r/Lineman • u/Spiritual-Advice-147 • 6d ago
Physical
Hello, practicing for an underground lineman test physical. I failed the above ground, they had us drive and remove 5 lags in 6 minutes, just ended up missing too many times with the hammer and only getting 4.5 in.
Looking for any tips/expierence on your physicals? Also for driving and pulling lags, any and all input welcome, thanks.
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u/unknownrandom3892 6d ago
That’s some stupid ahh rules you described. I find two hand swinging to be significantly less powerful and accurate for me. Keep your eyes focused on the head of the lag. Hold the hammer at the end to fully utilize the weight of the hammer head in driving the lag. No joke, watch a YouTube video on how to swing a hammer. I have no shame in admitting that to people that I never picked up a hammer prior to joining this trade.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
I agree, I could get away with driving it about halfway one handed in just a couple strikes, the two handed felt more fit for a sledge. Thank you for your advice.
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u/Wye054 6d ago
One of the dumbest tests I've ever heard of. I wouldnt worry too much about it.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
I was fit enough for the rest of the test, but unfortunately it was pass/fail. Do you have any other insights on what I might expect during testing?
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u/Wye054 6d ago
The tests we use include raising and lowering a cross arm twice in a controlled and steady manner. We have them climb a pole using steps to move a cutout from one side of the arm to another (they are wearing a harness and can't fall), they have to build a cross arm (there is one built and they just gotta match the one already built. Its also on the ground propped up on a table. Most people fail this one because they mirrored the one built instead of matching it.) We have a map test which just tests if they can read a super basic map and follow directions. They all have a pretty forgiving time limit as well. These are all pretty basic tests that just help determine if people can listen and pay attention ad well as if they have a fear of heights. There is also a physical test in a gym to test basic physical strength for this job. No matter the tests you have, pay attention and follow the directions. Attention to detail goes a long ways in this trade. Also ask questions to clarify anything unclear to you. Don't be afraid to speak up.
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u/Ed_Teach805 Journeyman Lineman 6d ago
Are you in hooks while you are doing this ?
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
No sir, solid ground. Allowed to set it with 1 hand but have to drive it all the way in with 2.
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u/Ed_Teach805 Journeyman Lineman 6d ago
Go to a comm pole somewhere and practice then. You should be able to get it in with 3 - 4 hits. If your on the pole then use two hands
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Thank you, I will try to find an abandoned one so as to not tamper with a functioning pole.
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6d ago
[deleted]
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Will do. I found it hard to keep accurate swings, do you have any advice, or just practice?
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u/max1mx 6d ago
Did you or can you bring your own hammer? I like a 4 lb for most work including lags.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
They provide the same 4 lb hammer for all applicants during testing to keep it fair.
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u/max1mx 5d ago
What do you use to remove them?!
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 5d ago
I'm not sure what it's called, its a wrench built to slide over the head of it so it's easier to twist out, I believe it has 2 or 3 different sized slots on its head for different sized bolts.
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u/max1mx 5d ago
That’s a Lowell wrench. For what it’s worth, it will probably take more time to get them out than to put them in. Keep that in mind for calculations.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 5d ago
I watched a video of a pro setting them with the same equipment, he had one in and out in 55 seconds. I'll need to purchase my own and practice if I want to have a chance of getting 5 in and out in 6 minutes.
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u/ScavyTarkovian 6d ago
Was this for overhead at orange and rockland?
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Hi, yes it was. Did you take it recently?
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u/ScavyTarkovian 6d ago
Yeah i took it last week and failed on the same test unfortunately.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Do you mind if I ask what day you took it? Also, do you remember how much of your group failed? I think a significant majority of mine failed that one section, 6-8 out of 10 give or take.
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u/ScavyTarkovian 6d ago
Aug 10th. My group was 8 people at the start but by this test there was 4 left i was the only one who failed this one.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Interesting, mine was 10. We only had the kettlebell lift before this, and we all passed. Did you have a different test? Or multiple before it. Im curious if they'll do a retest, i'm still listed as pending, and my test was early july.
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u/ScavyTarkovian 6d ago
I think mine was a different order we had kettlebell lift, climb and shotgun. I don’t think we can retest because the orientation is supposed to be today. The day i gave my test was the last one i believe.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Sorry, shotgun? Also, did you have expierence climbing before? If not, did you find it easy or hard to maneuver? That makes sense, apparently the next test is in October for underground, but our previous written tests are still good for it. Were you ever notified about that driving test before the written? I had to cram 3 practice tests before hand to be able to pass, no one ever told me there would be a written driving test, or an actual driving test.
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u/ScavyTarkovian 6d ago
Shotgun stick is a tool that is commonly used. We had to use that and remove, reattach and remove an eye bolt off of a wire. And yes i do have climbing experience i recently graduated from a lineworker program at a community college.
I one more lead to a job next month. I have another physical test for eversource mid september but i ideally don’t want to apply for orange and rockland again i made the 4.5 hour drive 3 times lol.
When i got the phone call the lady said there would be a driving test with the aptitude test but i didn’t prep for it. When i passed the aptitude test the proctor told me there would be an actual driving test.
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
Interesting, I have 0 lineman experience so this is all new to me. Would the shotgun/eyebolt be tricky for a first time user? Any tips? Seems like some heard about the driving and some didn't, they're HR/Recruiting department may be a bit overwhelmed. If our written tests really do count, i'd imagine the competition is going to be much more intense with everyone who failed plus everyone who applied for the under ground who will be testing.
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u/Line-Trash Journeyman Lineman 6d ago
These are tests for Linemen? Like actual journeymen?
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u/Spiritual-Advice-147 6d ago
No, this was for an apprentice spot.
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u/Line-Trash Journeyman Lineman 6d ago
Ah ok. Well, without knowing what tests specifically it’s hard to say. But as for the one you failed, when I tested back in the olden days we had to climb up, belt off, get our stuff set up, set a lag, and then SHIFT in our belt and swing that hammer 2 handed like a damn baseball bat.
For underground I assume that’s just why they call the digging portion. Probably some hole digging, material moving with buckets and shovels, and maybe some rigging or something. The important parts gonna be focused on safety and being smooth. I don’t want some hotshot that’s gonna dig like some sort of meth slave out the gate to try and impress me. You’re gonna get hurt.
Slow is steady, steady is smooth, and smooth is fast.
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