The Z3-Fire is an innovative multi-functional device which combines the features of a drill powered ascender, rescue compliant descender, and progress capture pulley into one compact (8" x 5" x 4") and light-weight (5lbs) unit.

Fully PPE certified to the following specs:
EN 12841:2024-B/C • 30-285 kg, Rope EN 1891-A Ø 11.0 mm
ANSI Z359.9:2021 / Type 4 • 30-240 kg, Rope EN 1891-A Ø 11.0 mm
EN 341:2011/2A – 200m • 30-195 kg; T > -4°C • Rope ARETE Task Line Static Ø 11.0 mm
CE0123

Revolutionary design

The Z3-FIRE is powered by a hand drill AND attached to the operator, solving the problems that other powered ascenders offered BUT at a fraction of the cost. There are NO proprietary batteries or motors to fail, leaving you grounded on a jobsite. And despite being the most affordable, it's the only powered ascender certified as work-positioning PPE — rated under EN 12841 and ANSI Z359.9 for daily rope access work! The Z3 features an integrated dual self-locking mechanism that automatically engages in case of gearbox failure, preventing accidental falls and ensuring operational safety.

The engineer at How NOT 2 solved the mystery on how to get the unique 11mm wheel to be grabby enough to take you up the rope but slippery enough to let you back down. Few devices are capable of going up AND down with the same wheel!

How NOT 2 is the Official Distributor

Climb Aloha is an approved dealer for AWAH products through the US distributor HowNot2 https://hownot2.com/

What DRILL Works Best?

You will only get out of this what you put into it. A good drill will make this tool twice as useful. Milwaukee 1/2" Drill (don't use hammer mode) is our favorite drill but any similar drill with similar torque will work if you are already in those battery ecosystems. DON'T think more is better and attempt to try a giant right angle drill. It's annoying to use and they don't have the extra torque you think they should.

You must NOT use an impact drill as you will just shock the gears and tear them up. We provide 5/16" hex bits that intentionally do NOT fit in 1/4" impact drivers. We recommend a brushless drill or it could burn up the drill by creating too much heat on long ascents.

What ROPE Works Best?

The Z3 is rated for EN 1891 Type A 11mm ropes and each Z3 Fire comes with an 11mm wheel preinstalled. This is what HowNot2 found during tests with this wheel.

Manuals and Certifications

Check the HowNot2 AWAH dealer certification on AWAH's website.

See the ANSI documentation here

See the PPE certification here

See the User Manual here