Pro tip: flag your load lines with contrasting tape

I was out on a site in Nashville last week and watched an older operator zip through a pick near a power line like it was nothing... he had bright orange tape wrapped every 10 feet on his cable. It gave me a quick visual on where the line was at all times without staring at the boom. Anybody else mark their cables like this or do you just rely on hand signals?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim_davis2d ago

Took an old timer's advice years ago and started taping my lines too. Saves your eyes and keeps everyone safe.

david_palmer2d ago

I get what you're saying about taping lines, but I see it a little different... tape can sometimes leave a sticky mess or peel paint if you're not careful. I've had cheaper tape rip off chunks of drywall even when I pulled it slow. So I still use a laser for a quick reference and only tape right where the cut is.

nancyramirez2d agoMost Upvoted

Kim, your old timer was spot on. I started taping my lines after a close call with a laser on a glossy surface and it's been a game changer for me.