Starting out? Here's what the agreements ask a groundman to bring
Of the 47 outside line agreements we read, 18 say something about what a groundman brings. The other 24 list tools for journeyman linemen only — on those jobs you work with what the contractor issues. Pick your local below for the exact wording.
There are three patterns. A short kit is the most common: pliers or 9" side cutters, a hammer, a 12" crescent wrench and a rule, sometimes with a skinning knife, channel locks or a screwdriver. Nothing: several agreements say groundmen shall not use lineman's tools and give no list, so you work with what the contractor hands you. And the full list: a few agreements write one list for every classification or for "all employees," and groundmen are on it.
Whatever your agreement says, you will not be asked to bring climbers, a body belt or a safety strap — groundmen don't climb.
A starter kit
If you're buying from scratch, these are the tools that show up on nearly every groundman list. 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
- 6-foot folding ruleMADI 6' folding rule ›
- Skinning knifeMADI OneFlip lineman knife ›
- ScrewdriverKlein 32500 11-in-1 ›
- Channel lock pliersChannellock 430X 10" ›
What the agreements say
Every list we found, in the agreement's own words:
| Agreement | Classification | Required tools |
|---|---|---|
| CA | Groundman | hammer, pliers, ruler, 10" adjustable wrench, skinning knife |
| 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. |
| NJ | Ground personnel | 9" pliers, skinning knife and six-foot folding rule, where necessary |
| OK | Groundman | Klein pliers, 10" crescent wrench; any additional tools furnished by contractor |
| 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 |
| 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 | Groundman | Pliers, 6-foot rule, skinning knife |
| NV | Groundman | 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 | Groundman | Knife, screwdrivers, six-foot folding rule, pencils, hammer, plumb bob, adjustable hand wrenches (≤12"), side cutting pliers |
5 more agreements say outright that this classification brings no tools of its own.
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.