The most important factors that can determine your success as a tower climber include experience and the kind of gear that you have in your toolbox. There are some things that every tower climber should have in their toolbox. Here’s an overview of the kind of gear that you should have in your toolbox as a tower climber and why.
What’s in Your Toolbox?
If you want to be a successful tower climber, you’ll want to crack open your toolbox and make sure that you have the following tools inside. For starters, you should always carry spare carabineers in your toolbox.
When stocking up on carabineers, be sure to buy the ones that are weight-rated. When it comes to carabineers in the tower climbing industry, quality is key. It’s not worth skimping on and buying the cheapest carabineers you can find only to have them bust open while you’re hundreds of feet in the air.
Many stores sell weak, poorly made carabineers for keychains, steer clear of those and go for the good stuff like your life depended on it, because it does.
You should also stock up on extra lanyards. Tower climbers use a variety of different lanyards to accomplish different things. Some lanyards, for example, are designed to be used as fall restraints which are very important to the folks in this line of work.
Positioning lanyards are used to hold yourself in place while suspended in the air. If a positioning lanyard fails or starts to fall apart, you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. That’s why it’s wise to keep a few extra lanyards in your toolbox.
It’s not worth using a lanyard that has started showing signs of wear and tear when you can swap it for a brand new one from your toolbox.
Other Essential Tower Climbing Equipment
Some tower climbing equipment just won’t fit inside of a toolbox, but you still need to have it with you. You should know that many tower climbers choose to use a large tool bucket called a bolt bag to store essential tools, gear, and equipment.
A bolt bag is much larger than the average toolbox which allows tower climbers to store more gear. You should always keep an extra chin-strap helmet and an extra full-body harness with you on the job site.
If your full-body harness malfunctions or wears out, you’ll need a new one pronto. It’s not safe to climb a tower with a full-body harness that’s about to give out. Having to drive all of the way back to get another one will set the project back by at least an hour in most cases. That’s why it’s so important to have extras.
Related articles: Tower Climber Equipment Check & Cell Tower Climber Safety
Tower Climber, New Gear Coming Soon!
Now that you know more about the gear that every tower climber should have, it’s time to stock up! Remember to take care of your gear. Keep it clean and in good condition. If you take care of your gear, it’ll take care of you. Of course, some gear has to be replaced eventually no matter how well you take care of it. When your gear starts to give out, you’ll want to check out the amazing selection that’s coming soon to Tower Climber!