Introducing The CHOOK™ — The American-Made Combination Chisel & Manhole Hook Built for Utility Crews
Water, sewer, and public works crews need tools that work as hard as they do. Whether responding to a main break at 2 a.m. or performing routine manhole inspections, technicians rely on equipment that is safe, durable, and built to handle real-world field conditions.
That is exactly why Waterworks Tool Company developed The CHOOK™ — a newly refined Combination Chisel & Manhole Hook engineered for high-strength performance, improved leverage, and safe daily use. Designed and manufactured in the USA, The CHOOK™ allows crews to chip away asphalt, ice, stone, and debris that obstruct manhole covers, then lift the cover using the same tool, eliminating unnecessary tool changes in the field.
Why The CHOOK™ Is Changing the Game for Water and Sewer Departments
Manhole tools have been around for decades, but the demands placed on today’s utility crews continue to increase. Covers are heavier, job sites are more challenging, and many manhole covers are partially sealed by asphalt buildup, ice, stone, or roadway debris.
The CHOOK™ was developed using direct input from municipal operators, water distribution supervisors, and utility contractors nationwide. They asked for:
- A tool that could clear obstructions before lifting
- Better leverage for stubborn or sealed covers
- Reduced strain and fatigue during repeated use
- A tool strong enough for daily field work
- A durable, American-made alternative to imported hooks
The CHOOK™ delivers all of the above.
One Tool. Clear. Lift. Move On.
In real-world conditions, manhole covers are rarely clean or easy to access. Asphalt overlays, winter ice, compacted stone, and debris often prevent covers from being lifted safely.
The CHOOK™ is designed to solve this problem in one continuous workflow. The integrated chisel end allows crews to break away material around the manhole cover, clearing obstructions efficiently and safely. Once the access point is cleared, the hook end provides the leverage needed to lift the cover — all with one durable, purpose-built tool.
This dual-function design improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and minimizes unnecessary bending, lifting, and tool changes on the jobsite.
Key Features
- Built with high-strength domestic steel
- Integrated chisel for breaking asphalt, ice, stone, and debris
- Angled hook design for improved leverage and control
- Ergonomic handle reduces shoulder and back strain
- Durable, corrosion-resistant finish
- Compatible with most standard manhole cover slot styles
- Lightweight enough for everyday use, strong enough for stubborn covers
Engineered for Field Safety
Lifting manhole covers is one of the most common — and risky — tasks in water and sewer operations. Obstructions combined with improper posture or inadequate tools can lead to:
- Back injuries
- Hand and wrist strain
- Muscle fatigue
- Dropped covers
The CHOOK™ helps reduce these risks by allowing crews to clear obstructions before lifting, while also providing:
Better leverage
The angled hook reduces the force required to lift heavy covers.
Improved ergonomics
The handle supports safer wrist and shoulder alignment during lifting.
Confidence under load
Forged steel construction resists bending, flexing, and twisting in demanding applications.
Proudly Made in the USA for Municipal Crews
Waterworks Tool Company has supplied American-made utility tools to municipalities for more than 20 years. With customers across New England, the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West Coast, WWTC is a trusted partner for:
- Water departments
- Sewer departments
- DPW and highway departments
- Utility contractors
- Gas companies
- Industrial maintenance teams
When Your Crew Should Use The CHOOK™
The CHOOK™ is ideal for:
- Manhole inspections
- Accessing sewer mains
- Stormwater system checks
- Clearing asphalt- or ice-sealed covers
- Valve and hydrant maintenance
- Emergency service calls
- Utility construction projects
How to Order The CHOOK™
The CHOOK™ is available through Waterworks Tool Company and its authorized distributor network.
Distributor inquiries welcome.
Final Thoughts — Built for Real-World Conditions
In water and sewer operations, access is rarely clean or easy. The CHOOK™ — the American-made Combination Chisel & Manhole Hook — gives crews the ability to clear obstructions and lift manhole covers with one reliable tool, improving safety, efficiency, and confidence on every jobsite.
If your crews encounter sealed, obstructed, or stubborn manhole covers, The CHOOK™ belongs in every truck.
Frequently Asked Questions About The CHOOK Manhole Cover Hook
What is The CHOOK Manhole Cover Hook used for?
The CHOOK is designed for lifting removing and maneuvering manhole covers safely and efficiently. It is commonly used by water departments sewer departments public works crews and utility contractors who need a dependable hook for daily field operations.
How is The CHOOK different from standard manhole cover hooks?
The CHOOK is engineered with an angled hook design that improves leverage while reducing strain on the operator. It is built from high strength American steel features an ergonomic handle and is manufactured in the USA for long term durability. Many imported hooks bend or wear out quickly. The CHOOK is built for daily professional use.
Is The CHOOK compatible with different manhole cover styles?
Yes. The CHOOK fits most standard manhole cover slot styles used by municipalities across the United States. It is suitable for sewer covers stormwater covers and utility access lids.
How does The CHOOK improve worker safety?
The CHOOK helps reduce back shoulder and wrist strain by providing better lifting angles and more efficient leverage. The ergonomic handle supports safer lifting posture and the heavy duty steel construction reduces the risk of tool failure under load.
Who typically uses The CHOOK?
The CHOOK is used by water departments sewer departments DPW crews utility contractors gas companies industrial maintenance teams and field technicians responsible for underground infrastructure access.
Is The CHOOK made in the USA?
Yes. The CHOOK is designed and manufactured in the United States using high strength American steel. Municipal crews value tools made domestically because of their reliability durability and consistent quality.
Where can I buy The CHOOK?
The CHOOK can be ordered directly from Waterworks Tool Company by phone or through the website. Distributors may also inquire about stocking opportunities.
Call 978 639 8130
Website WaterworksToolCompany.com
Does The CHOOK work for heavy or stuck manhole covers?
Yes. The CHOOK is specifically engineered to provide strong leverage for stubborn rusted or heavy manhole covers. Its forged steel construction ensures it will not bend or deform under demanding field conditions.
Can The CHOOK be used in cold weather or harsh environments?
Yes. The CHOOK is built for year round use and performs reliably in snow ice road salt rain and extreme temperatures. Its corrosion resistant finish helps extend its service life in harsh municipal environments.
Why should municipalities choose The CHOOK over imported tools?
The CHOOK offers superior strength longer lifespan and safer ergonomics compared to many imported hooks. American made construction ensures consistent quality and reduced downtime which is critical for municipal crews who rely on their tools daily.
