Made in the 1940s, this training film (not complete unfortunately) shows the basics of how to install a telephone line drop wire. The drop wire is a cable running from a pole or cable terminus to a building, for example a house. Sometimes it is referred to as a downlead.

Three residential scenario “jobs” are shown. The first is not complete (film damaged); the second shows the linesman placing his ladder directly against a telephone line to make the installation. The third job involves installation across a busy street. The instructions show how to do the installation safely, while minimizing the chance of cable abrasion or sag. At 5:23, a span clamp is shown in use. This device is used mid-span when no pole is available nearby.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com