Cutting down a transmission tower with a torch - GIF

**Altair** · Feb 21, 2021, 08:27 PM

Cutting down a transmission tower with a cutting torch.

Previously:

Failed tower demolition - GIF
Demolishing a 300-foot electrical tower by cutting the guy-wires - GIF
Excavator chimney demolition gone wrong - GIF
Electrical tower fire and collapse on busy street - GIF
Electrical pole burns through and explodes - GIF

**hemmjo** · Feb 23, 2021, 09:31 AM

It is a bit unsettling how easy to topple and difficult/time consuming to replace such IMPORTANT parts of our infrastructure.

**sossol** · Apr 12, 2025, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by hemmjo

It is a bit unsettling how easy to topple and difficult/time consuming to replace such IMPORTANT parts of our infrastructure.

Not that easy. We only see the last cut. The other three legs were cut first. I'm sure that if it were still attached to the lines it wouldn't be good, but also wouldn't fall over like that.

Neil

**hemmjo** · Apr 12, 2025, 11:13 AM

Yes but the other 11 cuts, total of 12 to complete the task are just as easy as that last cut was. About 15 minutes with skilled hands and $500 work of equipment, or free equipment if someone intent on destruction steals a rig. Even if it does not fall right then, it will the next big wind.

**Floradawg** · Apr 12, 2025, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by hemmjo

Yes but the other 11 cuts, total of 12 to complete the task are just as easy as that last cut was. About 15 minutes with skilled hands and $500 work of equipment, or free equipment if someone intent on destruction steals a rig. Even if it does not fall right then, it will the next big wind.

Or with cordless angle grinders with a cutting disc all sorts of mayhem are possible. I think about that sort of stuff from time to time.

**ductape** · Apr 12, 2025, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Floradawg

Or with cordless angle grinders with a cutting disc all sorts of mayhem are possible. I think about that sort of stuff from time to time.

Two of the best and worst things invented recently are the cordless versions of grinders and reciprocating saws. Very convenient for making quick cuts without the bother of an extension cord. Also really useful for causing chaos for those with bad intentions.

**KPL** · Mar 9, 2021, 03:20 AM

I would love to harvest some of that angle iron

**sossol** · Apr 12, 2025, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by hemmjo

It is a bit unsettling how easy to topple and difficult/time consuming to replace such IMPORTANT parts of our infrastructure.

Not that easy. We only see the last cut. The other three legs were cut first. I'm sure that if it were still attached to the lines it wouldn't be good, but also wouldn't fall over like that.

Neil