| Shortened Metal Chisel Ended Halligan Hook & Widened Adz Halligan Tool.....NICE. www.firstonscenephotos.com/FDNY/Queens/Queens-2019-2020/060220-Jamaica-All-Hands/i-2cT8djm/A |
| One of the benefits of a metal Halligan Hook is the head having both a hook & a right angled "adz" type piece....the right angle comes in handy for penetration of a tough ceiling by using a sort of reverse swing...assure that there are no Members in the way as well as any wires or other obstructions then place the head on the floor adz point facing up & use a good sideways swing UP...once you have planted it in the ceiling move toward it prying it vertical .....this often allows you to get a bite & further enlarge the initial hole to get a good start....as said in the previous post inverting the hook can provide an opening also...if you have a chisel end on a metal hook this will give you even more advantage to start a hole as well as other uses like forcing a ferry type expandable window gate while working from a Fire Escape....you can punch the chisel end through the glass & pry the screws while being protected by the window then clear it all out....regardless of what type hook you are using when starting off look at the surrounding area you will be throwing it up from for Members or obstructions then place your feet in one spot & throw or swing it up giving it at least 3 good try's ... if no luck move somewhat either way .. you may be hitting a beam .....by keeping your feet in place you will keep hitting the same spot on the ceiling rather than dancing around & making multiple initial hits..... if you are in a high heat area you can start from a squatting or crouched position & but still remain in the same spot.....regardless of what type hook unless the ceiling is burnt well or there are openings already generally start w/the hook head on the floor & swing or throw it up like you were going to "drive it thru the roof"..... as far as the 20' wooden hook (if you even have one) it of course was designed for high ceilings & is very unwieldy & not a one man job but it has come in handy (mostly before energy efficient windows) to vent 2nd floor windows in a courtyard or rear area that could not be accessed rapidly with a ladder especially by a lone FF....by butting the hook head against a bldg or curb & raising it upside down it could be used to vent windows ....if you were able to raise the head you could easily vent energy efficient's as well & in a emergency a trapped FF could use it to exit a lower fl window....even though it is 20' long it still can be snaked or bent somewhat thru an area a 20' portable may not go like hallways..alleyways...thru a basement ..etc. |