Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gregory Borg on March 16, 2011 at 3:25pm

I would try the New York hook with the steel shaft. Our truck companies have started using them and love them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jack/dt on March 16, 2011 at 3:26pm

For what it's worth, I've pulled a lot of drywall, both as a firefighter and a carpenter.
Punching a series of holes on 3 side and then pulling the piece down is a lot quicker than sawing your way through. Not to mention, with a cutting-type tool you run the risk of getting entangled in wiring in ceiling and walls.

Check out this video The Punch Technique here - http://www.fireengineering.com/index/videos.html?bcpid=719324430001...

Sometimes, low tech is better.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shareef Abdu Nur on March 16, 2011 at 3:49pm

I have never used the Gator-back or the Dog-bone, but I have used the NY roof hook. We carry 6ft steel NY roof hooks and our guys love them. They have never failed us. On our Truck, everyone carries two tools. We have paired the roof hooks with haligans, axes, and sledge hammers. Whatever the tool combination, the NY roof hook is the rockstar of the show.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gregory Borg on March 16, 2011 at 5:19pm

Randy, this is just a bit of advice, you asked for some so here it is. When you are looking for a better way or the best way to fight fire or what fire tools work best go to the people that fight the most fire, they probubly have worked out the kincks and are already using what works best. I know there are many forward thinking fire departments out there. Do not listen to someone trying to sell you a tool unless he uses it, I mean is he a firefighter? Tool salesmen do not pull ceiling, firemen do. So check, FDNY, Camden, Boston, San Francisco, LAFD, Fort Worth, DCFD, Kentland VFD, East St. Louis or Detroit. See what type of hooks they are using. I know there are many other busy departments, ask them, I have named just a few. As Shareef (Schenectady FD, NY) says the New York hook works great!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Vic Silverfish on March 16, 2011 at 7:31pm

The halligan or NY style hook is a good un for most purposes, IMHO there is nothign better for pulling sheetrock than a 6' sheetrock hook with a D handle.

I am not a fan of the traditional pike pole. The big hook is useful, but it is too narrow and does not give enough purchase on drywall. Also not a fan of I-beam handles, but that's just me.

The dog-bone looks kind of flimsy(I've never used one). If you are a small department and won't use it very often, it will probably be fine. Still, the drywall hook at http://www.columbussupply.com/products/?productid=118 is only a few bucks more and looks a lot sturdier.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Randy Totten on March 16, 2011 at 7:37pm

Gregory, thank you for the advice. This is why I asked here, I was wanting to know who uses what and what they think. We have alot of moble homes out our way and we are looking at something better for pulling down ceilings. Thank you agian.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Randy Totten on March 16, 2011 at 7:40pm

Thank you

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Randy Totten on March 16, 2011 at 7:40pm

Thanks

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Korrey on March 16, 2011 at 8:48pm

On our truck we carry a Boston rack, NY roof hook(4,6,8,10), harpoon, drywall hook, rubbish hook, and Dallas pike pole for shiplap roofing. You don't have to limit yourself to one hook but use different hooks for different situations. When you do training in your district look at what your buildings are composed of and go from there. Pick the hook/tool thats going to do the most work with little effort.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by capcityff on March 17, 2011 at 6:19am

In Washington, DC we use the NY hook on most trucks. In PG County, MD(Kentland is one of the companies) it is also the common tool. There are different tools for different tasks but the NY hook is definitely the favorite for most here in DC.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Randy Totten on March 21, 2011 at 9:15am

Thanks for all the input. Be safe.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion