The longest lists in any agreement
Of the 47 outside line agreements we read, 6 say something about what a substation technician brings. The other 36 list tools for journeyman linemen only — on those jobs you work with what the contractor issues. Pick your local below for the exact wording.
Substation lists build on the lineman basics and add layout and fitting tools: a combination square, a 9" level, a hacksaw frame, 8" and 10" adjustable end wrenches, a chisel and punch set, sometimes a 14" pipe wrench, a plumb bob and a set of box-end or socket wrenches up to 1". Some agreements write it as a separate list; others say the journeyman "will furnish the usual kit of tools required for that work."
A starter kit
The substation lists overlap more than they differ. Put together, this is the kit. 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 ›
- HammerMADI claw lineman hammer ›
- 6-foot folding ruleMADI 6' folding rule ›
- KnifeMADI OneFlip lineman knife ›
- Screwdrivers — large and small, or Phillips and slotted
- 8" and 10" adjustable wrenches
- Channel lock pliersChannellock 430X 10" ›
- Level — 9" or a magnetic torpedo
- Combination square or speed square
- Hacksaw frame
- Chisel and center punch set
- Pipe wrench, 14" (two agreements)
- Box-end or socket wrenches up to 1" (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 |
|---|---|---|
| OH | Substation (except groundmen) | Six foot folding rule, knife, pliers, hacksaw frame, large and small screwdriver, hammer, combination square, 9" level, 8" and 10" adjustable end wrench, chisel and center punch set, belt and safety |
| IL | Substation (no list) | "The usual kit of tools required for that work" |
| 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 |
| NC/SC | Substation (additional to JL list) | Channel locks; pipe reamer 1/2 to 1 1/2; pipe wrenches not over 14"; small level; center punch; plumb bob; hacksaw frame; square not over 12" |
| MI | Substation (except groundman) | Six foot folding rule, knife, pliers, hacksaw frame, 14" pipe wrench, large and small screwdriver, hammer, combination square, 9" level, 8" and 10" adjustable end wrench, chisel and punch set, tool box, belt and safety, set of box-end or socket wrenches up to 1" |
| AZ | Journeyman Substation Technician | Lineman pliers, razor knife, 6 ft stick ruler, hawkbill knife, side cutters, flush cutters, screwdriver (holding, 2 Phillips and slotted, solid core), magnetic torpedo level, channel locks (2" and 5"), speed square, sledgehammer (2-3 lb), crescent wrench |
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.