Solution Summary: Powered Impact Wrench Designed For Lineman
An ergonomically-designed power tool specifically designed for lineman during work in-bucket, on-ground or climbing.
Description:
A powered impact wrench for lineman is designed with ergonomic features for utility work. The anvil-shaped design provides a better weight balance on the tool. It also has an elongated handle to accommodate bulky gloves worn by lineman enabling better tool control. These ergonomic features of the tool can help reduce stressful hand and wrist activities by providing workers a more natural grip.
Drilling and fastening hardware on utility poles with a powered impact wrench that has an uneven weight distribution can cause the tool to lean forward or backward. This can place strain and fatigue on the user's wrist as it strays from an ideal neutral wrist position. The degree of discomfort can also be exacerbated if a user doesn't have proper control of the tool. A powered impact wrench designed for lineman, such as the M18 FUEL™ Hex Utility Impact Wrench by Milwaukee Tool, follows the Prevention through Design concept in which the design accounts for conditions linemen face during their task (figure 1).
Figure 1. Lineman climbing a utility pole and using the M18 FUEL™ Hex Utility Impact Wrench (Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool)
The general method of operation requires one hand to activate the switch on the handle. It also features the QUIK-LOK™chuck mechanism which allows for one-handled bit insertion to switch between socket or drill bit.
M18 FUEL™ Hex Utility Impact Wrench Specifications
- Maximum Torque: 750 foot-pounds
- Maximum RPM: 2,300
- Battery pack: REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 18V
- Motor Type: Brushless
- Dimension (inches): 8.19 length by 14.3 height by 3.13 width
- Weight (with battery): 7.45 pounds
- Chuck size: 7/16-inch hex
- 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL™ provides greater control over output speed and power
- POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers up to 50% Faster Drilling Speed, increasing users productivity Up to 750 ft-lbs. max torque to complete more demanding applications Built for maximum control by providing a longer handle to fit power utility gloves, a Quik-Lok™ anvil for single handed bit insertion, and a lanyard loop for easy storage and transportation
- High voltage rating: up to 69 kV (kilovolts)
- Integrated tether ring for tool security
Risks Addressed:
Stressful hand and wrist activity, and prolonged overhead work, can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of elbow, wrist, or shoulder tendons; or carpal tunnel syndrome, which is compression of a wrist nerve, resulting in finger numbness and loss of hand strength.
How Risks are Reduced:
The M18 FUEL™ Hex Utility Impact Wrench follows the Prevention through Design concept in which the weight of the tool is shifted towards the center. As a result, this reduces reduces wrist strain from as it minimizes the likelihood for the tool to lean forward or backward during one-handed operations. In comparison to an impact wrench power tool with a shorter handle, the elongated handle design on the M18 FUEL™ Hex Utility Impact wrench reduces the likelihood for a user to inadvertently toggle the forward/reverse rocker switch by providing more surface area to grip while wearing high voltage gloves. The allows for full control of the tool and minimizes the likelihood of fumbling with the tool that can cause unnecessary wrist exertions.
Additional Considerations:
It is recommended users follow all manufacturer guidelines before using this equipment to ensure worker safety and compliance with applicable local, state or federal regulations.
Contributors:
Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training
Availability
Milwaukee Tool
To obtain information, visit M18 FUEL™ Utility Impact Wrench
or contact 1-800-729-3878
