How To Choose The Right Climbing Belt For Linemen
Lineman belts enable utility workers to safely ascend poles and lean backward while using both their hands. They also provide outstanding back support and attach to utility poles via straps that tighten around them to prevent sliding down. They come in different varieties, so it is important to choose the right climbing belt for your specific needs.
Determine the Right Belt Size
The size and fit of your lineman belt are crucial. If the belt is too large it will be uncomfortable to wear and will slide upward if you fall, while a belt that is excessively small will have D-rings that pinch your hips and cause discomfort. Most models come with metallic D-rings on each side by the hips, which connect to lanyards that will secure your position during work. The D-rings are usually located in front of your hip bone.
To determine the right size, you’ll want to perform the D measurement, which is usually ten’’ lower than the waist size. A D measurement is best thought of as a distance between each D-ring. To determine the size of a lineman belt you’ll have to take measurements of distances between hips. Start by measuring four’’ beneath the hip bone. Next, wrap the tape around the waist and rear until it is 4’’ beneath the hip. Check the number which shows on the seamstress tape, which should range from 18’’ to 32’’. A belt that fits perfectly should have D-rings that point straight from the hips while its buckle will be centered between its adjustment holes.
What Types of Lineman Belts Are Available?
These belts come in numerous types, which include semi-floating, full floating, inline D-ring, and fixed and stacked body belts:
Semi Floating Belt
These belts enable lateral belt strap movement with tool loops before wearing it. Additionally, any strain or load which is placed on its D-rings will not bind the tools within its tool loops. The downside is that it doesn’t enable D-ring lateral movement.
Full Floating Belt
These belts enable D-ring shifts of about 4’’while the waist strap remains stationary. The D-rings are easy to adjust whenever the lineman changes position and because the straps won’t slide against the pole too much wear is greatly reduced. However, it does not enable lateral belt strap movement within its tool loops.
Inline D-ring
These belts include a primary D-ring set as well as the secondary D-rings which are positioned behind its primary. The belt’s secondary D-rings usually are flared to make snapping in easier when moving over obstacles. The primary D-rings are designed for initial attachment while the rear D-rings offer secondary connections.
Fixed Belt
These belts are fixed and as such don’t enable D-ring lateral movement nor does it offer a belt strap that uses tool loops.
Stacked Body Belts
Stacked body belts feature a secondary D-ring set that is located above its primary D-rings. Because these belts tend to be larger, they provide greater support and are ideal for changing positioning or moving with ease.