Halligan+Axe vs. Halligan+Sledge

[Res343cue]

I've had the opportunity to use both, and I know it's been discussed on here before in small tidbits.... but when do you replace your flathead axe with a sledge for use in an "Irons" configuration?

I'd rather carry a sledge all the time with the halligan because if I needed a thin edge to drive into something, I could just use the fork, or drive in the point.... Oh screw it, if I need to get into/through something that bad, use the damn sledge!

So yeah, when do you change it out, if you do at all?

[VinnieB]

Heavy duty doors such as project buildings...Metal on Metal, or heavily fortified doors with multiple locks, were the hinge side might be quicker. Thats when we opt to go for the sledge....but the axe can also gain you leverage the sledge cant such as a caddy-cornerd apt door. The option is up to the irons that day....his experiance and the building will guide his decision from run to run. There is no pancea for this operation.......know your buildings and be aware of your surroundings.

[firefiftyfive]

personally I prefer to carry the axe with the irons all the time. Even when I'm going to the projects. Sometimes you don't need that brute force on the project doors; you just need to finesse the fork around the jam. The only time I like to take a maul is if I have the roof in a project or if a building is all cinder blocked up!

[firefiftyfive]

Hey Vin, I have'nt seen you around here in a while! Anyways why don't you just stick to your thingy that sprays water!!!!

[VinnieB]

Hey Vin, I have'nt seen you around here in a while! Anyways why don't you just stick to your thingy that sprays water!!!!

HAHA.....I love it how you guys scramble when it gets a wee bit hot, screaming "get the line in there...."....waaaaaa.......

[MattyJ]

I've used both. I prefer 8 lbs. Axe/Halligan combo. I think it would be very rare (and I've never seen it) where the difference between a maul vs. Axe made the difference. As said before, if you know how to use a Halligan properly, the axe is enough to drive the tool.

My reasons for perfering the axe; the striking surface of the back of the axe vs. the striking surface of the maul is better (hold the two up against the Halligan and you'll see the difference). The axe can easily be used to keep a purchase in the door while the Halligan is re-positioned. The axe makes a nice Chock for the fire-apartment door, with a long yellow handle to grab and remove it if conditions deteriorate and the door must be closed.

Now this is not to say that guys who use the Maul are wrong. We have guys in my company who use it very, very well. What ever you decide, have a reason for it! Give it some thought, way the pros and cons and make an educated choice.

[firefiftyfive]

HAHA.....I love it how you guys scramble when it gets a wee bit hot, screaming "get the line in there...."....waaaaaa.......

Hold up the line we got it with the can!!!

[VinnieB]

Hold up the line we got it with the can!!!

Yeah...but that wouldn't be a job then.......And I know how you are all about "the can".....

[HFRH28]

Ever thought about a TNT tool?

[MEDIC0372]

You look more like a fireman with an axe...but a sledge will work fine.

[Res343cue]

Ever thought about a TNT tool?

Please tell me you don't mean this P.O.S...



One of the most worthless tools I can imagine trying to use. I know I wouldn't want the hook from the pike end digging into me as I try to use it as an axe, or even trying to pull a wall or ceiling with the axe's blade right there... Just a bad combination, and you still need a second tool to go along with it!

[jethro2636]

Most of the time we use the axe with the halligan, but it depends on the building we're at. I agree the TNT tool only works well on paper.

[27Truck]

Ever heard of a Maul, use that with a halligan then you have a sledge, an axe and your halligan so you can take on anything.

[nyckftbl]

Ever heard of a Maul, use that with a halligan then you have a sledge, an axe and your halligan so you can take on anything.

No, whats a maul?

[Lewiston2FF]

No, whats a maul?

Isnt that where all the teenagers hang out?

[BirkenVogt]

It is an axe with a head that is almost as heavy as a sledgehammer, and the back (striking) side of it is basically just like a sledgehammer.

http://www.cornerhardware.com/howto/ht084.html

Even though I am not all that big I tend to favor heavy tools for most anything. For forcing doors, etc. a sledge or maul is nice because you don't have to swing so fast (on the floor, in the dark, on your back) to apply the necessary force to the Halligan. However for tasks like cutting out a windshield, a maul would be just too heavy. And you would be about dead after cutting a roof with one.

Birken

[EMT257]

Please tell me you don't mean this P.O.S...



One of the most worthless tools I can imagine trying to use. I know I wouldn't want the hook from the pike end digging into me as I try to use it as an axe, or even trying to pull a wall or ceiling with the axe's blade right there... Just a bad combination, and you still need a second tool to go along with it!

We call that a Denver Tool.

[ThNozzleman]

Ever thought about a TNT tool?

I HATE those things. Most awkward thing I've ever tried to drag through a building. We have a few who love 'em, but I don't even think they make good door stops.

[ADSNWFLD]

The tool you grab will depend on the building you have. If the building is frame then an axe will work well. Oh, about the axe get a good 8 lb flat head http://www.thefirestore.com/store/pr...flat_head_axe/ the six pound axe it too light for striking and too light for choping on the firescene.
We have all used 6lb axes, but once you try an 8 you'll never go back.
If your in a concrete structue, block or tilt up etc. then go with the 8 lb maul or 10 lb sledge. There is nothing to chop so why would you bring the axe? Bring the tools that match the building.
How often do you see guys going into a building with a 6' or shorter hook that has 12' ceilings? Bring the tool that you can use, not the one you think looks cool to carry. Also, no closet hooks please their is nothing a closet hook can do that a halligan can't do better. So bring the tool with the most bang for your buck.

[Dave1983]

I sling the irons over my shoulder and carry the sledge in my hand.