The Hows and Whys of Fire Hooks: The Most Utilized Tool in the Fire Fighting Arsenal
Today we'll talk about the hows and whys of fire hooks, the most utilized tool in the fire fighting arsenal. Shopping for a new fire hook can be overwhelming because there are so many different options available. When it comes to selecting your new fire hook, you will want to make sure it gets the job done every-time no matter what since lives are often at stake. In an emergency you need to be able to rely on your tools, which is why we are going to break down the hows and whys of fire hooks in today's blog.
What is the fire hook and how is it used?
A fire hook or pike pole is among the most important tools used by firefighters and rescue personnel. The fire hook can be used as a prying or probing tool for finding hidden fires in buildings, trash and brush. It can be used to get around windows, doors and other openings as well as quickly tearing through walls or other material in the way. When you need to cut into ceilings and floors or create ventilation, the fire hook is the best tool to use. It is very versatile and strong making it the perfect tool for breaking up creosote buildup from chimney fires. Some of the specialty hooks available are dry wall hooks, pike poles, roof hooks, salvage kits, specialty hooks and trash hooks. You can find these and more here at your trusted Fire End supply online store. We are going to dive into the differences here so you know which fire hooks and pike poles to add to your firefighting tool kit.What's the difference between the different types of fire hooks?
There are lots of different types of fire hooks and pike poles available. They have evolved and been redesigned based on the specific needs of the region they are used for. Different cities and fire types require different types of hooks depending on environment, burning materials, size, and structure. While some fires are structure and building fires, others are purely environmental such as brush or forest fires. There are car fires and vehicle fires that also require their own types of fire hook and pry bars.Fire hooks, parts and uses explained.
A typical fire hook will be made up of the pole and a different tool on each end. They can be equipped with a handle, ram knobs, prying tools, rakes, chisels, sounding balls or points. They get their name "fire hooks" due to the fact they almost always have one end with a hook. Over the years these tools have been made using various materials such as steel, fiberglass, iron and other durable fire resistant materials. Newer designs will provide lighter weight tools and more ergonomic utility. Let's break down the uses of each tool end so you can decide which best suites your needs. We have another article based on tool needs by location that you can read here.Fire Hooks:
As we mentioned every fire hook tool will have a hook or claw on at least one of the ends. This is used for grabbing, tearing, moving materials, and is typically forged out of iron or steel. Here are the 7 most common types of fire hooks available.- All-purpose fire hook - The most versatile hook used in the fire service today. This hook has many uses, from opening ceilings, walls, floors, moldings, and casings to the rapid removal of wood, lath and plaster, tin and sheet metal, plasterboard, fiberboard, and sheetrock.
- Fire T-hook -Specifically designed for residential roof work, this hook has (2) sharp teeth at each end of the T-head make penetration of 90 lbs to 180 lbs roof with little effort.
- Roof hook - Specialized for removing roofing materials like tiles, shingles and wood for access and ventilation.
- Drywall hook - The blade on the back of the head is sharpened on each end and is designed to quickly pierce drywall. The head is then turned around so the operator can dig into the wall with the aggressive teeth and rip large pieces of material away as needed.
- Rake hook - Great tool for ripping off tile and shingle roofs and raking through debris.
- Trash hook - Specialized for finding smoldering fires in deep pockets of debris and materials.
- Chimney hook -The chimney hook is designed to break up creosote build-up after the fire is put out.
Secondary Fire Hook Tools:
Here are the 4 most common secondary tools you can select from when purchasing your new fire hook. This would be the tool on the other end opposite your fire hook. Some are designed to go with specific hooks due to common uses and location of use. Some you can mix and match based on your personal needs.- Pry-bars - Also known as crowbars and pinch bars are used for prying off and open materials such as doors, windows and flooring. They are also used for pulling two items apart.
- Chisels -Prying or making precise cuts through building and vehicle materials for removal and access.
- Sounding ball - The sounding ball checks for stability in ceilings, roofs, floors and walls.
- Handle - Fire pole tools with a solid handle are used for extra grip and power.
Fire Hook Poles:
The fire hook poles are made from several different materials depending on what they will be used for. They also come in various lengths and thicknesses. The most common materials and lengths are:- Materials - Fiberglass, ash core, steel and stainless steel
- Sizes - Between 4-12 feet long
