Hot stick

The hydraulic power is commonly supplied from the bucket truck (cherry picker or aerial work platform) supporting the workers.

The electrical hook necessitated a hot stick for installation purposed, and its use suggested additional tools which were soon developed for grounding and jumper service, applying parallel groove clamps, handling conductors, pulling cotter pins and manipulating tie wires.

Chance Company, changed suspension insulators on the 287 kV Hoover Dam, Los Angeles Line, using tools specially designed for the job.

Sitka spruce is the most popular wood used in the construction of hot sticks due to its light weight, strength, and excellent electrical properties.

Hot sticks are now generally made from high strength plastics with an aluminum alloy head.

"Insulation characteristics and strength of the tools are of major importance, as the linemen's safety depends upon these things.

The ease with which the tool handles, the relief from fatigue, the manner in which it operates when engaging a tie wire, strain clamp insulator, or conductor are also important considerations.