What is a Halligan tool?
A Halligan tool, sometimes called a Halligan "bar", is a multi-purpose tool used by firefighters for opening walls searching for fire sources and "hot spots" after the main body of the fire is extinguished. It is also used for prying doors during forcible entry of a structure and in rescues from structures and automobiles and even elevators.
The tool was designed by and named after a New York City Fire Department (FDNY) First Deputy Chief named Hugh Halligan in 1948. Chief Halligan recognized the shortcomings of the Claw and the Kelly tool and developed the Halligan tool, which is comprised of three, much lighter components:
Adz – for prying and additional leverage
Pick – for quickly breaching locked doors
Fork – for breaking latches and locks
At the time of its creation, a standard Halligan tool was approximately 30 inches long and weighed about 8.5 pounds.
When a firefighter refers to "The Irons", he or she is most likely including a pickhead axe, a Halligan tool, and a sledge hammer or maul.
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