Forcible entry is a critical aspect of firefighting and rescue operations. Having the right tools, and the ability to carry them efficiently, can make all the difference in emergency situations. For over 30 years, professionals have relied on robust and dependable tools like the Pro-Bar and a variety of axes for breaching doors, walls, and other obstacles. This article will explore essential forcible entry tools, with a special focus on how to effectively carry and manage these vital instruments, particularly axes and Halligan tools, using carrying straps and related solutions.
The Indispensable Halligan Tool: The Pro-Bar
The 30″ Pro-Bar stands as a testament to reliability and effectiveness in the fire and rescue service. For three decades, it has been the exclusive Halligan-type tool used by both the New York City Fire and Police Departments. Every Engine, Truck, and Rescue unit in the F.D.N.Y. carries the Pro-Bar, as do all units within Emergency Services and the Highway Patrol. The New York Fire Department’s specifications are stringent, demanding a one-piece drop-forged Halligan with the Pro-Bar design (PB 30 only). The Pro-Bar meets these rigorous requirements and has maintained an unblemished record of excellence for 30 years, a claim few other tools can match.
Bob Farrell, Captain E-82-L-31 F.D.N.Y. Retired, aptly stated:
THE 30″ PRO-BAR IS THE ONLY HALLIGAN TYPE TOOL USED BY THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. IT IS CARRIED BY EVERY ENGINE, TRUCK AND RESCUE IN THE F.D.N.Y. IT IS ALSO CARRIED BY EVERY UNIT IN EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THE HIGHWAY PATROL. THE SPECIFICATIONS BY NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT ARE RIGID, CALLING FOR A ONE PIECE DROP FORGED (PB 30 ONLY) HALLIGAN WITH THE PRO-BAR DESIGN. THE PRO-BAR SPECIFICATIONS ARE USED BY THE F.D.N.Y. TO MEET THAT REQUIREMENT. OTHERS HAVE TRIED BUT FAILED. THE PRO-BAR HAS A RECORD OF EXCELLENCE WITHOUT FAILURE FOR 30 YEARS. WHAT OTHER TOOL COULD BOAST THIS RECORD…
PRO-BAR 30
The Pro-Bar is recognized worldwide as the Halligan-type entry tool of choice. Its 30″ length has become the industry standard for forcible entry operations.
Expanding Your Forcible Entry Arsenal: Beyond the Halligan
While the Pro-Bar is essential, a comprehensive forcible entry toolkit includes a variety of specialized tools to tackle diverse situations.
HYDRA RAM
The Hydra Ram is a highly favored hydraulic entry tool within the fire service, offering powerful, controlled force for breaching doors and frames.
BLACK MAXX
The Black Maxx tool combines multiple functionalities in one compact design. It features an 8.5 lb striking force head and a pointed blade cutter. A unique nesting slot allows it to interlock with a Halligan tool, enabling users to carry both tools together in one hand. The handle is equipped with an embossed thermo rubber grip for secure handling.
JAKE RAKE
Named in honor of Boston firefighters, the Jake-Rake is a longer tool (44 inches, 7 pounds) offering extended reach and leverage. It incorporates an adz and pike on one end, and a Boston Rake on the other, providing versatility for different tasks. The handle is constructed from aircraft steel and features fire-retardant grips.
BUSTER TOOL & BUSTER MOD
The Buster Tool and Buster Mod offer sledgehammer functionality combined with specialized features. Both feature a 4 lb. sledge face and a rex lock puller with a 14″ handle and Celtex grips. The Buster Tool offers a choice of a chisel end or gas shutoff, while the Buster Mod includes a straight head, carrying ring, and a fork end for added utility.
MAXXIMUS FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS
The Maxximus series includes the Maxximus, Maxximus-Rex, and Maxximus-Mod, providing a range of options to suit different forcible entry needs.
ALL-AXX
The ALL-AXX is a robust 11-pound steel-handled axe designed for roof operations. It features a 6 lb. pickhead on one end and a Halligan fork on the other. The 6 lb. blade can create an opening for the fork to access bulkhead doors. The spike can be used for prying or pulling open roofs. The axe’s top acts as a striking plate for driving the fork. A ring allows for rope venting operations.
The ALL-AXX offers versatile carrying options. It can be hip-carried with a carabiner or used with a sheath and shoulder strap for hands-free transport. It is available individually or as a set with a shoulder strap and leather sheath featuring a 3-inch belt loop.
WEDGE
The Wedge is a compact and helpful tool for forcible entry, made from lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum. This 7 oz wedge includes a hole for fitting a Halligan spike and comes with a 9-inch bungee cord attachment for secure carry.
S & D REX TOOL
The S&D Rex Tool provides dual lock pulling capabilities with a REX Head and a Truckman’s Tool head, enhancing versatility for lock manipulation.
KELLY TOOL
The Kelly Tool is a 30″ bar, available with or without Celtex grips, offering a standard and reliable forcible entry option.
ADZ BAR
The Adz-Bar is an innovative variation of the Pro-Bar, replacing the traditional fork with an adz. The gently curved and thin adz excels at penetrating tight spaces during forcible entry. It is available in 31″ and 24″ models.
THE JONNY-BAR
The Jonny-Bar is a compact (30″) multi-purpose tool designed for interior firefighting operations. Its key feature is a sling, allowing for hands-free carry and rapid deployment when needed.
PRO-BAR 24, PRO-BAR 36 & PRO-BAR 42, JUMBO PRO-BAR
The Pro-Bar series includes various lengths to suit different applications. The 24″, 36″, and 42″ Pro-Bars offer standard Halligan functionality, while the Jumbo Pro-Bar (54″) provides extra reach and leverage for tasks like forcing window gates, roof doors, and car hoods.
ROOF PRO-BAR – Comes with Rings & Strap
Specifically designed for roof operations, the Roof Pro-Bar includes rings and a strap for rope-assisted venting of lower-level windows from the roof.
MINI PRO-BAR & LIL PRO-BAR
These smaller Pro-Bars (20-1/2″ and 16″) are designed for more compact applications. They incorporate an A-type lock cylinder puller in the adz end and a handy pike for tasks like trim removal, padlock snapping, and probing.
Efficient Tool Carrying Solutions: Marry Straps and More
Carrying multiple forcible entry tools can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in emergency situations. Solutions like carrying straps and specialized tool combinations are crucial for optimizing firefighter mobility and tool accessibility.
MARRY STRAP
The “Original” Marry Strap is designed to solve the problem of carrying “the irons” – an axe and a Pro-Bar – together. This strap frees up one hand, allowing firefighters to maintain balance on stairs or ladders or hold a flashlight. The Marry Strap effectively “marries” the axe and Pro-Bar, enabling one-handed carry of both essential tools.
DYNAMIC-TRIO & DYNAMIC-FOURSOME
The Dynamic-Trio and Dynamic-Foursome packages offer pre-configured sets of essential forcible entry tools, including carrying solutions. The Dynamic-Trio features “the irons” – an 8lbs Force Axe, 30 inch Pro-Bar, and a Marry Strap. The Dynamic-Foursome adds a K-Tool Unit to this set. These sets streamline tool selection and ensure efficient tool carry. The Irons Nest mounting system, available for these sets, allows for vertical or horizontal mounting in vehicles or stations.
AXES
A variety of axes are essential for forcible entry, including Pick Head Axes (6lbs), Flat Head Axes (6lbs), and Force Axes (Flat Head, 8lbs). Protective Axe Caps are available for Pick Head Axes to enhance safety during carry and storage. Truckman’s Axes (Fiberglass 6 lbs and 3.5 lbs) are designed for compatibility with truckman’s belts and are 28″ long for convenient carry.
CHROME PICK-HEAD AXES
Chrome Pick-Head Axes offer enhanced durability and visibility.
SLEDGE HAMMERS & MAULS
Sledge Hammers (8lbs and 10lbs) and Mauls (8-Maul, Splitting Maul) are critical for heavy forcible entry tasks. Models like the 8-Maul and Splitting Maul feature 28″ Fiberglass handles designed to fit truckman’s belts, improving portability.
OFFICERS TOOL (A-Tool Kit) & O-BAR KIT
The Officers Tool (A-Tool Kit) and O-Bar Kit are specialized kits designed for officers, providing compact and versatile tools for lock manipulation and entry. The O-Bar kit, similar to the O-Tool Kit, includes a Halligan-like spike and a Kerry key, all designed to be carried together efficiently.
REX TOOL, J-ROD REX TOOL, TRUCKMAN’S TOOL
These tools are specialized for lock pulling and manipulation, offering various features and sizes to address different lock types. The Truckman’s Tool, available in 12″ and 16″, is a versatile multi-tool for lock pulling, gas shut-off, and more.
HAMMER 3
The Hammer 3 is a 3 lb. hammer designed as a striking tool for K-Tools, A-Tools, and R-Tools, offering a dedicated hammer for lock manipulation tasks.
ELEVATOR KEYS, AUTO RESCUE KIT, FREIGHT ELEVATOR KEY, POCKET DOOR ELEVATOR KEY SET
These specialized tools address specific entry challenges related to elevators and vehicles. The A.R.K. (Auto Rescue Kit) is designed to be compact and easily carried on a split ring.
J-HOOK, K-TOOL, R-TOOL
These tools are designed for specific door and lock types, providing targeted solutions for complex entry scenarios.
BOLT CUTTERS & FIBERGLASS BOLT CUTTERS
Bolt Cutters (18″, 24″, 36″) and Fiberglass Bolt Cutters provide the necessary cutting power for locks, chains, and other obstacles. Fiberglass handles offer non-conductivity for added safety.
NON CONDUCTIVE CABLE CUTTERS
Non-Conductive Cable Cutters are essential for safely cutting electrical cables in emergency situations.
THE DUCKBILL
The Duckbill is designed to break even the strongest padlocks, particularly useful for roll-up doors on commercial buildings.
“THE STINGER”, KAYO, ONE MAN BATTERING RAM
Battering Rams like “The Stinger”, KAYO, and the One Man Battering Ram are heavy-duty tools for forceful breaching of doors and walls. The One Man Battering Ram is designed for easy carry and use by a single operator.
GRAPNEL HOOKS
Grapnel Hooks (Assault Grapnel, Drag Grapnel) are designed for reaching upper levels, with models balanced for throwing and rope attachment.
EXTRICATION HACK SAW
The Extrication Hack Saw is designed for efficient cutting, particularly in vehicle extrication scenarios.
SLIP LOCK, SPRING PUNCH, CROW BARS
These tools provide solutions for vehicle entry, window removal, and general prying tasks. Crow Bars with Celtex grips enhance user comfort and control.
Hold-It Tool Holders: Keeping Tools Organized
Efficient tool management also includes effective tool storage and carrying solutions beyond straps.
HOLD-IT TOOL HOLDERS
Hold-It Tool Holders provide a system for organizing and securing tools, ensuring they are readily accessible when needed.
Conclusion: The Right Tools and Carrying Solutions for Every Situation
Having the right forcible entry tools is paramount for fire and rescue professionals. From the industry-standard Pro-Bar Halligan to specialized axes and lock manipulation tools, a comprehensive toolkit addresses diverse emergency scenarios. Equally important are effective carrying straps and organizational solutions like the Marry Strap and Hold-It Tool Holders. These systems ensure tools are not only readily available but also carried safely and efficiently, maximizing the effectiveness of first responders in critical situations. By investing in quality tools and smart carrying solutions, emergency services can enhance their operational capabilities and ensure the safety of both responders and those they serve.
