When someone mentions “tools” to a firefighter, axes, Halligans and hooks might be what comes to mind first. Of course, there are numerous other tools that are used by firefighters to perform the work that they do while fighting fires and performing rescue work.
What about the other jobs that firefighters are called on to perform? What tools do they use for all of those?
If you reviewed the alarms that a fire company responds to over the course of a week or a month, you would find a wide variety of assignments and challenges. Many of these jobs don’t require the use of the typical “fire” tools—the axe, the Halligan—but, instead, the smaller hand tools that are found in the toolbox on the workbench at the firehouse or in your garage, immediately available to you. When you are at the scene of a utility emergency, you might need some of those same tools, but where should they be?
There are two places that small hand tools can be carried for use on scene: in a toolbox on the apparatus and/or in a pocket of the individual firefighter’s gear. Having tools in both of these locations works best, because it provides for immediate access to a small selection of tools (in a pocket) wherever a firefighter is working as well as access to a larger selection (on the apparatus).
What small tools should firefighters carry to be most effective at the numerous calls where they might be required? We always can start with the most basic tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and locking pliers (often referred to by the brand name, Vise-Grips). Many of the jobs that firefighters perform involve utility emergencies, such as electrical and plumbing issues. Tightening or loosening a screw or a pipe thread are common actions that might be required to handle these emergencies.
Having both the Phillips and flat-head (slotted) screwdriver is a must (both can be accessed via a single tool that has interchangeable tips). A pliers, locking pliers or other gripping tool can be used to tighten or loosen nuts or screw heads and to hold wires or pipes or other fixtures.
Cutting tools often are used by firefighters, too. Obviously, many firefighters carry knives of various designs, which can be used to cut through just about any kind of material. Sometimes, a knife is needed to cut through material to access wiring or plumbing. Other times, burned material that has been extinguished needs to be cut away from the remaining uncharred section. A folding knife will work, but a utility knife often is safer and more precise, because a small section of the overall blade can be exposed compared with the full six-inch blade of a folding knife being the only option. The utility knife is beneficial, too, because when the blade becomes dull, a new blade can be inserted.
Small hand tools also are useful in the event that a larger tool develops a problem. Generators, saws, and gasoline-powered and electric tools can develop fuel leaks, loose nuts or bolts, slipped belts and myriad other mechanical problems. A firefighter who has a tool pouch in his/her turnout coat pocket often is able to quickly repair a minor problem, and that preparedness can materially assist in the firefighting effort.
Other minor but still important pieces of equipment, such as portable radios, meters and flashlights, also can require minor repairs while being used during firefighting operations. Having a small hand tool often enables the crew to continue operating, rather than retreating to repair equipment.
So, you see, our heavy fire tools are designed for structural firefighting, but our smaller hand tools often are used more frequently, and they get the job done with little fanfare.
Where are your small tools?
John J. Salka Jr. | Battalion Chief
JOHN J. SALKA JR., who is a Firehouse contributing editor, retired as a battalion chief with FDNY, serving as commander of the 18th battalion in the Bronx. Salka has instructed at several FDNY training programs, including the department’s Probationary Firefighters School, Captains Management Program and Battalion Chiefs Command Course. He conducts training programs at national and local conferences and has been recognized for his firefighter survival course, “Get Out Alive.” Salka co-authored the FDNY Engine Company Operations manual and wrote the book "First In, Last Out–Leadership Lessons From the New York Fire Department." He also operates Fire Command Training, which is a New York-based fire service training and consulting firm.
