The energy, mining, and construction sectors operate under some of the harshest, most demanding conditions in the world. In these environments, machinery is massive, job sites are remote, timelines are tight, and safety is paramount. From assembling wind turbines on remote hillsides to servicing mining equipment deep underground, fasteners must be torqued accurately, quickly, and reliably — the first time, every time.
This is where Cleco’s CellClutch Cordless Electric Tools excel. Designed for field-ready durability and torque-critical precision, CellClutch tools offer a compelling solution to the unique challenges these industries face. With high torque capacity, programmable control, cordless mobility, and Milwaukee M18 battery compatibility, Cleco CellClutch tools bring the power of a full production fastening system to even the most rugged and remote work sites.
Industry Demands: Rugged Jobs, Precision Requirements
Although each of the three sectors—energy, mining, and construction—has its own specialized demands, they all share a few key characteristics:
- Field-intensive operations without fixed workstations or air systems
- High-torque applications involving structural fasteners and critical load-bearing connections
- Harsh environments (dust, heat, cold, altitude, vibration, and impact)
- Need for cordless, durable tools that can be moved easily and hold up over time
- Accountability and traceability for torque-critical connections in regulated sectors
Whether it’s bolting solar panel frames to ground-mounted racks or assembling a hydraulic boom on a 100-ton excavator, the Cleco CellClutch platform delivers both brawn and brains — combining rugged mechanical performance with smart digital capabilities.
Key Features of the CellClutch for These Industries
- Torque range up to 65 ft-lb (CLBA403 and CLBA653 series)
- Cordless operation with industry-standard Milwaukee M18 battery compatibility
- Right Angle and Pistol Grip options for tight, overhead, or low-clearance work
- Programmable torque and rundown stages for multi-step fastening sequences
- LED pass/fail indicators and batch counting to ensure all critical bolts are installed correctly
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity for real-time data reporting (Connect models)
- Magnesium housing and rugged build quality for durability in rough environments
These features enable both in-plant fabrication and out-in-the-field assembly with unmatched portability, control, and consistency.
Applications in the Energy Sector
1. Wind Power Assembly and Maintenance
Wind turbine construction presents some of the most extreme fastening challenges in the energy industry. Workers operate at heights, in unpredictable weather, often under tight installation schedules.
CellClutch tools are used in:
- Nacelle assembly and gearbox installation
- Tower segment fastening
- Maintenance of access panels and drive systems
Benefits include:
- Cordless freedom in tight nacelle spaces or tower interiors
- Programmable torque to match varied fastener specs
- Portability to carry up towers without air hoses or generators
- Data logging for audit trails in compliance with OEM warranty standards
2. Solar Farm Construction
Utility-scale solar farms require thousands of fasteners per site. While often perceived as ”low complexity,” proper torque on mounting systems is essential to prevent failure due to wind load or thermal expansion.
CellClutch tools support:
- Frame mounting and alignment systems
- Inverter and control cabinet assembly
- Installation of brackets and panel arrays
With multi-stage rundown capabilities, workers can secure support brackets in stages, adjusting for alignment before final torqueing — increasing installation accuracy and reducing long-term stress on frames.
3. Power Generation & Substation Infrastructure
In conventional power plants or substations, Cleco CellClutch tools are used for:
- Panel and busbar enclosure assembly
- Turbine housing access fasteners
- Transformer box and structure installations
The low-profile right-angle variants provide access in narrow vaults and control rooms. Batch counting ensures crews don’t miss any fastening points, even in low-light or high-distraction environments.
Applications in Mining Equipment and Infrastructure
1. Mobile Equipment Assembly and Service
Surface and underground mining machinery such as haul trucks, loaders, and drills rely on robust, high-torque fasteners in their powertrains, hydraulic systems, and frame assemblies.
Cleco tools are ideal for:
- Engine cover panels and transmission mounts
- Suspension and axle fastening
- Hydraulic manifold and bracket assembly
Because these machines are often serviced on-site rather than in a clean factory, cordless power is essential. Cleco CellClutch tools can operate without external power sources or compressors, reducing downtime and complexity in field repairs.
2. Processing Plant Construction
When erecting crushers, conveyors, and ore separators, plant contractors need to fasten structural beams, guarding panels, and motors quickly and reliably.
CellClutch tools are useful for:
- Gearbox and bearing housing fasteners
- Conveyor structural support bolts
- Electrical panel and control system brackets
Here, data tracking via the Connect system ensures installation documentation — critical in large-scale operations that must meet engineering standards, safety codes, and vendor requirements.
Applications in Construction Equipment & Infrastructure
1. Heavy Equipment Manufacturing and Repair
Bulldozers, cranes, graders, and backhoes are assembled with a mix of high-torque fasteners and sensitive hydraulic and electronic components.
CellClutch tools offer:
- High torque range for frame and arm assemblies
- Delicate torque control for electronics and control units
- Programmable torque steps for pre-torque + final lock-down sequences
Right-angle cordless models allow technicians to fasten in engine bays, cabs, or behind hydraulic lines — areas often inaccessible with traditional wrenches or pneumatic tools.
2. Field Installation and Fabrication
Right-angle cordless models allow technicians to fasten in engine bays, cabs, or behind hydraulic lines — areas often inaccessible with traditional wrenches or pneumatic tools.
- Steel structure assembly
- Panel mounting on-site
- Anchor bolt and bracket installation
Because they run on the Milwaukee M18 platform, charging and battery logistics are streamlined with many jobsite toolkits. This reduces downtime and simplifies field use — critical in mobile crews or remote work zones.
Durability and Ergonomics in Demanding Environments
Construction and energy workers face tough physical conditions — long hours, awkward positions, and physically demanding labor. Tools must reduce strain while standing up to daily abuse.
Cleco CellClutch is built for this:
- Drop-tested magnesium body resists damage in rough use
- Low reaction force due to mechanical clutch shutoff
- LED indicators reduce reliance on guesswork or torque wrenches
- Tool-only programming simplifies field adjustments — no laptops or separate programming units required
These features add up to faster work, fewer injuries, and better tool longevity.
Smart Assembly and Traceability
Energy and infrastructure projects increasingly require traceable torque data for insurance, engineering, and regulatory compliance. Cleco’s Connect line enables this with:
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (BLE 4.2) connectivity
- Real-time transmission of torque/angle results to cloud or local MES
- Batch counts and serial logging per tool, station, or worker
- Remote programming for job-specific presets and control
This turns Cleco tools into more than power tools — they become integral components of digital construction and smart maintenance ecosystems.
Conclusion
The demands of energy, mining, and construction assembly go far beyond what traditional fastening tools were designed for. Whether it’s bolting the nacelle of a wind turbine, repairing a haul truck in the field, or assembling a power substation under a tight deadline, Cleco CellClutch Cordless Tools provide the torque, control, mobility, and intelligence that modern job sites require.
Cordless freedom, programmable precision, rugged construction, and real-time connectivity make CellClutch tools a trusted ally in getting the job done — faster, safer, and smarter. In industries where failure is not an option and conditions are anything but ideal, Cleco stands tall — delivering power you can count on, wherever the work takes you.
