Other common "improvements" to the halligan may include:
-Squaring off the rounded shoulder where the forks meet the handle with an angle grinder, allowing the axe to be slid down the handle to strike the forks directly in a tight hallway where it's impossible to swing and strike the head of the tool. This may also prove to be a safer tactic to employ in heavy smoke conditions.
-Adding "depth gauges" to the sides of the adz and forks. Basically, measure up 1 3/4 inches from the tip of the adz or forks (on both sides of the tool) and make a mark, then use a hack saw to etch a line into the tool. This provides an indicator of when to begin "wrapping" the bevel around the door, so the tool isn't driven into the jamb wasting time and effort, and possibly making FE more difficult by splitting a wooden jamb, thus tightening the door. I also add depth gauges at the neck of the fork (top of the U), to provide a stopping point when setting the tool. The neck is the thickest part of the fork, and as such, provides the most leverage for forcing the door. If you wanna be really artsy-craftsy, dip the edge of a paper towel in some safety orange paint, and drop it into your depth gauges to make them easier to see.
-Welding a link of chain to the handle, near the shoulder of the fork provides an attachment point for a caribiner or snap link for rope or webbing, or to link the halligan to a roof hook (also with a link of chain welded to it). Purpose? To provide the ability to quickly drop the halligan through windows from an upper floor the roof. The old rope trick is well known, but often won't provide enough force to break today's energy efficient windows. Attaching the halligan to a hook creates a midevil-style weapon that will develop a tremendous amount of force! We keep a small caribiner attached to our roof hooks for this purpose.
-Welding the company identification directly onto the tool prevents "reallocation" by another company. OK, you're right, it really only discourages tool thievery, but it's more permanant than paint, tape, or decals.
-Adding a grip to the handle... Make basket wrap with solid copper wire (not stranded, it breaks over time and presents a hazard), then cover the wire with a couple layers of black hockey tape (the sticky kind).
I hope this info if helpful, or at least interesting. Be safe.
Chris