Manual Forcible Entry Tools
When it comes to making a forcible entry into a fire scene or venting a smoky interior there are a myriad of tools for use. It's important for fire fighters to be familiar with the intended use of each
tool as some have surfaces for striking as well as inclined planes for prying.
What follows is a brief desciption of a few.
Pry (or pinch) Bar
A straight octogonal length of metal, approx. 3 feet long. Thicker at one end with an inclined plane for prying.
Crowbar (or Jimmy Bar)
The classic tool. 3 feet long with one end bent or forged into a 45 degree angle while the othe end is bent around 180 degrees into a split prying surface.
Kelly Tool
A true beast in the world of access tools. A HEAVY length of metal. Handy for ripping up floor boards to get at fire that has gone under. Thick, wide inclined plane straight off one end while the other is shaped like a hammer with a truncated striking surface. Opposite the striking surface is a curved inclined plane.
Flat bar
A flat 3 inch wide length of metal bent almost into a question mark shape at one end. The other end bent in the opposite direction at a 45 degree angle. Clawed at both ends for pulling/prying nails.
Pry Axe
A wooden shaft approx. 3 inches in diameter with metal fittings at both ends. One a wide split inclined plane, the other an axe head with a curved pick on the opposite side.
Hux Bar
Round in diameter, tapers to a pointed end with spur two inches up along the shaft. The opposite end is flattened with punched through receptacles that will fit over hydrant caps before shaping into a clawed half teardrop shape
Halligan Bar
3 foot long straight metal shaft with a clawed inclined plane at one end. The other end sports a curved taper coming coming off the shaft at 90 degrees, 90 degrees from that is a flat prying surface
Source~ Essentials of Fire Fighting, Fourth Edition. ISBN 0879391499