools from. First of all you have no knowledge of knowing if the gear is safe to climb in, if the gaffs are legal,if the scare strap is safe or any of the unknowns of the tools you are getting. And to top it off if you can master climbing in a week you are a much better person than most of the hands I have known in accomplishing this skill!

Drifter

[wtdoor67]

You don't have to jump through hoops to get an apprentice job, nor any other kind of entry level job. All you have to do 99% of the time, is be able to pass a basic aptitude test, be in reasonable physical condition, and show a willingness to work and mostly, just be honest in an interview.

Maybe you get the idea from many of the posts etc. on this page that you have to present a fancy resume etc. Not so. This after all is a blue collar job. You don't have to show up in a 3 button suit. You're not applying for a position. Just anything entry level if you have no technical background.

If I were conducting an interview and a guy looking for an entry level job showed up with some photographs that purported to show his skill or willingness etc. I would think he was some kind of kook. It would be like applying for an airline job with no previous experience with yourself setting in the cockpit of an airplane. Just relax.

We have repeatedly posted all the entities that use linemen in this country. If you can't find a niche somewhere amongst IOU's, Munis., REC's, States, Federal and contractors, then you don't want it very bad. Don't assume you must find this in your local home town. Don't work that way.

As far as a lineman school, as far as I'm concerned the only school is on a job where you are being paid. Paying someone to teach this skill is a rip in my opinion. Before I did that I'd go the military route.

[Pootnaigle]

I totally agree with Door on the schooling for pay part. I have worked around many of those graduates and most of em dont have a clue what a linemaan does or is expected to do. They do learn the proper names for materials ,and some of em can identify wire sizes , and climb a perfectly plumb pole up to a level of maybe 40 ft. Other than that I would take a grunt with a few months experience over any of em. It may behove a feller to inquire about their placement rate and then to further inquire about what kinda employers they are placing em with also( union or non). Benefits or no, high or low wage scale? Guaranteed progression, etc. You may find you have spent a bunchha money to hire in with a crummy outfit that would also hire a guy off the street.

[Brad Lillie]

I agree with you guys that it should just come down to the interview, willingness to learn and work and a good attitude, but around here even the entry level positions you need to have gone to a line school or similar.

I have been checking constantly for any openings for groundmen or utility workers in oregon, washington, idaho and california and the few openings I find want line school or prior electrical trade experience and say I am not qualified. I am applying to the nwlinejatc and am signing the books at my local, but I would be book for and he said it may take a year to get off the books.

I have my cdl permit, first aid card, cpr/aed card, flagger card, osha fall arrest certificate, osha nfpa70e certificate, I am a certified electrical safety technician, I have read the major school required books and I have taken the act practice tests and scored perfect. I also know the common knots and tools.

I know I won't master climbing very quickly, I just figured a little time in the hooks might give me a better appreciation and understanding of the equipment and if they asked if i had tried to climb i could say yes.

Thanks for all the responses, I use them to try and better myself towards this career and i appreciate them all. I will also broaden my search to find a job.

Brad

[wtdoor67]

What state you in Brian? I'm sure some of the people from your area that post here can give you some pointers.

Surely you can go to your local electric supplier and some of the hands will give you some pointers. If not you can watch them some while they work.

[electric squirrel]

You can find stuff on e bay and in your local pawn shop,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, but like the other guys said you can get your ass in a bind if you don't know what your doing. E.S.:cool:

[Brad Lillie]

I am in Oregon. There are quite a few utilities around, but some are only taking JL and have no apprenticeship, or they require you to have attended a line school or having experience with the position already. The other ones I find that do have an entry position will weed through and throw out any that don't have something that stands out, whether it be line school/ journey tree trimmer/ tons of related experience.

Whats funny is they give you paperwork when you inquire that says they don't recommend a line school because you don't get paid and you do tons of work that you will have to relearn, yet they won't let you get through the initial application process unless you attended one it seems.

I might have to give in and go to VOLTA (the closest school) which alot of the local utilities like, as well as go ahead and sign the books and apply to the apprenticeship. I know there are tons of electricians (hundreds) out of work and was told there were tons of apes for linemen that are out of work and waiting for spots to fill so I can only imagine how long the jatc apprenticeship might take to get.

Thanks for all the help guys.

Brad

[tramp67]

Check out www.nwppa.org , sometimes there's postings for apes on there. Also, it would give you an idea of some of the utilities in your area that are looking for linehands, it never hurts to ask about an apprenticeship with one of them even if they aren't advertising for it.
By the way, your post would be better suited for the apprentices & wannabes forum. Good luck!

[Brad Lillie]

I agree. I originally was looking for gear and thought this would be the best place. I have the appa and the nwppa both bookmarked and check frequently. I also found a site, like oregonseia.com or similar, that lists all the oregon utilities and links.

Thanks for all the replies guys, I appreciate them.

Brad

[wtdoor67]

There's Bonneville Power Admin. headquartered in Portland. There's Pac. Pwr. & Light headquartered in Portland. There's Muni's all over Oregon. There's REC's all over Oregon. The same holds true for Wash. Seattle City Light and REC's and Muni's.

Bonneville, though a transmission outfit takes apprenticeships. There ought to be plenty of places within that Oregon. Just keep applying.

John Bellamy that posts on here works for Pacfic.

There's also a bunch of PUDs in both states.

Also contractors all over the USA. I know of an old boy in Florida who will fix you up with a great contractor called PIKE. Long as you got plenty of Life Insurance you'll be alright.

[johnbellamy]

You want to be a lineman, well you and every other swinging **** out there.

Mr. Door has givin you some real good advice, in these day's and times, the military would be your best option. You would benifit from your service to your country for the rest of your life. You will be payed, fed, and trained, as well as givin preference on jobs when your time is up.


That being said, my question is to you or any other wannabe is why do want to be a lineman?

Do you want to spend the next minimum 3 to 5 years gettin kicked in the teeth?

Have you ever seen a electrical burn victim?

Have you ever gone 80 plus hours with no sleep?

Do you want the reponsibility of knowing one mistake can kill or mame yourself, or even worse a co worker?

Do you want to be physically tore down, back, knee's, shoulders, neck, so you gotta take pain killers, or drink yourself to sleep?

Do ya want to work with a bunch of back stabbing, primadonna's, alpha males your whole career?

Ya want to work for people that make the rules, that have no idea what your trade is about?

Ya want to be called a over payed *******s your whole life, but know the only time you are appriciated is when there lights are out?

Ya want to be married to something 24/7 365 day's year, knowin that people can't get there lights back on and you got to do it?

Tell me Lilly, why do you want to be a lineman?

You think it's fun?

They have takin the fun out of bein a lineman these days, and it's only gettin worse.

Volta line school is almost a requirement these days for anyone wanting an IBEW apprentiship.

What makes you any different than anybody else that has payed there money, they want there shot to.

Get your Class A CDL, first aid card, flaggers card, those are a must, go to Volta, see if the small taste of linework they are gonna teach you is what you really want to spend the rest of your life doin, and be better than everybody in your class, make yourself stand out. If your good enough, you will get a apprentiship.

[Brad Lillie]

Do you want to spend the next minimum 3 to 5 years gettin kicked in the teeth?
Absolutely. I understand what it means to need to prove myself and follow a chain of command. My boss was a 30 year military man. I know my place and when to speak up and shut up. The reward is worth the work to me.

Have you ever seen a electrical burn victim?
Yes

Have you ever gone 80 plus hours with no sleep?
No

Do you want the reponsibility of knowing one mistake can kill or mame yourself, or even worse a co worker?
That very responibility is what would drive me to be the very best lineman I could possibly be. I have tremendous respect for electricity and the damage it can do.

Do you want to be physically tore down, back, knee's, shoulders, neck, so you gotta take pain killers, or drink yourself to sleep?
All of the jobs I have ever enjoyed are ones that wreck the body. If it isn't potentially harmful, I just don't seem to enjoy it. I just can't do a job that isn't very physical.

Do ya want to work with a bunch of back stabbing, primadonna's, alpha males your whole career?
I have worked along side salesmen and executives, so the backstabbing, primadonna's and alpha males averywhere.

Ya want to work for people that make the rules, that have no idea what your trade is about?
I am in that situation now and despite the frustration I don't think that will ever not be the norm.

Ya want to be called a over payed *******s your whole life, but know the only time you are appriciated is when there lights are out?
There are only a few people that have opinions that I take to heart, so I could put up with it.

Ya want to be married to something 24/7 365 day's year, knowin that people can't get there lights back on and you got to do it?
Yes, but it's very easy for me to say that when i'm trying to get in as opposed to a few years down the road.

Tell me Lilly, why do you want to be a lineman?
I don't have a second generation or family history of being a lineman. My grandpa used to work for the city doing low voltage, traffic signals and whatever else they wanted him to do which did fascinate me, but after highschool I started in hydraulics. 12 years later with the same company, an older guy came in wearing a nw lineman rodeo coat.

I spent the next 20 minutes talking to him and we got along great. He told me he had retired a few years back. He was 68 years old and had a walking cast because a couple weeks before, he had tried climbing behind his house and fell 20 feet and got busted up. He told me that I should look in to the career, saying it will beat up your body, but you won't ever want to do anything else.

The next day I was watching youtube videos on linemen, joining websites and reading as much as possible thanks to JL that donate all this knowledge.

Sorry for such a long answer, but in short a retired lineman opened my eyes to the career. I believe I can be a great groundman, a great ape and god willing a great Lineman. I love building, troubleshooting and seeing results from hard labor and I honestly believe I have the tools and attributes to be great at it. The reward of giving people power, whether they show appreciation or not, would be hard to top i'd imagine.

You think it's fun?
I think it's hard work that can be fun at times.

They have takin the fun out of bein a lineman these days, and it's only gettin worse.

Volta line school is almost a requirement these days for anyone wanting an IBEW apprentiship.

What makes you any different than anybody else that has payed there money, they want there shot to.
I don't think I am different than any others that want a shot. I just wish it was more based on work ethic and commitment to the job, so you can start at the bottom and work your way up. I just hate when people get the shot and then don't appreciate the opportunity, or show the proper respect to the Linemen that are going out of their way to train them.

I hear of the groundmen or apes chatting on the phones, working half ass or not even showing any initiative and it's frustrating to those that would work there ass off for the same spot.

Get your Class A CDL, first aid card, flaggers card, those are a must, go to Volta, see if the small taste of linework they are gonna teach you is what you really want to spend the rest of your life doin, and be better than everybody in your class, make yourself stand out. If your good enough, you will get a apprentiship.

Thanks for yours and the other JL advice. I have the basics like first aid/cdl/flagger card covered and will definitely look more in to VOLTA. I realize more and more that the job won't come to me and I need to apply myself even more. I know the questions were more rhetorical, but wanted to give some answers.

I hope the answers don't come across as me thinking I know what being a Lineman is like or that I am more than a wannabe. I know enough to know I don't much yet, I just wanted to answer as best I could.

Thanks again.

Brad

[WAlinehand1970]

Ya gotta give the kid a little bit of credit for his answers! Hell Brad, come on up to Wenatchee, if you fit in my tramp bag, I'll take ya to work with me. If you are full of ****, we will know in an hour.:D

[johnbellamy]

I would have accepted a real answer like this.........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-xJxuJSnRc

Must be the what Lillie?

Why do I live this way?

[Brad Lillie]

I can see why you would assume most people want the job for the money.

Truth be told, I wouldn't be making more than I am now until the final step and Journeyman level. I could take a position as manager where I am now and make the same amount as an average lineman. It's not about the money. I personally can't sit in an office and twiddle my thumbs and surf craigslist, I need to be busy swinging a wrench or building something.

Fact is, there are many ways to make the same kind of money that are a hell of a lot easier. I want to be a lineman.

[hobbyknocker]

Stick with it. It doesn't sound like you are willing to give up. If your telling the truth, you sound like the perfect candidate. I would just remember to take that attitude with you to every interview you get. You will have to put up with a lot of crap. (Back stabbing, bag cutting, etc) You may also meet some guys that you will consider some of your best friends. I still enjoy being at the top of a 100' pole and having cars pulling over wondering where they find people to do this crap. You will probably have times when you wonder why you do it. I love the fact that I do a job that isn't made for everyone. Good luck.

[johnbellamy]

Fact is, there are many ways to make the same kind of money that are a hell of a lot easier. I want to be a lineman.[/QUOTE]

How do ya know ya want to be a lineman?

You ever been a lineman? Oh thats right, the 20 min chat with the guy with a cool jacket.

I wanted to be a middle linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, Al Davis still ain't returned my calls.

What job's pay as good as a lineman?

What kind of job can I get with a high school education that pay's as well?

Tell me Lilly, Why a lineman? None of that rah, rah **** either.

[wtdoor67]

One of the highest paying jobs you can get with only a HS diploma is that of air traffic controller. I've known a few. A very tough test to qualify. A tough school if you qualify, and if you don't make it through the school then that's it. You're back on the street.

Another pretty good job is the Capt. or Engineer of a sea going tug. Just have a bunch of experience, usually acquired in the Navy or Coast Guard, a License then it's pretty good pay. Had a friend did it after retiring from the Navy. 3 wks on and 3 wks off. They paid for your plane ticket back and forth to your home. Went to Baton Rouge, got on the tug, sucked up a barge loaded with whatever, went to Puerto Rico, back to Baton Rouge with whatever load and then home via airline. Good pay and lots of time off. He did about the same gig on another type of rig. They hauled supplies out to the rigs in the Gulf for Tidewater Oil. About the same arrangement. He wound up on a gambling boat in Illinois. Said they had it tied to the dock , but ever 2 wks or so had to fire it up, go midstream and back to the dock. Had to do this to satisfy the regulations. Pud job.

[Brad Lillie]

I never said "with only a highschool diploma", I said there are jobs that pay as much and are easier. Maybe it isn't as easy for others or if I left my job, but I can manage another location and make 60 grand and then alot more with bonuses. I could take an established sales route and make 60-70k per year and then bonuses. My cousin has minimal schooling and operates a crane making over 35 per hour.

My point was if I chose to I could do one of these, or go to school and get a great paying career when I get out, if all I cared about was money. These jobs would all be alot less dangerous and less labor intensive.

"How do ya know ya want to be a lineman?

You ever been a lineman? Oh thats right, the 20 min chat with the guy with a cool jacket.

I wanted to be a middle linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, Al Davis still ain't returned my calls."

I suppose you tell people going to medical school "how do you know you want to be a doctor? Are you a doctor?"

When I answered your last questions I said I was assuming, because I am not a lineman. When you actually begin minds can change, I know some change their minds. I am willing to work hard and be a groundman. If by some chance I can't cut it or don't like it, I guess i'll be another washout. I am not a quitter and don't see that happening though.

If you wanted to play for the raiders, you should have put in more effort. I wanted to be a pro muay thai fighter, so I have trained for the past year and am 3-0 in local competitions as an amateur and working towards being pro. If I want to do something I do it, I don't just regret not trying it later.

I answered your question about why I wanted to be a lineman. Maybe I should have made up a touching story of how I had a childhood dream of being a lineman. I think maybe you have had so much smoke blown up your ass in the past that you're a little jaded. Not everyone that gives a "rah rah" reason is lying.

If that's not good enough for you i'm afraid it never will be.

I hope you stay safe and have a great weekend john.

Brad

[johnbellamy]

A Lineman!

Rah, Rah, Rah......

[hobbyknocker]

You may have to put the Muay Thai career on hold. When your working your butt off trying to claw your way up through the ranks it may become difficult to get into your local training center on a regular basis. As you already know the hours can be long and somewhat unpredictable. I guess your already getting your skin toughened up on here. You'll need it. Good luck.

[johnbellamy]

What a saint........

I woke up one day, and now I want to be a lineman........

I like to build things, and now it is my life's mission to bring power to the masses...........

That must have been one cool jacket.......

Do I know any lineman? No..........

But you don't understand, this is my dream........

Ok Lilly, you win........

Miss America 2009........

You gave such meaningful answers.......

You got you Tia Bo for the talent contest........

I got tell ya, I don't want to see you in a bikini........

So congratulation Lilly enjoy your reign.

Now answer the question, Why do you want to be a lineman?

[Edge]

Brad Lilly

you need to listen to JB and really dig into the question son...

Why do you want to be a lineman?

I started this trade when I was 16 IBEW my old man got me a job as a grunt he made me work and go to school at the same time... I was the first man in my family to graduate high school...

I got married had 3 sons and worked like a dog to provide for them... I've had both knees replaced my right shoulder rebuilt and lumbar surgery... I still climb some say it's because I'm a stubborn old jackass... I say it's because it's the only thing that makes me feel alive...

I missed my boys growing up because I worked on the road all the time and now I see my middle son following in the family trade (he makes it 5 generations) and I want to smack the **** outa him... but I know he'll be a better lineman than I am

think about it kid it's not just the wear and tear you can get over that...

you have or want kids?

I didn't get to love my 3 sons till they were men... because I was always gone, always working...
this aint just a job kid it's a lifetime

you need to think about it REAL HARD!

and then answer JB's question....

WHY do you want to be a lineman???

if you dig deep enuff and all you find is metal then you might just make it

Edge

[Brad Lillie]

I am almost 30, with a beautiful wife and four great kids. I really do take all I get on here to heart.

Some great points were made and I realize I am focusing on a life long career, with a minimal amount of knowledge about what the trade actually is. I appreciate yours and the first suggestions JB had for me about doing the work and going to VOLTA to get a taste of the trade and see if it's what I imagine.

Right now I am just working on taking my pre apprentice course, then when a spot opens I will go through VOLTA. In the mean time I will sign the books as a groundman and gain whatever experience I can.

By then I should have a fair enough idea about why, other than the fact I enjoy certain aspects of what I imagine the job to be.

Brad

[johnbellamy]

Brad Lilly

you need to listen to JB and really dig into the question son...

Why do you want to be a lineman?

I started this trade when I was 16 IBEW my old man got me a job as a grunt he made me work and go to school at the same time... I was the first man in my family to graduate high school...

I got married had 3 sons and worked like a dog to provide for them... I've had both knees replaced my right shoulder rebuilt and lumbar surgery... I still climb some say it's because I'm a stubborn old jackass... I say it's because it's the only thing that makes me feel alive...

I missed my boys growing up because I worked on the road all the time and now I see my middle son following in the family trade (he makes it 5 generations) and I want to smack the **** outa him... but I know he'll be a better lineman than I am

think about it kid it's not just the wear and tear you can get over that...

you have or want kids?

I didn't get to love my 3 sons till they were men... because I was always gone, always working...
this aint just a job kid it's a lifetime

you need to think about it REAL HARD!

and then answer JB's question....

WHY do you want to be a lineman???

if you dig deep enuff and all you find is metal then you might just make it

Edge

That's honest, that's real, that is a journeyman lineman.

A wife and four kids, that's what it's about.

You think about what you will put them through. Kids always worried, is daddy come in home?

This ain't no 9 to 5 job, you live it, and so does everybody you care about.

Hi Y'all my name is Brad Lillie, and I wanna be a lineman.

[tramp67]

Anytime there's a storm, or there's a story on the news about a lineman getting hurt or killed, your family will be worrying about you...
Linemen have a very high divorce rate...
What would your family do if you got seriously hurt or killed?
Some of the less glamorous parts of linework, something to consider.

[LINCRW]

There's a lot of truth in what people are telling you about being a lineman. There is some B.S. people will tell you about being a lineman. Bottom line is, if you want to do it, go give it a try somewhere. If you can't get on where you are, go someplace that's hiring. Nothing says it will be easy or that you will be successful, but if you don't try, you'll never know.

Now, back to the original post about wanting to borrow or rent some gear..... first of all, NO lineman will ever give you his tools to use because he has to use them for a living too. If he has used gear, there's usually a reason he isn't using it; probably worn out and unsafe. Secondly, if you really want to do this for a living, nut up to the table, pony up the cash, and get your own gear. Nothing says you have to keep the gear if things don't work out for you....... who knows, you may be able to rent it back to yourself and make some extra income...

[brinirmess]

Now this is coming from a lineman's (tramp..he not me) wife, and a mother whose only son is getting in it. My husband grew up watching his daddy do it and started when he was 16. I'm telling you this from a wive's perspesctive. If you have trust issues in your marriage, don't do it. If you bring things home from work...don't do it. If you can't handle being yelled at...don't do it.(They do it for your own good) If you expect this job to make everything better...don't do it. It's a hard, hard, stressful life. Every time you go to work, it could be the last time you see your wife and kids. Everytime that phone rings, or the weather picks up you know you might get a call. If your wife can't handle being Mommy and Daddy, cause Daddy's gone out on a storm..then don't do it. But, if you want a job you can be proud of, if you are one of the few that can handle. It is a rewarding life. It's just tough on everyone. It's not just you putting on those hooks and clasping that safety harness, it's those you love too. :rolleyes: