“AWAH-Z2” is a multifunctional pulley named Drill Powered Pulley, driven by an electric drill. Many people ask: why is it called Z2? Here is its birth story.
Inspiration from Work
Air conditioning installation requires lifting outdoor units — small units around 30 kg, large units around 100 kg. During peak season, workers install about 10 units a day. Most workers lift by hand or carry on shoulders, which saves time but poses significant fall risk. Even with pulley systems, it still consumes a lot of energy and time.
Failed First Collaboration
By the end of 2019, Zhang Feng collaborated with a factory to develop an electric drill-driven crane. Over 40 brothers in the AWAH WeChat group purchased it, and it sold well in the market — but it did not meet Zhang’s strict requirements. Cooperation ended, laying the foundation for AWAH’s own production.
The R550 Experiment — A Dangerous Lesson
In 2021, a batch of 3M R550 automatic descenders appeared on the flea market at a very cheap price. The R550 had a hand drill connection port for short-distance lifting. Zhang customized a connection port and sold over forty units. But he later learned these devices are automatic descenders (EN 341:2011 Type 1) — their design purpose does not include long-distance heavy lifting. The small gear is easily damaged and may collapse when overloaded or at the end of its life. Zhang quickly recalled all products to eliminate safety hazards.
The Design Crystallizes
A lifting tool took shape in Zhang Feng’s mind: a one-way pulley that can be easily released, powered by an electric drill, compatible with 10-11mm EN 1891 ropes, installable mid-rope, lifting capacity 150-200 kg, reverse drill rotation won’t hit your face, and overloading won’t damage the rope. This time, he would manufacture it under the name of AWAH. “This was a debt I owed to those 40+ brothers who had spent money but didn’t get the ideal products.”
Successful Second Collaboration
In 2022, Zhang Feng met Zhou Zhiping in Yangzhou, Jiangsu — a fellow height worker engaged in external wall maintenance. Both their surnames start with Z, so they named the product Z2 — similar to “The Two.” They found a CAD draftsman and a CNC machining factory willing to produce small batches. After multiple rounds of prototyping, testing, modification, and the arduous process of starting over after failure, the prototype finally met design requirements.
Crowdfunded by Workers
130 brothers in the AWAH WeChat group each paid 1,000 CNY, raising a total of 130,000 CNY for start-up capital. The original plan was delivery by end of 2022, but non-conforming parts caused delays. The first units shipped on April 1, 2023 — April Fool’s Day. Despite repeated delays, none of the 130 brothers ever requested a refund. “AWAH comes from air conditioning workers and will always be the brand of Workers Working at Heights.”
Going Global
Ryan Jenks, founder of HowNOT2 in the United States and a senior rope devices testing master, spent six months conducting comprehensive testing and evaluation of the AWAH-Z2. He believes it has changed the way of working at height, which is a milestone. He specially designed the English version and named it Drill Powered Pulley. Ryan Jenks and Andreas Riedrich (Andy) from Germany now collaborate to promote the AWAH-Z2 worldwide, making Z2 synonymous with small power ascenders and spreading the AWAH brand story widely.
