The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
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?
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Oldman on
-
We carry 24" for most gates we encounter. For the big stuff, we have some made by Homatro.
-
Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
-
Do you carry them on sedans, utility trucks or BC Command vehicles and if you do, what size?
-
-
Do you carry them on sedans, utility trucks or BC Command vehicles and if you do, what size?
-
-
Do you think that a 24-inch bolt cutter would be a good general standard for all vehicles?
-
-
Do you think that everyone knows that you don't actually cut the lock but instead the chain?
-
Permalink Reply by Jason Brooks on
-
We carry both 18" and 36". The 18" are good for cutting battery cables, not much else. I would think 24" would be a good size for your cars. We have run across case hardened high security locks that even the 36" with two guys trying could not break. The Holmatro was dragged out for that. This lock was found at a computer store.
-
Permalink Reply by Ben Waller on
-
Mike,
We're in the process of standardizing our engine/truck bolt cutters.
I don't know what was decided, but I'll find out and let you know.
We have to carry at least a 24" set on our ambulances. (State standard)
We don't issue bolt cutters to battalion and staff vehicles, but I carry a personal 18" set with case-hardened blades for small stuff.
I don't use bolt cutters for battery cables - the handles don't fit into tight spaces and it's overkill anyway. I carry a pair of 10-inch cable cutters (O-cutters) that work fine on any electric cable that will fit into the jaws.
Ben
-
-
couldn't have said it any better myself... you da' man!
-
-
How cool to hear from both you and Ted at the same time. Someday, I'm going to find my way back to your part of the world next August. Not sure how far Orlando / Jupiter Florida is from you but it sure would be fun to connect. Looking forward to talking to both you and Ted in 2009.
Mike :)
-
Permalink Reply by Paul Montpetit on
-
Yes we carry 24 inch set.....But a haligan and a flat head axe will pop just about anything out there.....Paul
-
-
24-Inch Bolt Cutter - Overkill?
-
-
I'll have to get you a photo of my cable cutters. I call them "Goldilocks". They're not too big, they're not too small, they're Just Right!
© 2024 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
