In the lineman world, attention to detail isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying alive. A simple mistake in hardware installation or personal gear setup can mean the difference between a job well done and a dangerous failure. Even experienced linemen can make small errors, especially when fatigue sets in or they’re rushing to meet deadlines.
Recently, we shared an image asking our community to spot what’s wrong, and the comments did not disappoint. From backward bolts to misplaced gaffs, our linemen brothers had some strong opinions. So, let’s break it all down—what’s wrong in this image, why it matters, and what we can all learn from it.
The Mistakes in This Setup (And How to Fix Them)
🔧 The Bolt is Installed Backwards
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Correct Answer by: @lawrence_1281
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The machine bolt is backwards, meaning it could loosen over time due to gravity and movement. Over time, loose hardware can create dangerous conditions, causing instability and potential failure.
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Fix It: Always install bolts with the correct orientation and secure them with proper torque.
👢 Gaffs Are on the Wrong Feet
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Correct Answers by: @logan_jm2005, @redsevenrelics, @thereal_chuckdiesel, @jaredpaul.miller2, @grizzstraightt
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This is a dangerous mistake. Wearing gaffs on the wrong feet means poor contact with the pole, leading to slipping, cutting out, or worse—a fall.
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Fix It: Double-check that your gaffs are properly positioned before you start climbing.
📐 The Washer is Not Squared
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Correct Answers by: @quintinstaab, @14r_pilot_of_power, @corey.davis_, @phillips719
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The square washer is rotated like a diamond, reducing surface contact and stability. This could result in a loose connection over time.
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Fix It: Ensure washers are correctly aligned to provide maximum contact and stability.
⚡ Incorrect Grounding Technique
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Correct Answers by: @awesomecatbro, @jaredpaul.miller2, @dopeypm_07, @devin_donawho
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Grounding is one of the most critical safety measures in line work. In this image, the grounding was done incorrectly—either using the wrong hardware or grounding to the wrong location.
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Fix It: Use the correct grounding hardware and ensure the bond is secured to the proper point.
🚧 Pads (Hook Pads) Are on Backwards
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Correct Answers by: @mttlline, @vmbaknes_81, @say10fla
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Incorrectly worn pads can lead to serious discomfort and poor climbing stability.
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Fix It: Properly secure pads to your shins for optimal comfort and balance.
🛠 Other Errors Spotted by the Community
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"Missing bug nuts" – @kyler_nickson, @uptop_wap, @julian.barbour
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"No insulator" – @the.bearded.ponytail
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"Using bug nut instead of proper grounding hardware" – @dopeypm_07
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"Climbing on the wrong side of the pole" – @ace.marri
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"Lashing wire isn’t secured properly" – @y_a_c_h_t_y
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"Missing safety belt" – @charity.musgrave
Why These Mistakes Matter
Mistakes like these aren’t just small errors—they can be life-threatening. Linemen work in extreme conditions, high above the ground, and every single detail matters. Here’s why these errors should never be ignored:
✅ Loose connections can cause outages and equipment failures. ✅ Improper grounding increases the risk of electrocution. ✅ Wearing gear incorrectly puts you at risk for falls and injuries. ✅ Small mistakes can have serious, long-term consequences.
This is why linemen train constantly and have strict safety protocols. It’s about more than just following the rules—it’s about making it home at the end of the day.
Gear Up the Right Way
To stay safe, efficient, and comfortable on the job, you need the right equipment. Here are some must-have lineman essentials from LineCrate that can help:
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LineMan Engraved Folding Knife – A durable and sharp folding knife, perfect for various tasks on the job.
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LineMan Plasma Lighter – Windproof and rechargeable, this lighter ensures you can always get a flame, no matter the conditions.
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Dragonwear FR Beanie – A flame-resistant beanie to keep you warm and safe during those cold days on the line.
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LineCrate Subscription Box – A monthly box filled with exclusive, limited-edition items like shirts, tools, and more to showcase your LineLife pride.
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Mystery LineMan LineCrates – A surprise mix of 3-8 exclusive items tailored for linemen, including gear and tools that are both practical and morale-boosting.
These curated items not only enhance your daily work experience but also reinforce the importance of attention to detail and pride in your profession.
Let’s Hear From You!
This post generated tons of great responses, and we know there are more linemen out there who can spot even more issues.
If you’ve ever caught a mistake on the job or had a close call, let us know your story. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever spotted?
Did you spot all the mistakes? Or do you see something we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Want us to break down more lineman mistakes or safety tips? Tell us what topics you’d like us to cover next!
- The LineCrate Crew ⚡