Newbie looking 4 help

[wideawakewylie]

Hello, I work for a smaller department in Texas. While we don't run that many fire calls, I was looking for some advice. I want to purchase a tool, preferrably an axe, that can be used for search/rescue, vent, overhaul,etc... Maybe something lightweight? Ideally I would love to find an axe with a halligen or pry end. Have any of you used the T-N-T Tools? I was also looking onto the Truckman axes which is a small hand tool. Maybe I should go with a a simple 6 pound firefighter axe. Anyway,any help would be great. Thanks for the time and be safe.

God Bless.

[Station2Capt]

wideawakewylie

The TNT is an excellent tool to carry. It is the first tool I grab when I come off the engine

[SAFD46Truck]

Ditto, the TNT takes the place of the flathead axe when have the "irons" on the Truck.

[MemphisE34a]

The TNT or Denver tool is a great 1 for all. My only recommendation is that if you know your mission is to pull ceiling, take the pike pole. The TNT tool gets heavy fairly quickly when using it to pull with.

[CALFFBOU]

Just a side personal note. I am not big on buying certain
big gear items like that to carry around. Most of the time,
the department supplies everything I need to do the job.

Before you go and buy a big, expensive tool like that, please
consider if your FD supplies it first and does it do the job?
If it does, youre all clear and ready to rock.

Usually a good set of irons should do the trick.

[Dave1983]

Originally posted by CALFFBOU
Just a side personal note. I am not big on buying certain
big gear items like that to carry around. Most of the time,
the department supplies everything I need to do the job.

Before you go and buy a big, expensive tool like that, please
consider if your FD supplies it first and does it do the job?
If it does, youre all clear and ready to rock.

Usually a good set of irons should do the trick.

I agree. Perhaps do some research, pros & cons of the tool, and present it to your department. Perhaps they will see the advantages and purchase it for the apparatus.

Weve done that, most recently with a dry-wall puller. If your not familiar, its like a pike pole, but with a wider, sort of claw shaped tip with a raised section on top for punching through ceilings. One our area departments had a couple, so we talked with them about the pros & cons, researched prices then took it admin.

Turns out its the best thing Ive ever used. Rips out hudge sections of ceiling at a time.

[Stick533]

I believe if you're going to buy tools, buy items for self-rescue. Sidecutters (one pair in each pocket), small axe, flashlight, rescue rope, etc to keep in your turnouts. The dept should have most tools needed for on-scene operations, but you'll need other tools if those operations go downhill quick.

[LaFireEducator]

Assuming that you have NO tools on the truck ???? Seems sorta strange ...

To me if you have no tools, the one to buy would be a halligan bar, and if you want lightweight, go with the slightly smaller size. It can perform most of the jobs you are talking about and it also can be used to tie off a bail-out line if needed. Second choice would be a simple flathead axe.

[CaptOldTimer]

I fail to see why wideawakewylie, would want to buy a tool, if he is on a fire department.

Doesn't the apparatus the department have, carry various tools and appliances?? Why not get one of the tools from the apparatus, once you arrive on the scene and carry it.

For ceilings, there is nothing better than a 6 foot pike pole, providing you are operating inside a normal residential house. A 6 pound fire axe works good for walls, floors and other places to open.

Don't load youself down with all these tools, as for the most you can't use but one or maybe two at a time!