Halligan Modification: Lock Puller

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jamie Morelock on November 23, 2008 at 10:53pm

Hey Bro,

I cut an "A" tool into the adz of a bar for a fire program...let me see if I have a picture of it floating around. On-duty, I'll look tomorrow.

Stay safe,
Jamie

Permalink Reply by Andrew Brassard on November 23, 2008 at 10:57pm

That would be great brother!!

I have to ask...... how do you like having the "A" tool in the adz?

Thanks for the help.

Andrew

Permalink Reply by Jamie Morelock on November 23, 2008 at 11:56pm

Personally I do not, but that is me and everyone needs to look at all of their options and find what works best for them. I do not like the Pro Bar modified in any manner other than squaring off the corners of the top of the fork. It is not an absorbant amount of material removed but I can feel the difference and it just felt "unbalanced" in my hands. Tom Brennan was an advocate of doing this and that was the driving factor in trying it out after reading it in Random Thoughts. I am neither for or against cutting an "A" tool into the adz. It does create some advantages. Also If someone is going to do this I'd reccommend tracing the pattern from a manufactured "A" tool, carefully using a saws-all to cut it and do all of the finish work and beveling with a good hand file. Save the piece that is removed, if you don't like the modification a good welding shop can replace it. Not to mention the tips were sharp and seemed to poke myself constantly. Sammy Hittle (Witchita FD) has a technique using a unmodified adz to remove the Adams lock cylinder that works for the few time that we'd do this and not have a "K" or "A" tool available.

Andrew Brassard said:

That would be great brother!!

I have to ask...... how do you like having the "A" tool in the adz?

Thanks for the help.

Andrew

Permalink Reply by Rick Fritz on November 24, 2008 at 10:48am

A lot of depts modify the halligan by cutting an 'A' Tool into the adz. I recommend if you are going to do it, have the halligan made with the 'A' Tool all ready in it. The angles of the bevels will be correct! And the adz will be strong!

Permalink Reply by Andrew Brassard on November 24, 2008 at 5:00pm

Jamie,

I thanks for the info brother.

I am not for or against the "A" tool being modified into the adz either, I just like the normal feel of the halligan the way that it is. I also square off the shoulder of the halligan it makes a huge difference when forcing in limited/zero visibility and in tight spaces. I also carry a modified Rex Tool http://brotherhoodinstructors.com/wordpress/?p=81 so I really have no need for the "A" tool to be modified into the adz. I just wanted to know if you used it and what your thoughts and experiences with it.


Rick,

Where can you order a halligan that has an "A" tool in the adz?

Thanks Brothers

Stay Safe
Andrew

Permalink Reply by Michael Bricault (ret) on November 26, 2008 at 1:33pm

-I really like the ingenuity and judging by the photos, the tools created look like quality items; pretty stout. But it does raise a question for me.
-If you need a lock puller, why not just bring the A Tool along for the job? Wouldn't that be easier than fabricating?
-Be safe,
Michael

Permalink Reply by Andrew Brassard on December 7, 2008 at 9:43pm

If you need a lock puller, why not just bring the A Tool along for the job? Wouldn't that be easier than fabricating?

Michael,

Thanks for the reply. The reason that I carry a "Morris Tool" as apposed to just carrying an "A" Tool is because my department is ridiculously short staffed and I only have two hands. I usually carry a set of irons and a saw if I am assigned to force entry in a commercial building, I don't have room to carry a lock pulling tool in my hand. Having a lock puller in my pocket will allow me to carry an additional forcible entry tool all the time, when I need it is right there. For the average sanely staffed department carrying a "A" Tool would probably be a better option.

Thanks and Stay Safe,
Andrew

Permalink Reply by Jamie Morelock on December 8, 2008 at 9:40am

I love this, it is much lighter than a K-tool, more compact, and can be used on a multitude of locks (that the K-tool does not work well on). Knowing what it was like to work on understaffed companies, it is ingenuity like this that allows those in an understaffed situation to accomplish what their fully staffed counterparts do with traditional means. The majority of one-person techniques and multi-use equipment came from firefighters that deal with staffing on a daily basis. This is just another great addition to the cause that all firefighters can benefit from.