Cup Holder and Tool Organizer Wins Top Prize
Landon Dees, inventor of the product and vice president of the company, says he’s been in the line trade for 18 years, and he’s worked in multiple storms and states. At these jobs, he says it’s extremely hot and there’s an urgent need to get the power back on as soon as possible. When linemen are working in the bucket, however, it can be virtually impossible for them to stay hydrated due to lack of storage. To solve this problem, his company launched the 4NI in summer of 2022 to help linemen prevent heat-related injuries through adequate hydration.
“Nine times out of 10, crews put their bottles and drinks and other items in the control box area,” Dees says. “This is a safety nightmare as it’s equivalent to having a water bottle underneath the brake pedal of your car.”
Making Modifications
By using the 4N1, linemen have a safe place to store their drinks—from water bottles to cups and tumblers. To keep them more organized and efficient, it also includes two XL 50-lb. hooks, which can hold tool pouches, organizers, hoists and larger tools or equipment.
“It solves two safety issues: staying hydrated and not using the control box as storage,” he says. “And it also solves organizational issues that all linemen battle while in a bucket.”
During the field-testing process, the company made multiple adjustments to make it as useful as possible for the linemen. For example, they modified the spacing of the hooks and added UV protectant, a multi-size cup holder and holster applications. The product now includes a multi-sized 44 oz.-cupholder and an extra-large compartment for radios, batteries, phones or small parts. Dees says the response to the product was unbelievable at the 2022 International Lineman’s Expo, which had record attendance.
“We’ve had multiple guys say they’ve been dreaming about a cupholder in the bucket for decades,” he says.
Honoring the Winners
Line Work Bucket Products, and the other two top winners—the Lineman’s Reference XFMR Training Lab from Digital Apprentice (second place) and Electric Duct Dawg E+ from Sherman + Reilly (third place)—were honored at the Lineman’s BBQ along with the category winners. Judges first selected the winners in each category, and then linemen voted for the top three winners through an online survey.
The judges and Top Tools of the Trade voters commented that the first-place tool, the 4NI, was high quality, affordable and versatile in all types of weather. Dees says it a dream come true for his new company to win the prestigious award.
“It gives us motivation to do it again and will hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams and realize anything is possible,” he says.
Editor’s Note: To see a photo gallery of the category winners on the show floor of the Lineman’s Expo, visit www.tdworld.com/electric-utility-operations.
Congratulations to the Category Winners
For 2022, the Top Tools of the Trade competition offered an expanded number of categories. The category winners who exhibited at the Lineman’s Expo displayed a special sign in their booths to encourage attendees to vote for their product for the Top Tool of the Trade. In addition, the T&D World team honored the category winners on stage with award plaques at the Lineman’s BBQ, the night before the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition.
Attachments: 4N1 Cup Holder and Tool Organizer from Line Work Bucket Products
Battery-Powered Tools: M18 FUEL Utility Fencing Stapler from Milwaukee Tool
Climbing Gear: 88FFX Flex-Fit 4 D-Ring Climbing Belt from Bashlin Industries, Inc.
Computers And Tablets: Durabook U11 Tablet from Durabook Americas, Inc.
Hand Tools: Arc Tested BuckHolder Tool Wristlet from Buckingham Manufacturing
Heavy Equipment: Electric Duct Dawg E+ from Sherman+Reilly
Measurement and Testing Tools and Equipment: RT-10 Rope Tester from Greenlee
Safety Technology: AR/FR Cat. 1 High Visibility Safety Vest from Milwaukee Tool
Sealants and Sealing: BuckLube from Buckingham Manufacturing
Training Systems: Lineman’s Reference – XFMR Lab from Digital Apprentice, LLC
Utility Poles and Infrastructure: Transformer Containment Bag from Andax
Vegetation Control: Satellite Vegetation Intelligence program from Overstory
Work Apparel: High-Visibility ARC-Flash Outerwear from Lac-Mac Limited
About the Author
Amy Fischbach
Electric Utilities Operations
Amy Fischbach is the Field Editor for T&D World magazine and manages the Electric Utility Operations section. She is the host of the Line Life Podcast, which celebrates the grit, courage and inspirational teamwork of the line trade. She also works on the annual Lineworker Supplement and the Vegetation Management Supplement as well as the Lineman Life and Lineman's Rodeo News enewsletters. Amy also covers events such as the Trees & Utilities conference and the International Lineman's Rodeo. She is the past president of the ASBPE Educational Foundation and ASBPE and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kansas State University. She can be reached at [email protected].