Do you like pistol grips on the nozzle or no?  This video explains why I do not.  Also, how do you think the back-up firefighter should position himself in relation to the nozzle firefighter?

Nozzle & Back-up Techniques Video


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I absolutely hate pistol grips on nozzles.  If I had my way, I would take a hacksaw and cut every one off of every nozzle we have and whoever invented the pistol grip should be brought up on charges.  We instruct our new members not to use the pistol grip.  Using the pistol grip encourages bad nozzleman technique, increases fatique, and limits the ability to sweep and control the nozzle.

As far as the back up firefighter, we do not have the luxury of having enough manpower to have a nozzleman, back up fire fighter,  and an Engine Officer on the line.  With us the Engine Officer is the back up firefighter and we place him/her at least an arm's length behind the nozzleman and on the same side of the hose line. 

About the only thing I like about the pistol grip is that it gives you something to grab easy if the line falls back, when you shut down the flow or when you are fatigued.

But in my opinion, you have better control of the hose and stream further back as suggested in the video.

If you don't like the pistol grip, DON'T USE IT!  Frankly, the I would cut it off with a hacksaw and bring the inventor up on charges is very dramatic, yet meaningless.  YOU don't get tp pick what your department uses unless you are the chief.  Your only choice is to use what is supplied to the best of your ability.  It is very simple to slide your hands back and NOT use the pistol grip, or just as easy to use the pistol grip, personal choice.

 

The pistol grip doesn't do anything.  If the nozzle man has bad technique, increased fatigue, and limited control and ability to move the nozzle that is due to POOR training and laziness, not the equipment.

 

I have been using pistol grip nozzles for over 20 years and never experienced the problems you have listed.  But then again, I used the pistol grip when appropriate and slid my hands back onto the hose when that was appropriate.  The pistol grip neve stopped me from making that choice.

 

On my career job I am so used to being at the nozzle by myself that I feel crowded when the back up man is within 6 or 8 feet of me.  I can handle the nozzle alone, just make sure I have enough hose to do the job. 

i like pistol grips on the nozzle

 

i am looking for short model nozzle 2.5". Maybe somebody, institution/station or private can help me for do donation for second nozzle in good condition. very hard to find fire equipment in my city. if i contact jakarta or surabaya city in java, WOW, they have very expensive price, i can not buy it and i do not know where the good quality of that goods.

last week i buyed aluminium nozzle made in indonesia for Rp 480.000 = (USD 1 = Rp 10.000), just can buy it from my pocket. i do not know that quality just testing it. the nozzle not yet arrive to me maybe next week.

Just because it has a pistol grip doesn't mean that you need to keep your hand on that grip. It is handy to get a hold of the nozzle at times.

Anybody want to share donation for nozzle pistol second 2.5'? Thanks.

This is a general comment and not directed at any one specific poster.

I can't help but laugh at the dramatic "we must remove the blight of pistol grip nozzles because people aren't using them right."  Is that the answer to every training issue?  If there is a problem eliminate the piece of equipment instead of training the firefighter when and how to properly use it?

Look seriously, I couldn't begin to pretend to care less whether you use or don't use the pistol grip.  Like I said, I use it sometimes and at other times I slide my hand back and hold onto the hose to get more movement.  But how about some serious dialogue on the topic and stop the BS, because if that is the best you have, it isn't much.

 

 

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