Review all things forcible entry with these articles from our FireRescue Magazine and FirefighterNation contributors. Today we look at modifying the Halligan bar with Sam Hittle.
“Fire Department of New York Deputy Chief (Ret.) Hugh Halligan invented the optimum truckie tool by morphing two other tools together. Since the birth of his Halligan bar, it has been modified many times over. Although most of these changes are minor, they have helped maximize the benefits of the tool.
Some of the early modifications included curving the adz and fork as well as lengthening and widening them. Adjustments to the shaft were made by lengthening it for leverage. More minor modifications followed, often referred to as “dressing the bar.” These included adding depth marks on the adz and fork, sharpening the pike, squaring the shoulders on the fork, filing the forks down to a slimmer profile for interior work, and adding “D” rings.
The Bevel
One consideration when dressing our bars for the occasion that has not received much attention is the bevel on the adz. With regards to the forcible entry techniques being taught in today’s fire service, how the adz is finished can impact our outcome.
First, let’s take a look at some examples of what is being offered.”
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