1500' TV Tower

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  • Опубліковано 9 лис 2014
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    Somebody has to change out that lightbulb at the top of those tall TV towers!
    This is tower climber Kevin Schmidt making the climb to the very top of the now inactive KDLT TV analog broadcast antenna near Salem, SD.
    It was a beautiful fall day for a climb and the views are stunning! I would suggest watching at 1080 HD in full screen to get a small taste of the experience.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 9 тис.

  • @mark-dietz
    @mark-dietz 3 роки тому +2389

    I climbed a ladder today to change the kitchen lightbulb, and I didnt even cry.
    Guys like me and Kevin are a rare breed!

    • @jerry18291
      @jerry18291 3 роки тому +28

      LOL funny

    • @CSDM15
      @CSDM15 3 роки тому +21

      Omg I climbed up one stair step and didn’t cry

    • @dylannnnnnnnn
      @dylannnnnnnnn 3 роки тому +40

      Mark you've got balls of steel.

    • @mark-dietz
      @mark-dietz 3 роки тому +16

      @@dylannnnnnnnn Thanks man!

    • @mark-dietz
      @mark-dietz 3 роки тому +15

      @Yes sireee Bob Thats true, but lets not sell Kevin short. He did pretty darn well.

  • @davidmoyar7534
    @davidmoyar7534 2 роки тому +642

    A couple of weeks ago (May of 2022) a tremendous storm rolled through South Dakota, and brought this grand tower down. It was a sad day for the handful of men who have made memories on this structure over the years, me included. I've been in this industry since 1983, and actually work with the guys who made this video.
    Back in the 80s Todd (the video editor) )and I worked with a guy named Kenny Jackson. He'd been at it for years, and was a prototype of the guys who were in the industry back then, absolutely rough & tumble. He'd never have made it in today's more buttoned-down tower world. But he was just what you would have imagined of a tower climber back then. He was also of Caribbean descent, and had some pretty funny idioms. For instance, his warnings were generally of three varieties: "You do that, you'll be good & dead." "You do that, you'll be plenty dead." And, "You do that, you'll be deader than hell!"
    One slow day I asked him what was the difference between good & dead, plenty dead, and deader than hell. I don’t think that the thought about it for more than a couple of seconds, then a grin spread across his face. “Good & dead is when someone drops something off the tower and it hits you. Plenty dead is when you fall off the tower far enough to die.” Then, widening his eyes, he solemnly told us, “But deader than hell is when you fall from so high that they have to dig your ass up before they can bury you!”
    Everyone just fell on the ground, laughing. All these years and stories later, this remains one of my all-time favorites. I’m glad no one was working this tower when it went down. They’d surely have ended up “deader than hell!”

    • @mikemcwilliams7801
      @mikemcwilliams7801 Рік тому +2

      have any pictures?

    • @vikortraining
      @vikortraining Рік тому +6

      @@mikemcwilliams7801 Video coming soon...

    • @user-sf7us6vk5r
      @user-sf7us6vk5r Рік тому +2

      降落傘不能背上去嗎

    • @Dogappel
      @Dogappel Рік тому +4

      its good that's it down. it didnt get used anymore

    • @LuckyCharms777
      @LuckyCharms777 Рік тому +7

      Great story, lol. I’ve looked into doing this before, but can never seem to find an accurate pay scale. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and employment sites indicate $37k-97k, with a median wage of $60k ($29/hour). That seems a bit low for the risks. Is it accurate?

  • @timesurfingalien
    @timesurfingalien 9 місяців тому +31

    I built and climbed these for 15 yrs. Took me all over the world. Best veiw ever

  • @kensteele5139
    @kensteele5139 10 місяців тому +20

    I'm always amazed at the fearless people in this world. I was getting butterflies just looking at the wide angle shots. Sending prayers for your continued safety.

    • @Stickleback
      @Stickleback 10 місяців тому +1

      It`s not about being fearless, without the experience, these workers would have had fear written all over them on their 1st proper climb.

    • @brandonkitchen9229
      @brandonkitchen9229 10 місяців тому +1

      Definitely not too many feminists screaming for equality in this field.

    • @brandonkitchen9229
      @brandonkitchen9229 9 місяців тому +1

      @@AdirondackHomestead 🐒🐒🐒

    • @brandonkitchen9229
      @brandonkitchen9229 9 місяців тому

      @@AdirondackHomestead sorry boy. I don’t send prayers. Figure it out yourself. Boy.

  • @jacksonrhodes1500
    @jacksonrhodes1500 8 років тому +4778

    That moment when he realizes that the tools are still in his truck

    • @rshelley7496
      @rshelley7496 7 років тому +96

      good one..😁....or he is "reminded" that he probably undercooked his eggs this morning😫

    • @johnfranklin4038
      @johnfranklin4038 7 років тому +91

      With drones getting better, a partner can hang a tool from one and fly it up to him... I'd like to be the partner but no way in hell I'm climbing higher than 5 feet off the ground, I HATE heights...
      Those that walk on those glass floors way the hell up on top of skyscrapers or use that glass slide they just built are, in my opinion.. inSANE in the memBRANE...

    • @adriengonz4028
      @adriengonz4028 7 років тому +18

      John Franklin 😂😂😂😂

    • @Sgt.Hartman
      @Sgt.Hartman 7 років тому +12

      John Franklin what a wuss, wouldn't climb a 1500' tall radio tower with very little safety equipment... I would totally do that... for sure...

    • @jamesp13152
      @jamesp13152 7 років тому +39

      Yea, or he drops the lightbulb. Woops.

  • @iviaverick52
    @iviaverick52 3 роки тому +791

    I feel like a parachute should be part of his toolkit.

    • @HPPalmtopTube
      @HPPalmtopTube 3 роки тому +97

      They can't use parachutes, as the shute would get tangled up in the diagonal support cables that keep the tower from collapsing, which would'nt be a problem when jumping from a skyscraper like what basejumpers do all the time... It's possible to avoid the cables if you jump in the right direction (but still not %100 safe), but when you fall off this is usually not the case :)
      Look carefully at the support cables at 1:35, it's pretty hard to open a shute and make it down without it getting tangled on those cables...
      Also, since they use double safely lines, chances of falling off are almost zero...

    • @jeffveron8783
      @jeffveron8783 3 роки тому +12

      @
      Not true. Just watched a video where Bear Grillis jumped off a 400’ foot bridge along with his son and another person. Even I thought that was risky as hell as it can take a chute too long to fully open.

    • @DMDvideo10
      @DMDvideo10 3 роки тому +49

      @@HPPalmtopTube Sorry I'd rather have a parachute and risk entanglement than splatting on the ground...

    • @HPPalmtopTube
      @HPPalmtopTube 3 роки тому +20

      @@DMDvideo10 If it was a useable safety precaution, even if it will not guarantee safety due to entanglement, all these climbing technicians would be wearing one, and yet none of them ever do :) that says enough no ?

    • @bikingchupei2447
      @bikingchupei2447 3 роки тому +1

      @@HPPalmtopTube i mean just jump between the cables, theres like three 120 degree clear zones between the 3 set of cables, and the parachute doesn't even need to be safety reasons, just a faster way to get down, lol

  • @hotchihuahua1546
    @hotchihuahua1546 9 місяців тому +12

    You have to love your job to do this kind of work !
    Having climbed tall trees to do work in my youth , this takes it to another level !
    Also , the building of the Empire State Building and the men who walked the beams , without being tethered , is one that sends chills up my back every time I watch it !

  • @sh230968
    @sh230968 2 роки тому +28

    I visited the CN tower in Toronto, Canada. On the deck, we have the floor made of thick glass tiles. When you look down, you will see the ground level a couple of hundred feet below. I decided to sit on the glass floor instead of standing as if three feet will make any difference. My fear of heights is so bad. Most part of the flights I take, I am really scared. I lose sense of time and my IQ level drops 50 points because of anxiety. Simple crossword or trivia games on airline entertainment system become huge issues for me. Look at this guy climbing an impossible tower and looking all right. Brave man.

    • @molder2233
      @molder2233 Рік тому +1

      Well you’ll be happy to know that you were a lot more than a couple hundred feet off the ground, try 1,100+ feet.

    • @joshuarosen6242
      @joshuarosen6242 Рік тому

      I've been there and stood on it myself. I am also pretty scared of heights but I was amused to see a bloke in front of me tapping the glass with his foot before he stood on it. There were already several people standing on the glass so I'm not sure what his little foot tap told him.
      It does feel like a long way down and that's about 1100' rather than 1500', not that it's any more dangerous.

    • @sh230968
      @sh230968 Рік тому

      @@molder2233 If I knew it was more than a thousand feet, I would have stayed on the ground.

    • @sh230968
      @sh230968 Рік тому

      @@joshuarosen6242 Actually, I stepped on the glass floor softly so that I don't become the last straw on the camel's back and end up breaking the glass.

    • @joshuarosen6242
      @joshuarosen6242 Рік тому

      @@sh230968 Perhaps it was you I saw ;-).

  • @seltaeb3302
    @seltaeb3302 3 роки тому +165

    .."is the picture any better Ma"

  • @erickeller1982
    @erickeller1982 5 років тому +539

    Climber ....Kevin Schmidt.
    Pilot....Joseph Thorin
    Editing......Todd Thorin
    Toilet paper......Angel Soft

    • @drw1926
      @drw1926 5 років тому +7

      Eric Keller LOL

    • @eronacalloway9159
      @eronacalloway9159 5 років тому +7

      Eric Keller .....seems that a Helicopter Ride to the top would of been quicker.

    • @hugolafhugolaf
      @hugolafhugolaf 4 роки тому +1

      @@eronacalloway9159 «would have»

    • @nmnmnm35
      @nmnmnm35 4 роки тому +6

      @@eronacalloway9159 If you knew what the operating costs of a heli and the pilot are, then it would make more sense. Not to mention the danger of landing a worker on the tower, that risk is incredibly high, not necessary at all. The climb is virtually risk free, if done right

    • @Foxtucky
      @Foxtucky 4 роки тому +3

      Had anyone played the exlax cookies prank on Kevin yet? It's a long way down to make a Boom Boom

  • @rollingthunder277
    @rollingthunder277 Рік тому +10

    When I was in college in Washington, D.C. (back in the Pleistocene) I worked as an area tower beacon light changer. And most of the towers were well over 1000 feet and most were guy wire stabilized. The pay was astronomical but the hazards equally breathtaking. All I had to do was change a single beacon and I was flush with cash for a month, at least. All it took was a good recommendation from one station and all the other stations started calling.

    • @joshuarosen6242
      @joshuarosen6242 Рік тому +3

      I know it looks both dangerous and terrifying but is it actually dangerous? I used to climb and I've climbed with way more sketchy protection than this. He had a karabiner on a cow's tail at all times and great hand and foot holds so it's hard to see what could have gone that wrong.
      When you're leading a climb and placing your own protection it's a lot more dangerous and you only have to fall 20m to die so height doesn't really make a difference except to how tired you get.

    • @haitchteeceeeightnineeight5571
      @haitchteeceeeightnineeight5571 11 місяців тому +1

      Pleistocene gang, w00t w00t!

  • @frankwalker9276
    @frankwalker9276 2 роки тому +28

    It's unreal how different people are I could never do that and this guy's up there like it's no problem balls of steel

  • @abdullang5401
    @abdullang5401 3 роки тому +453

    Cant even watch it in my chair, have to sit on the floor.

    • @jeffveron8783
      @jeffveron8783 3 роки тому +4

      Once you go skydiving, not only will you still have a fear of heights but then you’ll also develop a fear of the ground!

    • @nielswil
      @nielswil 3 роки тому +4

      I watched this and felt scared, i was sitting on a newspaper.

    • @billchepil5933
      @billchepil5933 3 роки тому +3

      Hell, I had to sit on the throne to watch it!

    • @BEVERLYPRINCESS90210
      @BEVERLYPRINCESS90210 3 роки тому

      Stability is everything

    • @omobanedonaija6966
      @omobanedonaija6966 3 роки тому +1

      You are correct. For me watching it makes my skill crawl, spooky scary feeling.

  • @myfavoritemartian1
    @myfavoritemartian1 3 роки тому +138

    While I am retired now, I used to be an Ironworker. My grandfather was, my father was, my sons are not. (RN and Genetic scientist) We built bridges, towers, tower cranes and high rise buildings. I spent 25 years at it before changing to a trade more suitable to an older man. Most tower erectors have a light bulb changing service, but occasionally we would get a call to change one. I remember doing it twice. Most towers are not that tall. That one I guessed to be a mid-west area TV tower. I looked and sure enough it was. TV service is a triangle. The higher you go, the farther you reach. Those spikes reaching up above the lamp assembly are lightning arrestors. Note that the tips are charred black from the strikes.
    Oddly enough, when you are up really high like that, you know it is dangerous, but it just seems surreal and peaceful. He picked a fine day for it, as there seems to be very little wind.

    • @thejam7129
      @thejam7129 2 роки тому +7

      Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I am surprised no one else has liked or responded to your comment. I hope you enjoy your retirement, sir.

    • @BSamya
      @BSamya 2 роки тому

      wow

    • @tee6484
      @tee6484 Рік тому +1

      God bless you sure I look up to men like y’all I’m 20 years old and I work for asplundh (a tree service ñ) doing line clearing Im using the knowledge that I’ll gain from this job to become a lineman

    • @andimerkle6924
      @andimerkle6924 Рік тому

      the more kilowatts you have, the further the signal reaches .. old CB-Radio Operator wisdom.. proofed since 1980 . Watts simply replace height and antenna technology

    • @jcee2259
      @jcee2259 Рік тому +1

      If on the Carlsbad Caverns bridge pasted : The Bottomless Pit ; look up to see what looks like a 60/W .
      That light is in fact an electrical fixture fixed upon a carbonate stone cave ceiling. Holding eight toxic
      fragile glass lamps each of which are twelve feet long. I helped climb the cave wall up to that fixture
      with one replacement lamp and help bring the dead lamp down. Assisting a US Park Service Ranger
      was a private party of seven National Speleological Society members who volunteered. To learn how
      many people it takes to see the light.

  • @Nethanel773
    @Nethanel773 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for putting this up.

  • @RickRairdon
    @RickRairdon 8 місяців тому +2

    As an Ironworker I climbed a 1,000 foot TV tower in Mishawaka, IN. I was working for Tesco Tower Co.

  • @odisy64
    @odisy64 7 років тому +3729

    how did that tower not collapse from the weight of that mans balls?

    • @thebeast9869
      @thebeast9869 7 років тому +32

      odisy64 nah fam he has Saftey Equipment he has a vagina

    • @supergangstar1234
      @supergangstar1234 7 років тому +75

      The Beast Saftey Equipment he has a vagina ??? Haha Please dude just stay with your video games people who are doing this kind off stuff are having massive balls.

    • @odisy64
      @odisy64 7 років тому +27

      Bird Place he also forgot that antenna climbers have one of the highest fatality rates of any profession in the US so much for having vaginas on a job that will kill you even with equipment.

    • @meslem99
      @meslem99 7 років тому +57

      The Beast tough guy behind a keyboard. give it a try start climbing

    • @supergangstar1234
      @supergangstar1234 7 років тому +8

      Zander the Idiot What do you mean ? Why would I climb that ?

  • @wesmatron
    @wesmatron 3 роки тому +192

    The most unpopular dad on "Bring your kid to work day"

  • @KC-fb8ql
    @KC-fb8ql Рік тому +1

    You have my respect, Kevin.

  • @thornil2231
    @thornil2231 Рік тому +3

    Beside being in shape and having the technical skill, I believe you have to enjoy it. I would bet this guy go rock climbing on the weekends.

  • @richardvanwagenen5393
    @richardvanwagenen5393 4 роки тому +362

    My dad had a radio station in Provo Utah with a 185 foot tower. I changed the lights on it one day (58 years ago) for the princely sum of $20. My dad watched me go to 60 feet and then walked into the radio station. I never saw him again till I got down. He said as soon as I started climbing, he regretted it hired me, and he wasn't going to watch me fall if I fell! Quite an experience - - 185 feet seems quite high, but this 1500 footer is incredible!

    • @zhsf
      @zhsf 3 роки тому +28

      Nice story, i can't imagine the feeling from your dad, or from you. Respect that you did it!

    • @TheTheo58
      @TheTheo58 3 роки тому +18

      Your dad owned a commercial radio station? Or was he an amateur radio operator? 185 foot tower is up up there!

    • @8avexp
      @8avexp 3 роки тому +7

      Just to put it in perspective, that's taller than the Empire State Building! Not by much, but still taller.

    • @timsweeney6832
      @timsweeney6832 3 роки тому +9

      When the wind blows, and the rain feels cold, I'm just about a moonlight mile, on down the road.

    • @richardvanwagenen5393
      @richardvanwagenen5393 3 роки тому +18

      @@Carbon_Fiber I was a radio operator in the National Guard at the time. I had a pole climbing strap that was sort of like a safety belt. However, as I came to the 1st guy wire, it wass too difficult to keep on hitching it, so I did the last 120 feet without a safety belt. How stupid can you be at 20!

  • @karenielsen4713
    @karenielsen4713 3 роки тому +1401

    Fun fact: When designing a tower like this they have to make sure it can support:
    1. Wind velocity
    2. Lightning strikes
    3. 1200 pound testicles

    • @globe255
      @globe255 3 роки тому +27

      Well, women can do the work too.

    • @larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477
      @larrymasterspowerbuildingc4477 3 роки тому +43

      No lie. Hats off to Kevin "Ton O'Nuts" Schmidt

    • @johnerway7255
      @johnerway7255 2 роки тому +11

      How large of diapers are required? Climbing that high! I was worried just sitting on my can in the chair watching!!! lol

    • @mj4993
      @mj4993 2 роки тому +43

      @@globe255 yeah sure

    • @catman8965
      @catman8965 2 роки тому

      LOL😂

  • @claudelebel49
    @claudelebel49 9 місяців тому

    Beautifully done,
    A work of art, music and visuals ,👍👍👍

  • @dt2745
    @dt2745 2 роки тому +2

    It takes a special person to be able to do that and God bless him

  • @MrRudifly
    @MrRudifly 7 років тому +714

    Talk between this guy and his wife
    Wife: How was your day?
    Guy in Tower: Boring, just changed a light bulb...

    • @philip-at-tube
      @philip-at-tube 7 років тому +6

      lol

    • @TheOnlySaneAmerican
      @TheOnlySaneAmerican 7 років тому +4

      It would be boring after doing it a dozen times. Especially when you know there is zero chance of you falling.

    • @izools
      @izools 6 років тому +17

      there's always a chance

    • @kingwacky184
      @kingwacky184 6 років тому +13

      chance of falling yes, chance of dying very slim because 99% of all that do this have at least one of the 2 safety hooks attached at all time, when they change location of the hooks they remove one and leave the other until they attached the other one again. Falling is a possibility yes but falling to your death not so much.

    • @mrcellophane99
      @mrcellophane99 6 років тому +5

      Looks like he nearly unhooked the wrong one @0:50

  • @ahsanafzal3558
    @ahsanafzal3558 3 роки тому +163

    He's carrying 2 bags. One for his tools, second one for his balls of steel

  • @ppfuente
    @ppfuente Рік тому

    Superb, Nice fly and professional over antenna.

  • @kenbou765d
    @kenbou765d 2 роки тому

    なぜか定期的に見たくなる動画の一つ。

  • @tonyb7779
    @tonyb7779 3 роки тому +357

    As someone who has climbed a 516 foot tower to fit new antennae, I can assure you that going up is tiring but easy. The big issue is coming down and resisting the impulse to look down. Looking down will completley freak your mind out.

    • @seafieldgrant6957
      @seafieldgrant6957 3 роки тому +40

      I did that only 300 ft windy day I would look down and the center of the tower would sway out of sight !

    • @glenbo02
      @glenbo02 3 роки тому +32

      From my experience, the worst part is the pain in your feet from climbing and putting all your weight on such a small part of the foot if you're using a small footprint ladder as this guy is. His feet will be hurting for a week.

    • @zoots15
      @zoots15 3 роки тому +7

      Tony B How long do you estimate it would it take to climb this 1500' tower?

    • @sydneyann20101
      @sydneyann20101 3 роки тому +3

      @@zoots15 I was also curious to know how long that would take

    • @drewlovelyhell4892
      @drewlovelyhell4892 3 роки тому +8

      @@zoots15 About 25 minutes if he climbs at one foot per second.

  • @Sgt.Hartman
    @Sgt.Hartman 9 років тому +91

    I beleive I just saw this structure going east on I90, it was like a line going to the sky. Crazy.

    • @PrairieAerial
      @PrairieAerial  8 років тому +13

      theoretical physicist Yes south of I-90 about 30 miles west of Sioux Falls, that's the one.

    • @Sgt.Hartman
      @Sgt.Hartman 8 років тому +7

      ***** yeah. this tower is quite impressive even from a distance.

    • @droznig
      @droznig 8 років тому +11

      +theoretical physicist A structure going East on the highway? That sure is crazy.

    • @a.a.7348
      @a.a.7348 7 років тому +1

      he's a theoretical physicist, it's only theoretical

    • @Sgt.Hartman
      @Sgt.Hartman 7 років тому +1

      +Marek Kostecki lol, your the second person since I've joined youtube to reference my name. I've been on youtube for like years aswell XD

  • @rocketman-pt8zp
    @rocketman-pt8zp 4 місяці тому

    I started doing this work right out of highschool. Those days we would free climb them. We had a tie off safety strap we used when we needed both hands to work. 10 years of that in all sorts of weather in the upper Great plains was enough for me. Tallest one I was ever on was the 1200' Omega Navigation tower @ La Moore, North Dakota. Started out at $10.00hr and topped at $25.00hr.

  • @NewCastleIndiana
    @NewCastleIndiana Рік тому

    Love that beautiful view, the perfectly flat horizon.

  • @TacoStacks
    @TacoStacks 5 років тому +1779

    "Oh man I only brought a Phillips head screwdriver"

    • @johnbasil7882
      @johnbasil7882 5 років тому +25

      Taco Stacks I forgot my tool box

    • @tonioyendis4464
      @tonioyendis4464 5 років тому +21

      Taco Stacks - i need to take a crap! Something i ate...

    • @canbest7668
      @canbest7668 5 років тому +4

      Great comment!

    • @reducecotwo
      @reducecotwo 5 років тому +3

      They don't just hire anybody for this job, hahaha!

    • @Will831100
      @Will831100 5 років тому +18

      What about when you get there and drop your screwdriver?

  • @ashrafegyptful
    @ashrafegyptful Рік тому +10

    Who watch this after fall movie?

  • @jordana601
    @jordana601 Рік тому +3

    Nossa como ele é corajoso! ! A altura é absurda!

  • @Scarcheex
    @Scarcheex 3 роки тому +685

    I’m so glad he is wearing a helmet just in case he fell😂

    • @TucsonDude
      @TucsonDude 3 роки тому +105

      It's not a crash helmet. It's to protect from falling overhead objects which could injure or render him unconscious. If you knew anything about construction or the trades, this comment would be irrelevant.

    • @uptownla5o4
      @uptownla5o4 3 роки тому +129

      @@TucsonDude who hurt you?

    • @marcosteinke
      @marcosteinke 3 роки тому +87

      @@TucsonDude I think you did not get the joke.

    • @freddelarsson4434
      @freddelarsson4434 3 роки тому +13

      Since there is a double safety line it's very unlikely he would just fall to his death, it's to prevent head injuries if he falls/slips or take a misstep and falls 1m down...

    • @sabayonz
      @sabayonz 3 роки тому +44

      For people that didn't get the joke, jeezzz talking with you must be really boring..

  • @paultrainor4068
    @paultrainor4068 3 роки тому +25

    my palms are soaking watching this dude.

    • @henrygaervell3251
      @henrygaervell3251 3 роки тому +1

      Watch Fred Dibnah clips for more thrills. Bloke didn't have any safety equipment apart from wisdom

    • @paultrainor4068
      @paultrainor4068 3 роки тому +1

      @@henrygaervell3251 I watched that one brother pure class👍

    • @henrygaervell3251
      @henrygaervell3251 3 роки тому +1

      @@paultrainor4068 anyone has balls going up a tower or ladder like that, but Fred is something special.

    • @paultrainor4068
      @paultrainor4068 3 роки тому +1

      @@henrygaervell3251 don’t make them like Fred anymore that’s for sure my man.

  • @Orvulum
    @Orvulum 2 роки тому

    Beautiful!

  • @pjw1016
    @pjw1016 Рік тому

    I routinely worked out of a 60’ hi ranger and once got to ride up in a 110’ truck a vendor brought by to demonstrate. That truck under you looks mighty small when fully extended.

  • @doyoumind9356
    @doyoumind9356 3 роки тому +271

    As someone with a fear of heights I have to say : this is terrifying

    • @youngzeke8913
      @youngzeke8913 3 роки тому

      It would be awesome, watcha talkin about

    • @jerrielnorth895
      @jerrielnorth895 3 роки тому +3

      I'll be doing 1 tomorrow 1700 feet in Alabama

    • @mustang6599
      @mustang6599 3 роки тому +2

      @@jerrielnorth895 I'll be doing 25,000 feet next month.

    •  3 роки тому

      I'm afraid of heights. Yet once I had this crazy idea of going skydiving.

    • @Mrcharles123451
      @Mrcharles123451 3 роки тому +1

      @@mustang6599 not even a building that tall funny guy

  • @thewildboar8289
    @thewildboar8289 7 років тому +550

    He knows that if he falls down, his helmet will save him. :)

    • @dougdiplacido2406
      @dougdiplacido2406 7 років тому +3

      If he had a chin strap. More than likely would fall off before he hit the ground.

    • @vandermint
      @vandermint 7 років тому +1

      Beauty and the beast Christmas

    • @clearingbaffles
      @clearingbaffles 7 років тому

      if there's 2 up there USUALLY one above the other & they are convenient to attach go-pro's to

    • @richardlane4696
      @richardlane4696 7 років тому

      Gene Murphy

    • @Jemalacane0
      @Jemalacane0 7 років тому +4

      It might protect him from a dropped tool.

  • @AmnIraq
    @AmnIraq Місяць тому

    How beautiful these heroes are, climbing great heights. I adore and respect every man who does such dangerous jobs ❤

  • @pitbull2005
    @pitbull2005 10 місяців тому +1

    This guy earns every single penny he gets! Worth watching the film 'Fall'

  • @asandiegoguy
    @asandiegoguy 4 роки тому +819

    Does anyone else’s body react to this video in a primal fear way?

    • @chrisdaigle5410
      @chrisdaigle5410 4 роки тому +36

      I simply could not do that job. No way, no how.

    • @Fnberg744
      @Fnberg744 4 роки тому +44

      Palms immediately start sweating and my whole body pulses like scared to death. So...yes.

    • @QCCSPEEDSTER43
      @QCCSPEEDSTER43 4 роки тому +5

      Robert Ward Yes. 😭😭😭

    • @tomd5069
      @tomd5069 4 роки тому +26

      Can you hear that? It’s my heart. “ *Nopenope Nopenope Nopenope* “

    • @catfishkilla2950
      @catfishkilla2950 4 роки тому +15

      YESSS LIKE A WEIRD NERVOUS FEELING LOL

  • @Matthew-ut6ed
    @Matthew-ut6ed 3 роки тому +30

    My legs turn to jelly just watching. Balls of steel, mate, balls of steel.

  • @lucatosi2933
    @lucatosi2933 2 роки тому +1

    I have a tough time on 40 footers when I’m painting houses. This guy makes 1500 look like child’s play. Unreal.

  • @brucehall8603
    @brucehall8603 Рік тому

    I use to work on a crew that stacked these tall towers. Many pictures I've got from those days. It's no joke stacking steel , and jumping that pole. Woop coming up easy operator. Meat on the hook ,tagging out and bang bang operator coming to earth. Never will forget.

  • @jimmyqballs
    @jimmyqballs 8 років тому +725

    Even if you fall, if you tuck and roll at just the right time you'll make it!

    • @jimmyqballs
      @jimmyqballs 8 років тому +46

      OMG I think you are serious

    • @kayakerodie
      @kayakerodie 8 років тому +18

      +Lars “TheKresh” Neuenberger I have fell many times.....and we practice falls all the time.....we fail the class when we fall incorrectly....they won't let us climb any more if we fail the fall class....

    • @kylehodges42
      @kylehodges42 8 років тому +16

      Zelda OOT reference

    • @dyingearth
      @dyingearth 8 років тому +54

      +Jimmyqballs The key of flying is throwing yourself at the ground and missing it.

    • @jimmyqballs
      @jimmyqballs 8 років тому +12

      And you have no sense of humor or ability to spell dumb you dumbkopf.

  • @crosisofborg5524
    @crosisofborg5524 3 роки тому +114

    In the history of man they haven’t printed enough money for me to go up there.

  • @KrisTheSpecialist
    @KrisTheSpecialist 2 роки тому

    Wow! Thats awesome!

  • @caiobabe
    @caiobabe Рік тому

    Incredible video.

  • @antrigen1480
    @antrigen1480 3 роки тому +43

    I used to work for Steel & Tank Service Co. and this really brings back the memories! We mostly did water tanks but did maintenance on the towers in the wet months. I never climbed a 1500 foot tower though. My record was around 700 feet.

    • @tedmarakas2626
      @tedmarakas2626 2 роки тому +10

      That’s 699 feet more than I could ever climb.

    • @davezobeljr9025
      @davezobeljr9025 Рік тому +1

      i watched one that was 2000 ft up and the clouds were really low. OMG just watchin it made my stomach turn. My god. I could never do that.

  • @stevewebster317
    @stevewebster317 3 роки тому +165

    It`s not the fall that kills you, it`s hitting the ground. Fell off a 60ft ladder once, I was ok though, I was only on the bottom rung!

    • @barbkeen1221
      @barbkeen1221 3 роки тому +1

      😂😂😂😂

    • @wirksworthsrailway
      @wirksworthsrailway 3 роки тому +1

      Haha!

    • @annettegenovesi4012
      @annettegenovesi4012 3 роки тому +6

      Reminds me of an old life's saying: It's not the falling that hurts. It's the stopping.

    • @g3o5d
      @g3o5d 3 роки тому +7

      Technically . . . hitting the ground doesn't kill you either.
      The loss of function in your internal organs after the EXPLOSION of them impacting your skeletal frame from the inertia gained DURING the fall is what will kill you. js

    • @annettegenovesi4012
      @annettegenovesi4012 3 роки тому +1

      Haha Steve; that's funny. Like they say: It's not the falling that hurts, it's the landing.

  • @davidtaylor328
    @davidtaylor328 10 місяців тому +1

    Now this man is something !!! 👍🏻

  • @johntenhave1
    @johntenhave1 2 роки тому +1

    The back of my legs were tingling with fear for the entire video!

  • @John-rw2zf
    @John-rw2zf 3 роки тому +34

    This video is absolutely amazing. I have viewed these towers and often wondered about the people who need to climb them. Now I know. The person in this video looks perfectly relaxed performing this task. It gives me the WILLIE'S just watching this guy up there on my smartphone. I really must take my hat off and applaud this person and others like him who can do something like this. WOW.

  • @chadtheartist5081
    @chadtheartist5081 4 роки тому +230

    Who else is watching this can only climb to the third rung of a ladder without freaking out.

    • @TheGeezzer
      @TheGeezzer 4 роки тому +6

      Third rung! The 1st'll do!

    • @hobens1
      @hobens1 4 роки тому +1

      About 90 percent of the world's population

    • @kenhurley4441
      @kenhurley4441 3 роки тому

      I really get scared on the 3rd rung of a 2 rung ladder!

    • @paesano285
      @paesano285 3 роки тому

      Heights terrifying me😩

  • @sladisciples
    @sladisciples Рік тому

    This guy has my utmost respect. Just wow. Wow.

  • @rftimbo5425
    @rftimbo5425 Рік тому

    Used to climb this as kids! Miss those days man

  • @k.chriscaldwell4141
    @k.chriscaldwell4141 3 роки тому +9

    The drone footage elevates this video. Really cool.

  • @tonyogden8509
    @tonyogden8509 3 роки тому +17

    Thank you Prairie Aerial for uploading this incredible video. Thank you Mr. Schmidt for your amazing confidence and strength. Thanks also to the Thorins for some excellent cinematography and videography.

  • @steveperry1344
    @steveperry1344 4 місяці тому

    i was a lineman for the power company for 42 years, the tallest pole i ever climbed was 60 feet. we would free climb most of my career but i finally got into hitching up the pole with the safety around it. this guy is at another level for sure.

  • @chrisquintrell7116
    @chrisquintrell7116 Місяць тому

    A climb HV towers in Australia but nothing as high as this.
    What a fuckin awesome video and view.

  • @glashoppah
    @glashoppah 2 роки тому +12

    I used to work for a midwestern distributor of tower, parts, waveguide, etc. for the construction and maintenance of AM and FM (including TV) broadcast systems. There were men who specialized in maintenance - mainly changing light bulbs in the warning lamps - who were paid $5/foot for however high they had to climb - and this was in the early 1980s.

  • @keithpurduecroft
    @keithpurduecroft 6 років тому +40

    I would climb it, as long at it was laying on the ground. This man is one of a special breed.

    • @whatsup7202
      @whatsup7202 4 роки тому

      I've done it, though not that high.
      You learn to use and trust in your safety equipment.
      You have the final say.

  • @user-zk3uj7dx6k
    @user-zk3uj7dx6k 2 місяці тому

    When there were old towers in Çamlıca, Istanbul, there were portly person tower maintenance people who climbed without ropes and it took half an hour to climb up.

  • @sonuvishwakarma4449
    @sonuvishwakarma4449 Рік тому +1

    Clean diamond is also here on tower great work bro

  • @WheelorCity
    @WheelorCity 3 роки тому +148

    The guy while filling his timesheet for the day....replaced a bulb....

  • @davidadams3478
    @davidadams3478 3 роки тому +103

    Farmer nearby gets puzzled at why he felt a brief shower on a sunny day.

  • @munchcleveland
    @munchcleveland Рік тому

    Just got this in my video feed after watching the movie Fall.

  • @itsap8974
    @itsap8974 Рік тому +2

    KVLY-TV mast (2,063 Feet) is the tallest one in the U.S. That tower is less shorter then KVLY-TV mast!

  • @myoman1977
    @myoman1977 4 роки тому +26

    I can't tell which causes me greater terror: these height videos or the cave exploring where they barely squeeze through tiny holes

    • @tru816indo
      @tru816indo 4 роки тому +3

      I'm terrified of both but id rather do this.

    • @verulu
      @verulu 4 роки тому +1

      Caves seen to be horrifying but actually they are prettt fun to explore. I did it and wow it was a heck of a time. There was also water so I had to swim through tunnels and hope I had enough air, but the instructor taught us to hold our breath really well so we were all fine.

    • @philj745
      @philj745 3 роки тому

      I feel the same exact way when I watch those types of videos. I'm always mouthing silently to myself "hell effing no."

  • @SilasMoleCatcher
    @SilasMoleCatcher 3 роки тому +7

    Interesting perspectives with the drone.
    Looking directly down from the top to the base of the tower, you get a true sense of its actual height.

  • @DaveMeshtastic
    @DaveMeshtastic 2 місяці тому

    Now THAT takes nerves of steel!

  • @knightlife98
    @knightlife98 4 роки тому +23

    I've always loved how the major farming areas in the U.S., look like a patchwork quilt!

  • @TrueBlueAustralian
    @TrueBlueAustralian 9 років тому +246

    Ohh i forgot the bulb..

    • @JaroslawFiliochowski
      @JaroslawFiliochowski 9 років тому +14

      My guess is they used a drone to film that, maybe they could also use it to send up a bulb?

    • @lucakorteland
      @lucakorteland 9 років тому

      Jaroslaw Filiochowski yes its a drone thats filming at begining
      (I dont now if there is more filmed with because i post this command before theyere climbing

    • @lucakorteland
      @lucakorteland 9 років тому

      Jaroslaw Filiochowski oh the hole video XD

    • @wargarkaz
      @wargarkaz 9 років тому

      Altough it would seem like common sense to lift up a bulb, This is clearly not your average 100 watt light bulb that goes in there. Its probably too heavy lol.

    • @gsh341
      @gsh341 9 років тому +7

      wargarkaz I used to work for this tower company and I have replaced many of these bulbs. They look like a very large standard incandescent bulb and aren't that heavy since they are mostly empty inside. Less than a pound overall.

  • @marcweeks9178
    @marcweeks9178 Рік тому

    Usually I don't see my nightmares this clearly. Thanks.

  • @thomasreaves302
    @thomasreaves302 Місяць тому

    What a view!!!!

  • @TexasGTO
    @TexasGTO 7 років тому +89

    I was leaning back in my chair while watching this and suddenly felt like I was about to fall 1500 feet...

    • @jessemess7598
      @jessemess7598 6 років тому

      TexasGTO imagine if you had a dream about falling off and woke up right as you were about to hit the ground

    • @santhepoopyfard
      @santhepoopyfard 6 років тому

      TexasGTO i saw this comment and i tried it IT WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY SCARY

    • @VCanisMajorisY
      @VCanisMajorisY 5 років тому

      @Andrew Ernyes They just drilled a lake in Antarctica the ice was 1km thick, puts things into perspective ❄️

  • @N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.
    @N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S. 3 роки тому +36

    1:28 There aren't many times when I'd say a selfie is justified, but this is one of them.

  • @coopershortsvideos100
    @coopershortsvideos100 Рік тому

    Dios te acompañe en tus trabajo, amigo Kevin.

  • @drtax1040
    @drtax1040 Рік тому

    Love
    His helmet with the AMSOIL on the side.

  • @richardl.993
    @richardl.993 3 роки тому +19

    I'll leave a comment when I feel better!

  • @swefinn6619
    @swefinn6619 5 років тому +69

    Lucky he has that helmet on!👍 safety first!

    • @Mantis_Toboggan_TrashMan
      @Mantis_Toboggan_TrashMan 5 років тому +2

      What's crazy is I think he could parachute down from the top. But it would be insanely hard to carry it all the way up.

    • @poopsexmontana6560
      @poopsexmontana6560 4 роки тому

      Carry condoms in case of broke-back antennae action?

    • @strickdan44
      @strickdan44 4 роки тому

      :-)

  • @bobsacamano2435
    @bobsacamano2435 4 місяці тому

    I know exactly how this man feels. I climbed up my step stool today in the linen to fetch some sheets on the top shelf. I didn't look down when stepping up, but was terrified and out of breath on the step down.

  • @medlldono6391
    @medlldono6391 Рік тому

    MAN THIS IS SICK

  • @samfisher3272
    @samfisher3272 3 роки тому +33

    Now we just need a cart of hay and an eagle flying by.

  • @ertznay
    @ertznay 5 років тому +303

    Whatever that guy is paid, it isn't enough.

    • @jpbredenkamp5091
      @jpbredenkamp5091 5 років тому +9

      ertznay lol starts at 18 an hour. This is my job haha

    • @jpbredenkamp5091
      @jpbredenkamp5091 5 років тому +1

      So basically $80 bucks to climb this tower 😂 (Canadian dollars so 65 USD)

    • @makai5819
      @makai5819 5 років тому +23

      @@nittyblahblah8939 *INCOMING*
      I would like to see you do this

    • @pantac4493
      @pantac4493 5 років тому +12

      Nitty BlahBlah every job has some inherent health risk, none are worth losing your life over. So most people aren’t paid enough for the hazards they are exposed to. If you have to work for a living then yes, you are forced.

    • @makai5819
      @makai5819 5 років тому +1

      @El Chapo calm down, why are you so mad? The dude was just explaining something

  • @Jayzone702
    @Jayzone702 Рік тому +1

    I had to watch this video twice cuz at first I genuinely thought he only had one harness clip so when he was moving it up it was literally just his strength holding onto the ladder that was preventing him from falling to his death. Then I watched again and saw he has 2 harness clips, and he rotates which one is getting clipped so he always has something clipped to the ladder. Made me feel a lot better but holy hell climbing up that looks so terrifying

  • @shwiftygames7964
    @shwiftygames7964 Рік тому

    My highest bulb change was 550'.....that was high enough for me. Good job.

  • @parampal1707
    @parampal1707 3 роки тому +38

    Salute to this guy who working hard to earn living

    • @psychicspy1234
      @psychicspy1234 3 роки тому +1

      Matt very less for a neurosurgeon,a successful corporate lawyer makes 1000$ an hour,these days youtube streamers making 10000$/stream

  • @jroar123
    @jroar123 5 років тому +282

    I’ve climbed these monster toothpicks in the sky. Of course I was 175 pounds, young and in great shape. Today I have trouble making it up and down a flight of stairs. To let everyone know, at the top, it sways back and forth about 4 feet depending on any breezes.

    • @painkillerjones6232
      @painkillerjones6232 4 роки тому +21

      I always wondered how much "sway' those things would have..

    • @nmnmnm35
      @nmnmnm35 4 роки тому +13

      @J They're probably fine.... Speaking as someone who did the same. You aren't abusing your body in an extreme way, especially if you are in shape. You likely do more damage to your back/hips/knees working on a construction site on the ground . This isn't to say its not easy

    • @cholder1339
      @cholder1339 4 роки тому +8

      Oh hell no , on that shit . Nope I like dirt on my feet 🦶

    • @jpcodnia9133
      @jpcodnia9133 4 роки тому +2

      That must be a very intense feeling

    • @samuelrhymer9718
      @samuelrhymer9718 4 роки тому +17

      W C its 60k per climb twice a year on each tower meaning 120k a year for two days of work

  • @raulrodriguez558
    @raulrodriguez558 10 місяців тому

    You must be legally crazy to be able to do this job. Amazing. Be safe!

  • @sandroglaser5047
    @sandroglaser5047 9 місяців тому

    Amazing.

  • @peteacher52
    @peteacher52 3 роки тому +6

    Gave me the cold shivers of fear just watching him, so cool, calm and collected!

  • @carterbarsoom374
    @carterbarsoom374 5 років тому +5

    Relamping towers requires guts, good boots and good hands.
    Well done my friend..!

  • @otto_vanderballs
    @otto_vanderballs 3 місяці тому +2

    My hands are sweating profusely just watching him climb that last top bit where the steps don’t even fuckin connect fully 😂😅

  • @james1795
    @james1795 2 роки тому +3

    About 30 years ago my crew and I painted a TV tower just outside of Kearny, Nebraska. 1100+ feet tall, comparable to the height of the Empire State Building.

    • @rohitsharma5163
      @rohitsharma5163 Рік тому

      Who cares?

    • @james1795
      @james1795 Рік тому

      @@rohitsharma5163. Evidently you are such a deadbeat, you can care less about anything.
      Maybe you should try something meaningful that you are proud of.
      You need to grow up and get a life. Just so ya know.

  • @Alcohen2006
    @Alcohen2006 7 років тому +5

    Been there, done that ... but in an elevator for the first 1300' . Great job Kevin ! That's what I call LEGS !

  • @paulmcmullan9931
    @paulmcmullan9931 3 роки тому +28

    Very good, that man always maintained at least three points of contact.
    1) a foot
    2) a hand
    3) a safety tether
    This is the same principle people need to use when ascending or descending stairs.
    Always hold the hand rail because you never know if you will slip and fall.

    • @ol_smokey9370
      @ol_smokey9370 2 роки тому

      I slipped on stairs carrying a board and broke my ankle, I hold the rail now lol

    • @wlsnpndrvs8593
      @wlsnpndrvs8593 2 роки тому

      I put even money on there's a helicopter rescue on call or on site because you can't hang from a harness very long before medical complications start to be an issue. Thank you. Great video though, huh?

    • @james1795
      @james1795 2 роки тому +3

      @@wlsnpndrvs8593. WRONG. The harness is very comfortable and can be sat in for hours (an 8 - 10+ hour shift) at a time. Before you make such a lame statement, you need to know what you are talking about.

    • @wlsnpndrvs8593
      @wlsnpndrvs8593 2 роки тому +3

      @@james1795 i won't capitalize wrong, but have you taken MSHA mine rescue classes? then i question your credential to make your challenge to my comment valid. I'm a pro. all you do, is just watch youtube. the lame statement is yours, unless you are educated.
      p. s. thrombosis and septic blood.

    • @davidmoyar7534
      @davidmoyar7534 2 роки тому +2

      @@wlsnpndrvs8593 You have it correct, sir. You can WORK comfortably in a harness all day long, but you sure can't HANG in one, for the very reasons you cited. Especially if the reason you are hanging rendered you unconscious.
      Good companies ensure that every crew truck is equipped with a rescue kit, and every climber is trained and refreshed at least annually in tower rescue technique. Unless the crew travels with a helicopter (like that could ever happen), the likelihood of a helicopter being close enough to perform the rescue before the worker died is so remote that my might as well consider it impossible. Likewise, when the very skilled local fire department shows up with a 100' (or less) truck-mounted ladder, and your worker is hanging at 300', you realize that it is up to the rest of the crew to perform the rescue.