Hand tools for the machine you run — and sometimes a lot more
Of the 47 outside line agreements we read, 11 say something about what a equipment operator brings. The other 31 list tools for journeyman linemen only — on those jobs you work with what the contractor issues. Pick your local below for the exact wording.
Most agreements that mention operators say they bring the hand tools for routine maintenance on the equipment they run and leave it there. Where one spells it out, it ranges from the groundman kit (rule, hammer, channel locks, 12" adjustable wrench, screwdriver, 9" pliers) to a full mechanic's set: adjustable wrenches up to 16", end wrenches 3/8"–1", water pump pliers, a punch, a 1/2" drive ratchet and a 1/2"–1 1/8" socket set.
A starter kit
Where an agreement spells out the operator's kit, this is what it comes to. Each links to a solid option on Amazon — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Buy what your own agreement names; sizes matter on some of them.
- 9" lineman’s side cuttersKlein J2000-9NE 9" side cutters ›
- Hammer (one agreement caps it at 32 oz)MADI claw lineman hammer ›
- 12" crescent (adjustable) wrench — one agreement allows up to 16"
- 6-foot rule or 12' tapeMADI 6' folding rule ›
- ScrewdriversKlein 32500 11-in-1 ›
- Channel lock pliersChannellock 430X 10" ›
- 1/2" drive ratchet
- Socket set, 1/2"–1 1/8" (one agreement)Klein 66090 1/2" impact socket set ›
What the agreements say
Every list we found, in the agreement's own words:
| Agreement | Classification | Required tools |
|---|---|---|
| WA/OR | Groundman + Equipment Operator | 9" Klein type side cutting pliers; Hammer (not to exceed 32 oz.); 12" crescent wrench. Contractor replaces only these if lost or stolen. |
| IA | All employees (every classification) | Skinning knife, 6' wooden ruler, lineman's side cutters, 10" and 12" crescent wrench, standard screwdriver, hammer, channel lock type pliers |
| IN | Equipment Operator | 1 - 10" adjustable wrench; assorted screwdrivers; 1 - channel locks (for minor repairs) |
| NY | All other classifications | Hammer, rulers, screwdrivers, knife, pliers, 10-12" wrenches, files, tool bag, speed wrenches |
| TX | Groundmen + Operators | Channel lock pliers; 9-inch linemen pliers; eight-inch screwdriver; OSHA compliance |
| NY | All other classifications | Hammer, knife, pliers, rulers, screw drivers, 10-12" crescent wrenches, files, tool bag, speed wrenches |
| AZ | Equipment Operator | "Necessary hand tools for routine maintenance on equipment they are running" (no list) |
| NV | Equipment Operator | Six-foot rule, hammer, Channel Lock 430, 12" adjustable, screwdriver, 9" lineman pliers |
| CO | Line Equipment Operator + Groundman | 9" Klein type side cutting pliers; hammer (not to exceed 32 oz.); 12" crescent wrench; 12' tape measure. Contractor replaces only these if lost or stolen, unless through neglect. |
| MA/NH/ME | All other classifications | Hammer, knife, pliers, rulers, screw drivers, 10-12" crescent wrenches, files, tool bag, speed wrenches |
| NM | Equipment Operator | Screwdrivers, rule, hammer, adjustable hand wrenches (≤16"), end wrenches 3/8"-1", water pump pliers, side cutting pliers, punch, 1/2" drive 10" ratchet handle, socket set 1/2"-1 1/8" |
Your local
Everything your agreement says — this classification first, then the journeyman list and the rest, with the storage and theft rules.
78 locals so far. If yours isn't listed, we don't have its agreement yet — send it to us and we'll add it.
What your contractor has to provide
Outside agreements put everything else on the employer, including:
- All other tools and equipment, in good working condition and enough of them to do the job safely.
- A safe, dry, locked place for your tools and clothing on the job.
- Reimbursement for stolen tools kept in that locked storage — usually only for the tools on the required list, with a police report and signs of forced entry. Where an agreement sets a cap for classifications other than journeymen it is lower, $350 to $500; many set none. Your local's rule is in the picker above.
- Rubber goods and protective gear.
Summarized from the required-tools sections of outside line construction agreements. Your local's agreement is what governs — read it or ask your hall. Other classifications: required tools by classification.