Whether you’re climbing poles, pulling cable, or working roadside in hazardous zones, today’s tools are designed to do more than just get the job done. They’re engineered to make utility contractors safer, smarter, and more productive—and the gear on this list checks all three boxes. From advanced fall protection and rugged wireless comms to customizable storage and smart apparel, here are 12 standout tools and accessories for today’s utility professionals.
1. BuckSqueeze Lite
BuckSqueeze Lite by Buckingham is the latest and lightest wood pole fall restriction device the company has designed and manufactured. Features include a weight of only 3.5 lbs., an aluminum WebGrab that allows for easier lateral movement, elimination of the “spike” to make ascending and descending easier, and a wear-resistant Treblekem Tough Rope inner strap with an energy-absorbing nylon core.
Designed specifically for linemen, this device boosts safety without sacrificing mobility—essential when working at height on poles in unpredictable conditions.
2. Device Mounts
GDS Tech is the latest advance from RAM Mounts. This enterprise mounting ecosystem provides rugged protection, charging, and data sync capabilities. Add IntelliSkin sleeves with their MIL-STD-810G drop protection rating for maximum protection.
Mount tablets in utility trucks, on job site command posts, or inside bucket trucks—where stability, charging, and data sync are crucial for digital plans and real-time updates. Worksites have become dominated by screens, allowing us to have virtually any information virtually anywhere.
But stable, reliable access to that information requires secure mounting, and that’s where RAM Mounts come in with their advanced GDS Tech, IntelliSkin, and a full range of durable mounting solutions.
3. DR-10 - Hands-Free Full Duplex Wireless Communication System
The DR10 is the latest all-in-one wireless headset from CrewPlex. It provides full duplex wireless communications for crews of up to 10 users in the most demanding applications.
The DR10 combines the great sound quality and exceptional performance of the CrewPlex DR10 system with the fit, noise isolation, and flip-up microphone of the SmartBoom Pro headset, but without the wire. Ergonomic buttons and an easy-to-read OLED display make operation easy. Two intercom channels with a dual listen option ensure full communication on site. The drop-in charger and available extra batteries provide hours of continuous use and easy charging.
Whether coordinating bucket crews or ground teams, this wireless system improves safety and efficiency by keeping everyone connected—even in high-noise or high-risk environments.
4. DCD Installation Tools
For 38 years, DCD Design & Manufacturing, Ltd. has specialized in tools for underground and overhead cable installation as well as pullback tools for directional drilling applications. From their headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. DCD provides same-day shipping for most items ordered before noon Pacific Time.
Their master catalog and 11 application-specific catalogs are available for viewing online and can be downloaded as .pdf files.
From overhead line work to underground fiber pulls, DCD’s tools cover the most common and critical utility contractor tasks with durability and speed in mind.
5. Ground Protection Mats
DICA's SlatTrax ground protection mat systems can be deployed and taken up manually from a pallet or with a hydraulic system mounted on loader arms and controlled with auxiliary hydraulics. Available in 36-, 42- and 48-inch widths, SlatTrax can be laid down singly or in pairs to create roadways for equipment and personnel.
The system protects lawns and hardscapes from damage done by skid steer loaders, compact excavators, and similar equipment. DICA offers a full range of ground protection mats, outriggers, crane pads, cribbing and leveling blocks, and sling protectors.
A go-to for utility jobs in residential or landscaped areas where ground protection is essential during trenching or pole setting.
6. BlackLine Flip-Down Bench
The CTech Manufacturing BlackLine Flip-Down Bench has a space-saving design and exceptional versatility. Crafted from lightweight yet durable aluminum, it folds flat when not in use, making it ideal for compact environments such as trailers, garages, and mobile workstations.
The Button Mount system allows for quick, seamless relocation. This flexibility, combined with its sleek black powder-coated finish, ensures both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Ideal for utility trailers and mobile command centers, this bench lets contractors convert limited space into an efficient work zone—then fold it away in seconds.
7. Ball Hex Hand Drive Sockets
GRIPEDGE Tools’ RPT (Rounding Prevention Technology) is at the heart of their new ball hex hand drive sockets, available in SAE and metric sets with a 3/8” drive. The RPT design provides up to 50% more torque on new fasteners and up to 400% more torque for damaged fasteners.
GRIPEDGE Tools has a full line of hex, star, and ball star hand- and impact-drive bits plus T-handles, multi-bit sets, and extractors, available individually and in sets.
Utility contractors dealing with corroded or stripped hardware in the field will appreciate how these sockets grip damaged fasteners others can’t.
8. Cable Pulling Grips, Support Grips, Line Pulling Swivels
Slingco America, Inc. has a full line of cable pulling grips, cable support grips, and swivels for such diverse applications as overhead line stringing, trench cable laying, fiber optic cable pulling and conduit rider supports. They offer swivels in bright zinc plate and galvanized with bull nose options available.
The online catalog lists dimensions in imperial and metric units and provides a convenient tool to match swivels with grips, also in imperial and metric units.
Whether installing new fiber, replacing underground service, or stringing power lines, Slingco’s grips and swivels are built for tough, field-tested performance.
9. Industry-Approved First Aid Kits
Certified Safety Manufacturing, Inc. offers first aid kits, supplies, and refills for use in the shop and at the job site. They have first aid kits and cabinets for industry-related applications as well as Class B kits and cabinets for high-risk work zones.
All products meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI standards as outlined in Section Z308.1-2015 and Federal Specification GG-K391(a), where applicable.
Especially relevant in high-risk environments like utility construction zones, where compliance and preparedness can mean the difference between quick response and chaos.
10. Telescoping Cargo Handlers
Storage is of little use without access, and SlideMaster’s extensive line of stock and custom slides provides that access. Products include customized slide-out trays, tool boards, and tip-down slides. Ordering customized products is easy using their online order form.
SlideMaster also maintains an inventory of aluminum slides in common sizes that ship in 2 days without a tray or 1 week with a tray. Markets they serve include construction, utility, RV, and fire and rescue.
Designed for utility fleet trucks, these slide-outs give workers quick access to tools and equipment—without the risk or time loss of climbing into truck beds.
11. Safety Helmets
Safety helmets (aka hard hats) must be both comfortable and effective, and STUDSON helmets deliver both in full and standard brim, ventilated and non-ventilated models.
Their Carbon Collection is the perfect blend of style, innovation, and protection with Koroyd welded tubes to absorb and distribute impact forces, twICEme chip giving responders quick access to vital in-case-of-emergency information, Fidlock helmet buckle for quick and effortless operation and Ionic+ materials to inhibit bacterial growth.
Created for rugged environments like pole yards and energized work zones, these helmets go beyond compliance to offer next-gen impact protection and emergency readiness.
12. DragonWear Gear
DragonWear from True North Gear is available for next-to-skin, mid-layer, and outerwear products and in women’s styles and sizes. The online catalog features several filters to help in selecting the right product, including certification (NFPA 70E, NFPA 2112, ANSI 107, CSA Z96, and ASTM F1506).
The full DragonWear line includes neck and leg gaiters, beanies and balaclavas, socks, and the Big Easy tool backpack. Perfect for linemen and ground crews, DragonWear’s flame-resistant gear keeps utility workers safe and comfortable in unpredictable outdoor conditions - hot or cold, rain or shine.
In Conclusion
Utility contractors are constantly balancing tight deadlines, hazardous conditions, and evolving technology. The tools and accessories featured here aren’t just upgrades - they’re solutions that help crews work smarter, stay safer, and get more done in less time.
Whether you’re outfitting a new truck or updating PPE, investing in the right gear pays off on every job site.
See Them for Yourself
You'll find these brands - and many more - exhibiting at The Utility Expo 2025 October 7-9, 2025, where construction utility pros can test-drive equipment, explore the new gear, get hands-on with the latest tools and technology, and connect directly with the manufacturers shaping the future of the industry.
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