forced entry tools

What are the different types of firefighter hooks?

Firefighters Standing

Firefighter hooks are some of the most versatile tools a fireman can have. Additionally, they make opening-up and overhauling much easier.  Perhaps the best-known fire roof hooks are the Pro-Bar and the New York Roof Hook designed by Bob Farrell, a retired captain with the New York City Fire Department. Other firefighter roof hooks include the Colorado hook, Boston fireman’s hook, San Francisco hook, Georgia hook, as well as miscellaneous fire roof hooks and pike poles. Before we describe the different types of fire hooks, let’s look at their history.

What’s The Origin Of The Fire Hook?

FDNY Chief Hugh Halligan reportedly designed the first fire hook that combined the functions of a claw tool and a Kelly tool in 1948. This tool was called the Halligan tool. Eventually, modifications were made to the Halligan.  FDNY Captain Bob Farrell, with the help of his cousin William McLaughlin, designed a Halligan with a longer, slightly curved adz. This is the design you will see in today's New York Roof Hook. You can learn more details on the history and transformation of the Halligan in this article by Clay Magee. Browse through our huge selection of fire hooks manufactured by Fire Hooks Unlimited to find your new fire hook today.

What’s The Difference Between Firefighter Hooks?

All fire hooks give added leverage to forcible entry when needed. Additionally, they can be used to punch cut lines or relief cuts through drywall and open floorboards to ease necessary overhauls. They’re typically named for the fire department that created them by modifying the original Halligan. Here’s a short description of each: New York Roof Hook: This preferred firefighter hook has a chisel end to use as a prying tool for scuttle hatches and roof doors. It was developed by the New York Fire Department research and development department. Colorado Hook: This fire hook has an arson/trash hook on one end and a NY Roof Hook on the other. Georgia Hook: The Georgia Hook features a drywall head at one end and a NY Roof Hook on the other. Also, it’s one of our most popular hooks. Eckert Hook: This hook is ideal for penetration and pulling, with six sharpened teeth on its underside. Denver Hook: A Gator Back Head makes this firefighter tool unique. It has a NY Roof Hook on the other end.

More Fire Hooks & Bars

Downtown Hook: This forcible entry tool features an Eckert Hook on one end and a NY Roof Hook on the other.
Sounding ball roof hook
 Sounding Ball Fire Hook[/caption] Boston Fireman’s Hook: This firefighter tool has a hooked end that’s great for ripping off tile and shingle roofs. It's no surprise, the Boston Fire Department currently uses this tool. It’s also called the Boston Rake Tool. San Francisco Hook: This entry tool has a sharpened edge and penetration point added to the right angle. You'll notice how a pry end is built into the end of our steel pole versions. Sounding Ball Fire Hook: The chisel end of this roof hook is replaced by a sounding ball, enabling firefighters and emergency personnel to tap on a floor or roof to see if it’s getting compromised or weak in a fire. Fire Hooks Pro Bar: This Halligan-style entry tool is the most-used tool in fire and rescue services today. It’s got fork, adz, and point for effective penetration and leverage. You definitely want to have at least one of these in your tool bag. Understand that this is not a comprehensive list. However, Fire-End carries a wide variety of fire hooks, as well as pike pools, to help equip fire departments across the nation with the tools they need to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. Here, we wanted to highlight some of the top fire hooks available so you can easily make your selection. There are so many great tools to choose from, and we are happy to answer any questions you might have during your selection process.

Which Fire Hook is Best?

We understand that it might be overwhelming to choose which fire hook is best for you. Therefore, our sales representatives are ready to help you determine which equipment best suits your budget and your needs. We encourage you to learn about our fire hook and forcible entry tool inventory and then contact us with any questions.
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