Halligan bar

Halligan Bar

Pick adz

Halligan Tool Case

The Irons12

== Halligan Bar ==

The Halligan bar, also known as a Halligan tool, is a versatile tool used primarily by firefighters and emergency services. It was designed by New York City Fire Department (FDNY) First Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan in 1948. The tool is a multipurpose device used for forcible entry, ventilation, and other emergency operations.

Design and Features

The Halligan bar is typically made of a single piece of forged steel, ensuring its durability and strength. It consists of three main parts:

• Adze: A blade-like end used for prying and cutting.
• Pick: A pointed end used for puncturing and breaking.
• Fork: A claw-like end used for prying and spreading.

The tool is approximately 30 inches long and weighs around 8 to 10 pounds, making it portable yet effective for various tasks.

Uses

The Halligan bar is renowned for its versatility and is used in a variety of emergency situations, including:

• Forcible entry: The tool can be used to pry open doors, windows, and other barriers.
• Ventilation: It can be used to create openings in walls or roofs to allow smoke and heat to escape.
• Search and rescue: The tool can be used to remove debris and gain access to trapped individuals.
• Overhaul: It can be used to check for hidden fires and remove obstacles during firefighting operations.

History

The Halligan bar was invented by Hugh Halligan, who was a First Deputy Chief in the FDNY. The tool quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and versatility. It has since become a standard piece of equipment in fire departments across the United States and around the world.

Related Tools

The Halligan bar is often used in conjunction with other tools, such as the flathead axe, to form a set known as "the irons." This combination is particularly effective for forcible entry operations.

See Also

• Firefighter
• Forcible entry
• Ventilation (firefighting)
• Search and rescue
• Overhaul (firefighting)
• Flathead axe