Switching from manual hoists to MILWAUKEE TOOL’s M18™ Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with ONE-KEY™, Hooper Corporation minimized the physical demands on its workers while making installation much easier and decreasing downtime. Using a cordless chain hoist takes less time to set up and also allows Hooper’s team to get into more tight spaces, increasing efficiency overall. MILWAUKEE TOOL is a benefactor of MCAA25.
View From the Front Lines
In the dynamic industry of commercial mechanical contracting, seasoned professionals like Neal Wallace, a sheet metal foreman with over 30 years of experience, understand the importance of safety and efficiency on the job. Wallace has worked for Hooper Corporation, an electric power and mechanical contractor, for the past 10 years. He oversees midsize commercial HVAC projects, managing a crew of up to 10 people. For years, professionals like Wallace have faced physical strain and safety concerns while installing heavy HVAC materials with manual equipment. However, with the recent implementation of the Milwaukee Chain Hoist, Wallace and his team are now experiencing almost effortless installations, less downtime, and improved mobility.
Before cordless tools, Wallace and his crew used primarily manual solutions, which presented their own set of challenges. Hooper primarily works on midsized to large commercial builds, so using manual hoists often required multiple units, each involving two to four people to operate. This process demanded significant physical effort and a large workforce, which introduced limitations when working with strict timelines and budgets, all while striving for operational efficiency. Other obstacles included a lack of accessibility and maneuverability. Wallace recalled, “We’re supporting the duct underneath with the duct hoists, [so] we have a difficult time getting our hangers in between what’s supporting the duct and the duct itself” when using bulky machinery.
Moving to Milwaukee Tool Cordless Solutions
After reflecting on the limitations and frustrations with manual hoists, Hooper began considering how to make on-site improvements. With the company’s recent decision to fully transition to Milwaukee and their existing investment in a variety of Milwaukee power tools, exploring solutions within the M18 battery system was the logical next step. Wallace added, “I think Milwaukee tools are really good tools. I like the batteries that they have, I like the battery life. … I think they’re about the best in the business.” He also noted, “Hooper is very safety conscious, and they want to buy tools that make our job more efficient.”
With these considerations, the M18 Compact 1-Ton Chain Hoist with ONE-KEY presented an exciting alternative to their existing approach. After a few months of implementation, Wallace said, “I would use them any chance I can get, let’s put it that way.”
Easing Installation
One key frustration Wallace and his crew identified with manual hoists was the hassle and inefficiency of the installation process. The M18 Chain Hoist provided a transformative solution for efficiency within on-site operations for both inverted and standard installations. The Chain Hoist’s one-metric-ton capacity allows Wallace’s team to handle heavy loads with ease, significantly reducing the physical exertion on employees. Fewer people are required to work on each lift, noted Wallace. In addition, the crew “is in total control, which is nice,” said Wallace. “There’s no communication that has to go on between somebody that’s running it on the ground and somebody that’s in the air. The guy in the air can run it and do his work.” Wallace also highlighted that overall, the Chain Hoists are “pretty easy to install, they’re not too overly heavy.”
Decreasing Downtime
Another frustration commonly experienced onsite with manual hoists is the amount of time it takes to prepare for and conduct a lift. With the advanced features of the cordless M18 Chain Hoist, Wallace has experienced less downtime. Specifically, with a smaller crew needed for operation, less time is needed to prepare and set up. Wallace appreciated “the fact you don’t have to string a cord […] sometimes on a jobsite power can be a long ways away,” which is why cordless solutions are becoming more prevalent and sought after by professionals. Referring to the integrated chain collection bag, Wallace said, “It’s nice to have the bag that the chain collects in, so you don’t have that chain hanging down.” Users save time because they do not have to untangle, reposition, and manage the chain as they would with an electric or manual option.
Improving Mobility and Safety
Thinking back to their previous inability to get into tighter spaces against walls, Wallace pointed out that with the M18 Chain Hoist, “We are now hanging that duct from above, and we can get our hangers underneath it.” This flexibility allows for more efficient use of space and easier installation. Wallace added, “The guy can keep it right in his lift with him, so as he moves from point to point, he can take it down and move it to the next spot easily.” This portability and maneuverability significantly enhances workflow onsite. Wallace concluded, “Just a lot less moving parts is what it boils down to,” highlighting the streamlined operation and improved mobility that the M18 Chain Hoist brings to Hooper’s projects.
Wallace also recognizes the safety benefit of using the M18 Chain Hoist. “You don’t have guys underneath a large duct while you’re hoisting it in the air,” said Wallace, which significantly reduces the risk of injuries. “It’s definitely a lot safer to hoist it that way than with duct jacks underneath […] since you don’t have to do as much lifting” Wallace continued, emphasizing enhanced safety and decreased physical strain with the M18 Chain Hoist. Looking ahead, Wallace noted that Hooper is now looking for more ways to use the M18 Chain Hoist and other Milwaukee tools.
For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com. MCAA thanks MILWAUKEE TOOL for being a benefactor of MCAA25 and sponsoring the Wednesday night reception and Awards of Excellence breakfast.
