San Diego fire captain Chad Allison tries out the El Toro

Gear tests are a regular feature in our issues. This month a west coast captain looks at a new type of hook here.

Tools are always a popular discussion. Someone somewhere is buying their own, modifying an existing one or putting multiple tools through various tests.

How does your department test various tools, like hooks, rakes, irons, etc.?

Do you simply buy what is popular in the catalog or do you buy an assortment and test what works?

Does your crew have any say on what is purchased?

Do YOU carry a personal tool of your own? What kind? Why?

What modifications have you found to be useful – or not?