Best Lineman Body Belts: Sizing, Features, and What to Buy
By Alan Cristoffer, Lead Lineman ·
Your body belt is your office chair on the pole. It’s work-positioning equipment that holds you at the pole while you work. It is not fall arrest. A full-body harness is used for fall arrest (for example, in a bucket).
Sizing
Lineman belts are sized differently from pants. Each brand has its own measuring method (usually measuring where the belt rides, over your work clothes). Use the manufacturer’s sizing chart.
Features to compare
- Width and padding: wider back pads spread the load
- D-ring position and type
- Tool loops, saddle, and holster positions for your hand tools
- Material: leather or synthetic/nylon. Synthetic is often lighter and dries faster.
- Compatibility with your pole strap or fall restriction device
Belts linemen commonly use
| Belt | Link |
|---|---|
| Buckingham body belts | Buckingham at Linemen’s Supply |
| Bashlin EZ Lite and other belts | Bashlin site |
| Weaver lineman belts | Manufacturer site |
| Klein lineman belts | — |
Inspection
Check before every use: stitching, cuts, burns, chemical damage, worn tongue holes, cracked or deformed D-rings, keepers. If in doubt, take it out of service. Follow the manufacturer’s inspection guide.
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