What size Bolt Cutters do you carry?

All of our fire engines carry large bolt cutters that can accommodate most locks and links found in our areas. But when you think about carrying a set of bolt cutters in a utility truck, Battalion Chief command vehicle or sedan, what do you think the minimal size should be. You can carry a huge set of bolt cutters but weight and size as you know are key factors. Have you already gone through this thought process? For volunteer / on call firefighters, do you carry bolt cutters in case you are first on scene and need to make access to the structure or to a water supply?

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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on January 2, 2009 at 5:41pm

The 24" ones will make quick work of that peanut of a lock... I agree with Ted, cut the chain. In an instance where there is a security gate (enclosed padlock, no chain) cut the lock. Case hardened locks are no match for a exothermic torch. :)

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on January 2, 2009 at 6:17pm

We know it's the chain. If there's no chain, we'll try our 'lock breaker' (a narrow base steel cone with a handle) and a sledge hammer on the padlock.

Oh, the original thread question... We carry bolt cutters on appliances only, thats what we go to the incident in. Operations Officers (something like the North American Battalion Chief I think) only respond when requested. They don't need to carry breaking and entering equipment! Oh, and an 'appliance' is a firefighting or support vehicle.

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on January 2, 2009 at 6:21pm

Talk about being narrow minded! I'd never thought about using the spike on the hooligan! That and the sledge would be a better combination than our little spike. Thanks Paul.

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Permalink Reply by Tony P on January 2, 2009 at 6:27pm

Just as a sideline... My Brigade once gave all the local schools padlocks (decent ones!) to use on their gates. The schools were given a number of keys, and they weren't security locks so more copies could easily be made. Why? All the locks were keyed alike, which meant we alwys had easy access to school gorunds for our trucks! Five years later and not a single school was using the locks provided. Oh well, back to the bolt cutters and they can replace the chains as often as they like.

Oops. Three additions to the same thread at one time. Look back those who like to growl at my postings!

The water authority and the National Parks people don't like their chains being cut, so provide all the local Brigades with keys. Smart people.