We recently delivered eight Alki EB-S 150 cordless nut runners to a leading company in the installation of high-voltage transmission towers. The machines are being used in the construction of a new type of tower for the Dutch power grid. This is a good opportunity to take a moment to consider what this type of tool does, why it works, and why choosing a strong German brand in this segment is no coincidence.

 

Why controlled tightening isn't a luxury

A high-voltage transmission tower consists of hundreds of bolts and nuts that together provide the structure with its rigidity and load-bearing capacity. Each bolted joint must be tightened within a precisely specified torque range. If it is too loose, the joint may eventually give way under wind loads. If it is too tight, you risk overloading the bolt or damaging the coating.

In structural engineering, controlled tightening is therefore not an option but a requirement. Yet in practice, it is not always easy to implement this consistently on a construction site. At heights of dozens of meters, in changing weather conditions, with a crew that has to keep working. That is where tools not designed for these conditions come back to haunt you.

 

The Alki EB-S 150 in this application

The Alki EB-S 150 is a battery-powered impact wrench designed for heavy-duty industrial applications where high torque and reliability are essential. With a torque range of 150–1,400 Nm and a weight of 5.3 kg, the tool is specifically tailored for the type of work typically found in mast construction. A number of features make this type of tool ideally suited for this application:

Controlled tightening torque. The set torque is achieved with precision, without the operator having to rely solely on feel or experience. This ensures consistency and, importantly, the ability to document the connection. In an era where clients and certifying bodies are increasingly demanding verifiable quality, this is a key feature.

Battery-powered. No cables, no air hoses, no compressor at the base of the mast. An operator can move freely at height without worrying about hoses getting caught or having to carry them between workstations. The two included 18V / 5.2Ah Li-Ion batteries can power up to 360 screw connections per battery (depending on bolt type and torque applied), allowing a crew to work through a full day without the power supply limiting productivity.

Ease of use. A nut runner is sometimes used for hours on end. On such days, weight, balance, and ease of operation make a big difference to the operator. The EB-S 150 was designed with this in mind, featuring ergonomics that remain comfortable even after a long day on the mast.

Durability. Construction sites are not controlled factory environments. Tools used in these settings must be able to withstand dust, rain, impacts, and fluctuating temperatures. The German engineering behind the Alkitronic brand has stood for this for years.

 

The Alki brand

Alkitronic GmbH is a German manufacturer with 42 years of experience in industrial tightening technology. The brand specializes in mechanical and electric nut runners for heavy-duty applications, ranging from steel structures and bridge construction to wind turbines and energy infrastructure. What sets Alki apart is the combination of technical precision, durability, and a focus on practicality: tools that must perform on the job site, day in and day out.

In a market where many brands compete primarily on specifications, Alki stands out for the ruggedness and durability of its machines. That is exactly what users in these applications value, because if a tool stops working, an entire crew can quickly come to a standstill. And you can’t just get a crew working at heights of dozens of meters back up and running again.

 

What this project says about the market

The delivery of these eight machines is not an isolated event. We are seeing a clear shift in the market toward tools that combine both productivity and traceability. Clients in the energy infrastructure sector not only want to know that a connection has been properly tightened, but also want to be able to demonstrate at what torque, at what time, and by which operator.

Battery-powered torque wrenches with adjustable and displayable torque settings fit perfectly into this trend. For specialists in mast construction, wind energy, and infrastructure, this means that choosing the right tool is not just a matter of productivity, but also a quality decision that is reflected in the final result.

 

Finally

For Archey, a delivery like this is more than just a transaction. It confirms that our customers count on us when it matters most, and that they trust our combination of the right brand, the right machine, and the right advice. The eight Alki EB-S 150 machines are now on their way to the construction site. The masts are ready to be raised.

Want to learn more about the Alki EB-S 150 or other cordless impact wrenches?