Of all forceable entry tools, the "Irons" are probably the most favored by firefighters. Consisting of a flat-head ax "married" to a halligan
bar, the uses of the Irons are many. They are most commonly used to gain access to locked doors and
windows. The halligan
bar has three different prying tips on it. They are a spike, a wedge, and a two-pronged fork or claw. By inserting one of these tips into a door or window frame and driving it with the flat-head ax, the trained firefighter can make quick access through most common types of doors. By driving the spike into the floor, the halligan
bar becomes a good anchor point to attach a rope during emergency rescue procedures. The flat-head ax is also useful for cutting through
windows and doors that may be boarded up. The Irons are carried with a special "
marriage" strap, the blade of the ax inserted into the slot of the claw on
one end, and the handle of the ax resting between the spike and the wedge on the other.
After
Firefighter Steve got to the door and realized it was
locked he exclaimed, "Dammit, I forgot the Irons, again."
