Tool for high voltage transmission lines

A tool for manipulating a cotter key held in a socket, the cotter key comprising an elongated member having a rounded end and a split end, the split end comprising a pair of prongs that can be positioned either adjacent to or separated from one another, the socket comprising a body forming an element of an insulator assembly for a high voltage transmission line, the body being shaped so as to form an opening therethrough that includes interconnecting wide and narrow passages, the narrow passage being sized such that the rounded end of the cotter key cannot pass through it, and the split end of the cotter key can pass through it only when the prongs are substantially adjacent to one another, whereby the split end of the cotter key can be inserted through the narrow passage into the wide passage and the cotter key can then be secured in the socket by separating the prongs from one another, the tool comprising an arm having a first end adapted for connection to a handle such that the arm extends from and is parallel to the handle and a second end opposite the first end, the tool further comprising an intermediate member having a first end connected to the second end of the arm and a second end, the intermediate member extending in a direction perpendicular to the arm, and an insert connected to the second end of the intermediate member and projecting towards the first end of the arm in a direction parallel to the arm, the insert having a shape and size that permit the insert to be inserted into the wide passage so as to engage the separated prongs of a cotter key secured therein, the tool further comprising a flange, mounted on the intermediate member, having a concave surface facing away from the first end of the arm, the concave surface being adapted for receiving the rounded end of the cotter key, whereby inserting the insert in the wide passage and pulling the tool towards the first end of the arm will cause the insert to contact the cotter key and to push the cotter key towards the first end of the arm thereby forcing the split ends of the cotter key through the narrow passage and forcing the cotter key partially out of the socket, and whereby the cotter key can be pushed into the opening by engaging the rounded end of the cotter key with the flange and pushing the tool towards the second end of the arm.