DIY claws

Claws for concrete pillars - which of the 4 types of tools should you choose to safely climb onto the support?

To lift electricians up, manholes are used on concrete supports. The work carries a risk of injury, so the equipment must not only be checked before starting electrical repairs, but also high-quality models designed for a specific type of support must be selected. Claws used for climbing wooden poles are not suitable for reinforced concrete power transmission line structures.

What it is?

Due to the specifics of manufacturing manholes, the equipment is used at ambient temperatures from -30 to +55˚С.

Claws or claws are special devices for lifting a worker onto a power line pole. They are fixed on a person’s legs and make it possible to gain a foothold on a support and stay in one position for the required amount of time. The structure of the manholes will be improved to increase the reliability of the equipment and the speed of climbing to the top. There are three groups of such devices:

It is convenient to climb the round pillars using universal equipment.

Lazy. Designed for lifting reinforced concrete structures of round and trapezoidal shape in section.
Universal hooks. The installation tools are suitable for round pillars made of concrete or wood. The latter have lost their relevance.
Claw-holes. They differ in structure. Equipped with a specific control solution, especially effective in relation to trapezoidal reinforced concrete supports.

The latter devices are used more often than other types, because their specificity allows this device to be used to work with all types of standard supports. The use of manholes is permitted if this possibility is confirmed by accompanying documents. Each company specializing in electrical installation has its own set of tools for servicing power lines.

Application area

Concrete hooks are designed to quickly lift a worker along a concrete or wooden power line pole to its upper section. Using personal equipment makes it possible to get the job done easier and faster than using a turret truck. It is not always possible to use special equipment. This depends on the terrain and urban density.

In manholes, an electrician is able to carry out installation and cable laying, carry out urgent repair work, and change lamp bulbs on wooden poles. Replacing lamps is often carried out through manholes, since due to the large number of lamp supports it is not financially profitable to use special equipment. It’s easier and faster for an electrician to climb up on his own.

Types and their features

The principle of operation of manholes is the moment of impulse. The hooks are fixed under the weight of a person due to the difference in the levels of the spikes on the equipment. The higher the worker’s body weight, the more reliable the clutch.

Depending on the type of support, the following options for electrical equipment are used:

Model KLM-2 is one of the options for such products.

Universal. Designed for trapezoid shaped concrete support. Allows you to rise to any height. The hook, made of a metal pipe, has fastening elements.
Claw-hole. Combines the functions of both types of devices. Its two types KLM-1 and KLM-2 differ in the solution (168 and 190 mm).
Laz KRPO. Used for rectangular reinforced concrete structures. Girth from 160 to 203 mm. Device weight up to 4.5 kg.
Claw-hole KCO. It is used if the reinforced concrete structure is round in cross-section. Allowed for use with centrifuged power line supports. Claw opening 315 mm. Weight of the manhole is up to 5 kg.

Installer's manholes for concrete: do-it-yourself universal claws – DIYb.ru

Concrete manholes are an element of safety equipment used for climbing onto a reinforced concrete pole without special equipment. They are simple, reliable and can be adjusted to fit your feet.

Structure of assembly manholes

Regardless of the function, the structure has a general appearance:

Hook for clinging to a support.
Spikes for better fastening to the support.
Foot rest.
Leather straps to secure your feet to the footrest.

The hook is the most important part of the manhole; it bears the main load. It is made of pipes of the required diameter and, depending on the purpose, can have the shape of a trapezoid, rectangle or oval. Spikes are attached to the hook for greater stability.

The footrest consists of a metal plate with slots. The feet are secured to the footrest with thick leather straps with clamps.

Purpose of mounting claws

The function of lineman's claws is to lift a worker onto high-rise power line poles without the use of special equipment. They provide safety and reduce operating costs. Depending on the type of work and the shape of the pole, linemen's claws are divided into several types:

Universal ones are used on trapezoidal concrete supports. Consists of a footrest, a hook with spikes and leather straps.
KLM-1 KLM-2 are used for lifting onto trapezoidal and rectangular supports. Hook opening – 160-180 cm.
LMCs are used to work on round or polyhedral posts. Hook opening – 305 mm. It has a semicircular shape for a secure grip around the pole.
LU are universal adjustable claws, they have the ability to change the hook opening from 175 to 190 mm: adjustable using bolts on the body.
KRPO are designed for lifting onto rectangular concrete supports. The width of the hook opening is from 160 to 203 mm.

DIY manholes

Let's consider the option of homemade manholes made from a 40x20 metal profile, rectangular in cross-section.

First you need to prepare profile sections. For the footrest you will need two pieces 27 cm long and two pieces 12 cm long, so that when joined with the long pieces it will be 15 cm. Prepare the same pieces for the second manhole.
For the hook, take a section of profile, cut at one end at an angle of 75 degrees. The length should be 25 cm. Another 12 cm long piece is welded to it perpendicularly - it will cling to the post. Small spikes need to be welded onto its working part.
The footrest is welded in the form of a rectangle, a metal corner with a slot for a belt to rest the heel is welded to the back part: the shin will be fixed through this corner.
Weld 5 pieces of reinforcement to place the foot on the surface of the resulting rectangle.
A previously prepared hook is welded to the resulting structure; an angle of 75 degrees should be formed between the hook and the step.
Weld loops for belts on the sides of the footboard: this is where the foot will be secured.

The plane of the working section of the hook must be parallel to the plane of the front section of the footrest and there must be spikes on both of these sections.

How to use linemen's manholes

Before you start using the tool, you must make sure that the conditions for safe use are met:

A worker who intends to use manholes must undergo a training course and obtain permission to do this type of work.
Manholes must be used strictly on those poles that are indicated in the device’s passport, since manholes cannot be used on round posts or on posts with a rectangular cross-section.
Before using the claws, you must inspect their condition to make sure that all connections are securely fastened, the straps are in good condition, and in general the claws are suitable for use.
Restraint belts must be made of durable double-layer leather and be suitable for work in all weather conditions. The thickness should be from 3 mm.
The metal parts of the claws are free of cracks, breaks or sharp burrs. Welding seams are smooth and without defects.
The spikes must be straight, conical and free to move horizontally.

It is also necessary to remember that you must use a safety belt along with the manholes - without it, such work is prohibited.

After completing the visual inspection, if the claws are in order, testing is carried out on a stand support or on a working concrete pillar.

Each claw must withstand the load for 5 minutes without damaging metal parts, seams and belts.

After testing, it is necessary to inspect the fixtures again for the presence of deformations, and the lift and clearance should also be measured before and after testing.

Information sources:

Montersky manholes (TU-34 09.10129-89).
Monter's claws (TU 34-09-10147-88).
Assembly claws KLM-1 (TU 5221-031-39189999-2009).

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Selection rules

When considering the models offered by manufacturers, you need to evaluate the following details:

For quality products, the seller must have an appropriate certificate.

Price segment. It is dangerous to skimp on installation equipment. A low price may be a sign of poor quality materials from which the equipment is made. It is recommended to consider models from the middle and highest price categories.
Company manufacturer. You should not choose a model from an unknown manufacturer. It is better to give preference to a trusted company.
Qualitative indicators. A product of any type must have a certificate of compliance with TU and GOST. Metal parts must not be damaged. It is important to check that the seams are even and the thickness of the belts is at least 3 mm. The stitching on leather elements must be securely fastened.

The finished equipment indicates the release date of the product, trademark and batch number. Every six months, devices are checked for wear. A corresponding marking with the result is left on the hole. If the tools are used without errors, then they are allowed to work for at least a year. The more damage to the hooks, the lower the level of safety.

Operating rules

Work at height has an increased danger, which is why there are a number of rules for its implementation and operation of equipment. Every worker - a high-altitude worker, an electrician - must know and apply the following rules for using assembly claws.

The equipment may only be used for its intended purpose. This means that when climbing up a concrete base, you need to use claws that are designed for that material.
You must adhere to safety rules.
It is worth considering the technical characteristics of the claws, because each model has a certain maximum load capacity.
Before putting on the device, it must be checked, namely the spikes and belts for deformations. Every bolt, tenon, strap and fastener must be free of damage. If defects are found on at least one of the parts, it is strictly not recommended to use the equipment.
Carefully study the product data sheet. The document must indicate the expiration date and dates of mandatory inspections.
You need to have your claws checked at least twice a year.

Also, experts do not recommend using claws from dubious and little-known manufacturers in high-altitude work.

There is a certain permissible operating temperature, which is also indicated in the product passport.

Watch the video about monter's claws below.

Application

Storage Features

The use of installation equipment for climbing on supports without a safety belt is prohibited.

It is allowed to store equipment at temperatures from -20˚С to +30˚С. You cannot leave instruments outside in the open air, as precipitation negatively affects their quality indicators. Storage in areas with high humidity or direct sunlight is prohibited. Recommended conditions are a ventilated warehouse and average air temperature. It is forbidden to carry out repairs yourself, without knowledge and experience. If the hooks appear defective, they cannot be used.

Checking the serviceability of hooks

Before starting work, the equipment is tested as follows:

All parts are inspected. The strength of the belts and the condition of the spikes are specified.
The spikes are tested on a wooden support of the appropriate diameter.
The occurrence of deformation is checked by measuring the studs and grout before and after the test.
Manholes are removed from service if they are deformed.

Safety Precautions - Inspection and Testing

When using this device, specialists working at height must have additional equipment in their arsenal in the form of a protective helmet, which will protect against an accidental blow, as well as a safety lanyard, which will help to avoid serious consequences.

Straps for fastenings should also be available. The design of the belts must guarantee convenience and reliability in use, therefore their thickness must be at least 3 mm. These devices are made of two-layer leather, which is impregnated with fat. Each access hole must be marked with the date of the next inspection.

Before climbing to a height, you should thoroughly inspect the claws and check the test date. In addition, it is necessary to ensure the reliability of the welds, the integrity of the spikes, and the serviceability of the worm mechanism.

The metal elements of the device must not contain dents, breaks, sharp edges, cracks, or burrs. The spikes must not be damaged, beveled or knocked down. It is prohibited to use claws whose spines are blunt or absent altogether.

The device must be loaded for five minutes, with the load passing through the center point of the footrest. Before testing, a visual inspection is carried out to ensure that all parts are fastened and that there is no damage to the belt firmware. The fixing nut must be tightened with a locking ring.

In addition, the correct sharpening of the spikes is checked. The tests are carried out on a wooden support, the diameter of which corresponds to the numbering of the claw. After testing on the claws and manholes, there should be no deformation of the elements, damage to the welds, or breakage of the belts. Then measurements are taken, which are compared with previous values and recorded in a special journal.

If, after loading, defects are revealed, then such devices must be repaired; spikes and other damaged components are replaced. After troubleshooting, the device is again subjected to load.

Monter's claws. Climbing onto the electrical support

Installation and maintenance of overhead electrical and low-current networks, especially in rural areas, is impossible without the use of simple devices called installer's claws. The presence of such a tool allows you to do without scarce and energy-consuming self-propelled lifts or aerial platforms.

Design versions

The type of claws depends on the material of the support on which the electrician will climb, the diameter of the support and the mouth of the claws in their open position. All standard sizes are standardized in accordance with GOST 14331-77, TU34-09-10147-88, and TU 34-2412-77.

Installer's claws for lifting onto ordinary wooden supports, or supports with reinforced concrete attachments, include the following elements:

Steel arches, the configuration of which can be in the form of a semicircle (for round supports) or an oval rectangle (for rectangular supports).
Removable spikes with tips of various shapes.
Platforms for the feet of the worker.
Double-layer leather straps that secure the foot.

Structurally close to these products are the so-called fitter manholes. They are designed for lifting an electrician onto reinforced concrete supports, and therefore have a rectangular arc. Combined claws and manholes are also produced. With their help you can climb wooden, metal and reinforced concrete supports.

The operating principle of lineman's claws is based on the fact that, under the influence of gravity, the platform with the electric lineman's leg begins to slide down while simultaneously rotating around its axis. In this case, the arc enters into an obstacle with the surface of the support, and sticks its spikes into the material (for wood), or rests the end of the spike against reinforced concrete or steel. Since the spikes are made from hardened structural steel of grades not lower than 40X according to GOST 4543-81, self-jamming of the spike on reinforced concrete occurs without damage to the spike, and, therefore, is very reliable. In order to increase safety, the number of spikes is at least three. For the most critical applications, replaceable studs made of hard alloys such as VK 25 or VK 30 are produced.

With increasing load on the spikes, the force of fixing the claws or manholes increases.

Installer's claws for working on wooden supports

The design capabilities of assembler's claws for wooden supports, commercially produced in accordance with GOST 14331-77, are presented below:

Type KM-1 – recommended support diameter 140...245 mm, throat 245±10 mm;
Type KM-2 – recommended support diameter 220...315 mm, throat 315±10 mm;
Type KM-3 - recommended support diameter 310...415 mm, throat 415±10 mm.

The platform of the KM series claws is stamped, with perforated holes, which makes it possible to increase the reliability of contact of the foot with the surface, while simultaneously reducing the weight of the platform. After stamping, the platform is hardened to a hardness of HRC 38…42. On one of the side surfaces of each platform there are ears for attaching steel arches. Along the remaining edges of the platform there are low sides, the presence of which prevents the electrician’s foot from accidentally slipping. To strengthen it during manufacturing, stiffening ribs are formed on the rear surface of the platform.

The fixing part of the arc rotates freely in the ears, ensuring the fixation of the spikes along the support at the moment of lifting the electric line operator. The permissible play should be no higher than ±15º.

The quick-wearing part of repairman's claws are the spikes, despite the fact that their initial hardness after hardening is 45...50 HRC. For claws on wooden supports, spikes are always made with conical tips. Experiencing significant frictional stress, steel spikes become dull and deformed over time. The durability of carbide studs is much higher, but they are sensitive to impacts and bending loads. Replacing the studs is not difficult, since their fastening part is threaded. The rear part of the platform is also equipped with spikes of a similar design.

The leg of the working person is attached to the arch of the claw using straps. In order to ensure elasticity, their upper part is made of yuft, and the lower part is made of rawhide impregnated with animal fat. The stitching of the belt elements is carried out with nylon threads, and the thickness of the belt and the diameter of the threads are calculated for a load of at least 140...160 kg.

Claws and manholes for working on reinforced concrete supports

Manholes and combined claws are designed for operation in more severe climatic conditions - the permissible temperature range for their use is -40...+50ºС. The marking of such products for steel supports is KMM, combined claw manholes for reinforced concrete supports are KLM, and universal assembly manholes are LU, followed by a serial number indicating the technological capabilities of the equipment. An additional factor in choosing devices of this type is the permissible voltage on the serviced power line: it can be 35 or 110 kV. At the same time, the permissible load on the equipment is also increased and is at least 180...200 kg.

KMM type claws – diameter of steel tubular support 126…150 mm, claw opening 136±15 mm, permissible lift 102±5 mm;
Electrician's manholes, type LU - opening 168...190 mm, there is an additional strap for fixing the back of the electrician's foot;
Combined manhole claws KLM-1: mouth 168±5 mm, rise – 165 mm;
Combined manhole claws KLM-2: mouth 190±5 mm, rise - 165 mm.

Construction of lineman's claws

Manholes and similar structures consist of steel parts that are arranged in a semicircle or perpendicular, as well as spikes that allow them to cling to the surface of the pole. They are attached to a special foot platform, which has straps to secure the worker's feet. To keep it in an upright position, the kit includes slings and a harness to prevent a person from falling if the wire slips or falls. However, only one worker can lift such a device. If you need to lift two or more workers, you must use the services of a lift truck. Next, we will consider the main types of such devices depending on their purpose.

Main types of devices

Electrical claws have many modifications. However, the most used and practical are the following designs:

Universal claws;
Monter's claws;
Montersky manholes KRPO;
Monter's claw-holes KCO.

Universal claws are suitable for trapezoidal concrete supports of any height. The design consists of the following elements: footrest, hooking bracket, adjustment insert, fastening belt. The hook is made of a metal pipe with fasteners. The footrests have special plates with recesses that allow you to fix two layers of leather clamps. The buckles in such claws unfasten quickly and without problems, which makes them especially valuable in work.

The fitter varieties of claws and manholes, as well as the connected type, are designed to work with supports of any cross-section, weighing from 3 to 5 kilograms and a coverage of 168 to 315 millimeters. Also suitable for working on centrifuged power line poles. Includes carbide metal spurs and leather clamps. Having considered the main types of such structures, let’s move on to some points that help to work with them correctly.

Structure

Monter's manholes (claws) are a design of two main parts:

metal hook;
belt.

The hook has the shape of a trapezoid or rectangle. For strong adhesion to the support, it is equipped with teeth and self-adjusting spikes. The belts are made of genuine leather, sewn in two layers. The total weight of the structure is from three to five kilograms.

The laz works using momentum: different levels of spikes allow the hooks to be more firmly fixed under the influence of a person’s weight. The more weight, the better the grip. The gravity of the body, whatever it may be, will create the necessary moment of momentum, allowing you to maintain the required mass.

Rules for using claws

All electrical access points must meet the following criteria:

Compliance with established standards;
Availability of manufacturer's markings;
Technical data including date of manufacture and serial number;
Regular safety testing using static load.

Before lifting, the claws must be checked by the employee together with the supervisor. Additionally, there is a belt for support. During the inspection, the date of the test, the serviceability of all components and parts, the condition of the spurs and seams of the clamp, the strength of all fasteners and the presence of nut plate locks with cotter pins are recorded.

Metal elements must be in perfect condition, without various defects, including dents, chips and sharp edges. The welding joints must be level, this will allow you to move safely on concrete. You also need to additionally check the technical condition of the following elements:

Fixation of the C-shaped part with the footrest;
Various types of carvings;
Variable plates;
Strength of fastening of locking type nuts.

Then you need to inspect the structure. Damaged claws cannot be used for further use. The solution and the rise of the cat are measured before and after the test and recorded with special documentation. Persons over 18 years of age are allowed to use devices to move along poles. To do this, they must have the following documents with them:

Permission to carry out steeplejack work;
Certificate of completion of a medical examination;
Admission to work or the presence of a supervising experienced specialist, if this is the employee’s first year in the position.

Only after all the necessary procedures and checks have been carried out can work be carried out on electrical poles using electrical installation equipment , including claws and concrete manholes.

Claws for climbing poles are indispensable elements that allow the worker to carry out installation and save on operating costs. However, before starting action, a thorough check must be made to ensure that the equipment is in good working order, as well as whether the employee has all the necessary documents and confirmation of his age. Otherwise, carrying out such work will be unsafe for both the installer and his superiors, since you can receive quite serious punishment. Remember this before starting any electrical installation work!

DIY claws for climbing poles

The principle of operation of manholes is the moment of impulse. The hooks are fixed under the weight of a person due to the difference in the levels of the spikes on the equipment. The higher the worker’s body weight, the more reliable the clutch.

Depending on the type of support, the following options for electrical equipment are used:

Model KLM-2 is one of the options for such products.

Storage Features

The use of installation equipment for climbing on supports without a safety belt is prohibited.

Checking the serviceability of hooks

Before starting work, the equipment is tested as follows:

A wooden support is required to test the equipment.

Types of climbing cats

Crampons for climbing poles are produced in series aimed at contact with different types of materials:

3. wood + reinforced concrete base.

An electrician's equipment includes two main elements:

Spiked hook with footrest and fastening with a permissible load of no more than 140 kg.
Safety belt with a working load of up to 70 kg.

Safety during work

Safety requirements for working at height include the selection of high-quality equipment. An electrician should not experience any inconvenience during his professional activities. The industry produces different types of personal protective equipment:

Defects in mounting claws

If malfunctions are detected, it is prohibited to use the installation device or carry out repairs on your own. According to safety requirements, after 7 years of active use, the crampon or safety belt must be written off.

What it is?

Due to the specifics of manufacturing manholes, the equipment is used at ambient temperatures from -30 to +55˚С.

It is convenient to climb the round pillars using universal equipment.

Selection rules

When considering the models offered by manufacturers, you need to evaluate the following details:

For quality products, the seller must have an appropriate certificate.

Design and principle of operation

The simplest manholes for concrete supports consist of 2 elements for attaching to shoes, each of which consists of the following main components:

Oval foot support with transverse reinforcements;
2 straps holding the foot on the platform;
“Sickle” is a rectangular grip with 4 conical spikes attached at an angle of approximately 600 to the supporting platform.

Climbing onto a reinforced concrete pole using a similar device occurs as follows:

Using a similar principle, electrical claws designed for this type of support help you climb onto a wooden pole. Their only differences from the crampons used for concrete pillars are the semicircular shape of the grips and softer spikes.

Rules for using claws

The procedure for using manholes consists of the following manipulations:

Important! Manholes of a certain model and type can be used for certain supports specified in the passport. The use of such devices for lifting onto supports with a diameter larger than that specified in the passport is strictly prohibited.

Equipment operating conditions

The use of manholes is permitted subject to the following conditions:

All the details of working with manholes are described in special instructions for electricians and high-rise installers.

Kawabanga! How many cubes of concrete are in the mixer?

Proper storage conditions

After each use, the claws must be cleaned of dirt, rust, concrete dust or crumbs.

Claws for climbing poles should be stored suspended (on hooks or special hangers), in well-ventilated, dry areas out of the reach of children and pets.

Main types of devices

Electrical claws have many modifications. However, the most used and practical are the following designs:

Universal claws;
Monter's claws;
Montersky manholes KRPO;
Monter's claw-holes KCO.

Structure

Monter's manholes (claws) are a design of two main parts:

Terms of use

The following criteria apply to manholes:

At the very beginning of the lift, the claws are checked by the worker and the supervisor. Additionally, a belt is provided for support. The inspection includes checking:

test dates;
serviceability of components and parts;
the state of the spurs;
condition of the clamp seams;
fastener strength;
if nut locks are provided, cotter pins - their presence.

Manholes should be used in conjunction with a safety belt, which provides additional support to the worker at height.

Metal elements must be in perfect condition, without damage, dents, chips, crevices, or sharp edges. And the places of welding joints are level, for safe movement on concrete. Additionally check the technical condition:

fixing the C-shaped part with the footrest;
threads;
variable plates;
the strength of the lock nuts.

availability of documents confirming the right to carry out steeplejack work;
availability of a medical examination certificate;
permission to work or the presence of a supervising experienced specialist in the first working year.

The simplest option is box formwork

To prevent liquid cement from leaking through the cracks at the joints, they should be well adjusted, and even better, if after adjustment, before pouring the concrete, the inside is lined with construction (dense) polyethylene or oilcloth.

Such a layer will not only stop leaks at the joints, which is harmful for normal hydration, but will also prevent the wood from swelling from the water that flows from the liquid concrete. The film also performs a smoothing function, and the surface turns out like glass.

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Claws for climbing reinforced concrete supports

Design features

The design of the product is as follows: two steel elements that bend in a semicircle or at a right angle, and spikes that are attached to the arcs. With their help you can cling to the support. These elements are connected to a special platform for the feet, which, in turn, have straps that secure the feet of the electricians who are raised onto the support.

The human body must be supported. For this purpose, the device comes with slings and a special holding harness. With their help, the worker is protected from falling if the structure is damaged or slips.

Installer's manholes and claws are used for electrical installation work. This is an alternative version of an aerial platform, which is used when lifting personnel to work on power poles. This device is convenient to use, practical and economical, as it reduces the cost of maintaining electrical networks. When it is not possible to install an aerial platform near the supports, the claws will be indispensable.

However, it should be noted that such a device can only lift one worker. When there is a need for two or more electricians to do the work, it is necessary to use only an aerial platform.

Operating rules

Each enterprise involved in the operation and maintenance of power lines must develop its own instructions for the use of manholes. However, the main sections of the rules do not differ significantly. The main message of the instructions is that personnel must be able to operate tools and devices, which include claws. Among the basic rules are:

The devices should only be used on the types of poles specified in the instructions.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that the claws are in good condition.
During the inspection, all connections, tenons and fasteners should be inspected.
Personnel performing work at height using manholes must undergo training and then pass an exam. After this, a permit is issued to carry out the work independently.
Devices must undergo mandatory inspection once every six months.
If a design malfunction is detected, the claws and manholes must be removed from the working stock.
Before starting work, the employee must check not only the device itself, but also the safety belt.

Types of claws

Monter's claws come in various designs. This depends on the types of power line towers. They differ in section type and shape. Reinforced concrete pillars come in round, rectangular, cylindrical, trapezoidal, polygonal and conical shapes. Round-shaped wooden supports are also found. So what types of devices are there? There are only 2 of them (main ones):

Crescent (KM-1, KM-2 and others). They are used when climbing wooden poles, even those with reinforced concrete attachments. This design is not adjustable, since the sickle with which the worker clings to the structure has a fixed standard size.
Manholes (universal – LU-1 and others). They differ from the previous ones in scope and design. The element with which the worker clings to the support is called a manhole. It is bent at a right angle. Used for climbing reinforced concrete pillars with a trapezoidal and rectangular cross-section. A distinctive feature is that such installation claws can be adjusted and selected to fit any size of reinforced concrete column.

This product is used for lifting power lines with voltages of 0.4/6/10/35 kV onto poles. There are also improved models that are used when lifting power lines from 110 kV to a support.

Claws for climbing poles: materials of modern varieties of devices (100 photos)

The operation of power lines, like any other equipment, is impossible without damage or malfunctions that occur at the most inopportune moment. In order to eliminate them in a timely and efficient manner, it is necessary to have suitable tools and devices available.

To eliminate malfunctions in the operation of power lines, there are special tools, and even equipment that can be used to quickly get to the location of the breakdown. Such equipment is monter's claws (cat's claws, monter's manholes), which help you easily climb up the pole.

This type of equipment is an integral part of specialized equipment for performing work related to power lines, so they must be in the arsenal of any enterprise related to the repair of power lines.

Purpose

The main purpose of the claws is considered to be quick and convenient climbing up the pole in order to perform planned or unforeseen work.

The design of the claws is simple: the main element of the device is two hooks with straps attached to them, with which they are directly attached to the legs (each separately).

The device is made from durable and reliable metal, which guarantees safety when working at heights.

The diameter of the hook is slightly larger than the parameters of the circle post. To conveniently and correctly climb up or down, you need to install the hook perpendicular to the vertical pole. Otherwise, the worker will not be able to move up or down. How difficult is it to climb a pole without claws?

Materials used

Wooden poles for power lines have been replaced by reinforced concrete poles that are more durable and resistant to use.

In this regard, the linemen's manholes also underwent some changes: they began to use inserts made of harder alloys, as a result of which the likelihood of them slipping decreased and the potential of the device increased.

The most commonly used claw material is high-strength steel, coated with an anti-corrosion protective layer for greater durability.

The structure of the belts is multi-layered; yuft and rawhide are used as the main material for their production; in addition, in the end they are also stitched with nylon threads for greater reliability.

Varieties and properties

To perform the work efficiently and efficiently, it is necessary to use suitable equipment and tools. To move along a wooden pole, you should select the appropriate claws, for concrete ones - similarly.

Today, claws used for climbing poles are classified into:

linemen, which are used to move along round metal or wooden poles, but they are now practically not used.
assembly manholes for concrete supports, designed for movement on pillars with a round or trapezoidal cross-section. It is considered the most popular type of claw.
assembly manholes for climbing reinforced concrete supports with a trapezoidal cross-section in diameter. Plus, they can be customized and used for any type of power pole.

Auxiliary elements

Any specialist servicing power lines must have a full arsenal of tools and devices to perform the work. It must include: a protective helmet and a safety lanyard.

and exploitation

Conditions of maintenance and operation are simple. Post claws are suitable for use in all temperature zones. The safe use period is indicated on the label. During their use, it is necessary to carry out preventive inspections and, if necessary, change components. Clean your claws regularly.

Storage conditions

It is recommended to store claws in a dry, well-ventilated area at a temperature of -20 to +30 degrees.

If damage to the claws is detected, you should stop using them, have them repaired by a specialist, or replace them with new ones.

Terms of use

There are special instructions for electricians that tell you how to use electrician's claws. First of all, it is necessary to take certain safety measures when performing various works in electrical networks, especially on power lines.

Before starting work, you need to agree on the procedure, draw up all the necessary documents, prepare the workplace and allow workers to complete the task. These measures are extremely important and necessary in order to protect workers. For example, when an electrician is working, voltage may be applied to live parts (namely wires).
You need to be able to properly use the protective insulating equipment used during work.
Installer's claws are used exclusively for those supports that are indicated in the device's passport.
Before starting work, you need to check the product for damage and check the test date. In this case, yarns and belts, bolted connections, welds, fasteners, and spikes are checked. Electricians who use assembly claws must undergo additional instruction and training. They are also tested on their knowledge and checked whether they have a record of permission to carry out the work independently.
Twice a year, claws and holes should be sent for inspection. This is necessary in order to detect and correct a defect or malfunction in a timely manner.
If the integrity of the device is compromised (for example, there is a crack or a hangnail), then they are not allowed to be used.
In addition to the structure itself, before carrying out work, you need to separately check the safety belt and climb the pole only with it.
It is prohibited to change anything in the structure of the device or its belts.
It is strictly forbidden to climb a pole through which fault currents passed to the ground.
The structure must be stable and integral.

The video below clearly demonstrates how to use lineman's claws when climbing onto a support:

So we looked at what monter’s claws and manholes are. Now you know what types of devices there are and what the purpose of each design is.

Inspection and testing: general principles

Claws and manholes used at enterprises must be inspected and tested for static loading every six months.
Before carrying out the next one, a complete visual inspection of the devices is carried out. If necessary, repairs are carried out, which may involve replacing the main parts. The devices are cleaned of dirt and dried at room temperature. Tip No. 2. It is not necessary to subject the straps used to secure the electrician’s foot to a load test. Their compliance with all current requirements is checked visually.

External examination of claws

A visual inspection of manholes and claws is carried out in order to identify damage visible to the naked eye, in the presence of which the devices are rejected. During the inspection of the claws, the technical condition and serviceability of all elements are checked:

correct sharpening of the spikes;
safety of the connection between the crescent element and the footrest;
reliability of buckle seams;
continuity of stitching of belts;
the degree of tightening of the locking nut and the presence of a locking ring cotter pin.

Claw load test

Upon completion of the visual examination, identified deficiencies must be eliminated before testing the claws for static loading. The device, located in working condition, is loaded in the weakest section. The test is carried out on a wooden support stand with a diameter suitable for this claw model. The device must bear the load for 5 minutes without damage or rupture of welds, damage to the buckle or rupture of the belt. After release from the load, the presence of residual deformations is not allowed; their absence is checked by measuring the rise and alignment of the device before and after loading.

Visual inspection of manholes

When inspecting manholes, the condition is analyzed:

bolts and connections;
main components;
removable plates;
the presence of locknuts and cotter pins;
belts and other fastenings.

The degree of sharpening of the removable plates, the reliability of their attachment, and for models of universal use, the condition of the cable loop nodes and the mechanism that regulates the opening of its solution are checked especially carefully. When checking the cable loop, the level of wear of the wires and branches of the paired spring tape and the quality of its attachment to the cable are revealed. Welding seams are checked for mechanical deformation and cracks. Damaged or sufficiently worn studs must be replaced with new ones.

Testing manholes under load

For testing under load, the manholes are placed on a stand in the working position, with the help of which the outlines of the lower part of the column are simulated. Upon completion of the inspection, the manhole is carefully inspected for residual deformations, tears in the fastening belts, cracks, and malfunction of the mechanism that regulates the opening of the cable loop. If at least one of the listed defects is detected, the hole is rejected and removed from the working stock.