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In the Field with a Service Tech: How the Mighty Probe Supports Everyday Utility Work

April 07, 2026

In the Field with a Service Tech: How the Mighty Probe Supports Everyday Utility Work

Every day, utility technicians across the country step into the field to keep vital infrastructure working and the public safe.

For Grayson Bierling, a service technician at the Holland Board of Public Works (BPW) in Michigan, that means responding to utility locating requests, troubleshooting issues and maintaining the public’s access to water and electric systems — all while working safely, accurately and efficiently.

Like many in his field, Bierling depends not just on his training and instincts, but also on reliable, well-designed tools. Among the equipment that helps him get the job done is the Mighty Probe from T&T Tools Inc., which is designed for utility professionals who need both sensitivity and strength in unpredictable conditions. We interviewed Bierling, who has been in his position for just over two years, to discuss his work and the impact the Mighty Probe has made on his day-to-day activities.

The Service Tech’s Reality: Field Conditions & Solutions

Everyday Utility Tasks

Locating curb box tops (water shutoff valves) by probing the ground
Grounding utility locators in dry or highly compacted soil.
Safely navigating near live electrical lines
Carefully feeling for shallowly buried water lines

How the Mighty Probe Supports the Work

Teaches techs how to feel around underground and know exactly what they are poking at
Plunges deeper through hard topsoil to complete necessary grounding circuits
Prevents shock if electrical infrastructure is struck unexpectedly
Provides reliable, durable performance in unpredictable seasons and conditions

A Proven Process for Utility Safety

T&T Tools supports every stage of the technician's workflow. By following a structured process, crews can ensure they are maintaining public infrastructure without risking costly utility strikes.

Locate: Responding to utility requests and mapping the invisible maze of gas, water, and electric lines.
Probe: Moving from detection to physical verification—using the probe to quickly feel for shallowly buried assets or curb box tops.
Temporary Ground: Embedding the grounding rod deeply to ensure electromagnetic locating equipment functions correctly, even in dry or compacted ground.
Verify & Maintain: Interpreting underground feedback to ensure a clear path for utility crews, maintaining optimal performance for the community.

Built for Unforgiving Environments

When dealing with unpredictable soil and invisible hazards, the right tool makes all the difference. Bierling highlights the features he relies on daily.

Insulated Protection

Built with safety in mind. The tool is insulated at the top to protect the user from shock in case live electrical lines are struck unexpectedly.

“I like that it’s insulated at the top, so in case you hit something electrical, you don’t get shocked”

Unbending Durability

Constructed from high-carbon steel to handle the stress of plunging deeply through dry, hard, or highly compacted soil.

“I like how durable it is and that the rod doesn’t bend”

Replaceable Parts

Features a threaded design that allows technicians to quickly unscrew and replace parts instead of purchasing a whole new tool.

“I like that it unscrews so that you can replace parts instead of getting a whole new tool, saving costs and time.”

Quality Tactile Feedback

Engineered to transmit underground vibrations effectively, making it easy to interpret what lies beneath the surface.

“It has taught me how to feel around underground and know what I’m poking at”

SHOP THE MIGHTY PROBE

Grounding in Tough Conditions

For the electromagnetic locating equipment to function correctly, it needs to complete a circuit between the transmitter and the soil, something that’s not always easy in dry or compacted ground. Bierling could recall several examples of the Mighty Probe making a difference in his work. It has especially made it easier to complete grounding work.

“The length of it helps a lot... If the ground is really hard on top, we can’t locate. With the Mighty Probe, we can go a lot deeper, so that helps a lot.”

Bierling also noted how his skills and confidence have improved since making the Mighty Probe a go-to tool. Referencing his ability to locate curb box tops, he said, “It has taught me how to feel around underground and know what I’m poking at, as far as metal objects go.”

Beyond the Probe: Specialty Lifting Tools

The Mighty Probe isn’t the only tool manufactured by T&T Tools that is used by the Holland BPW. Techs also use the Handy Hook – Single and the Dual Grip Popper. These specialty hooks can be used for heavy lifting jobs that include:

Opening Manhole Covers And Steel Grates
Pulling Skids In Trucks
Lifting riser covers and septic tank lids
Moving machinery and portable toilets

Whether the job requires probing the soil or moving heavy objects, the Holland BPW crew knows they can depend on T&T Tools equipment for reliable performance.

Advice for New Utility Technicians

When it comes to utility work and using probes, new utility technicians should lean on their training and advice from more experienced peers to prevent accidents.

1

Prioritise Safety

Safety is always the top priority. Overall, just watch out for other utilities. We make sure we’re not near live lines when we’re probing around.

2

Quality Tools Give Quality Feedback

A good feel of what’s beneath the surface is invaluable. A quality probe will not only go into the ground easily but also make it easier for you to interpret what you’re encountering.

3

Equipping For The Future

It’s not just about having good tools; it’s about understanding when and how to use them.

Serving Utility Workers Today & Into the Future

Bierling’s work at the Holland BPW reflects what municipalities across the country strive to provide: professional, skilled and timely services that keep public utilities operating at optimal performance.

If you’re looking for additional resources to help you choose the right tool for your job, we’ve got you covered. Our team is always available to answer questions and help you find the best fit for your work. Built for Safety. Built for Strength. Built for You.

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