By Sam Hittle
Bar-to-bar forcible entry has numerous benefits over conventional methods using irons. Traditionally, firefighters attempt to hold progress with the striking tool in order to position the bar for the next step. Being the ergonomics of the striking tool is not conducive for this, the operation is often slowed down. When utilizing two bars, one bar holds all progress made while the other bar positions for the next step trading turns in contributing to the progression of beating the door.
As a striking tool, when struck with correctly, a 10-pound halligan can produce more impact force than an eight-pound flat head. Additionally, consider once ingress has been accomplished would you rather conduct interior operations with a halligan or striking tool? The answer to the question proposed is another reason to develop a bar to bar forcible entry sequence. Our next video will demonstrate bar-to-bar in low visibility and tight spaces.
Note 1: These doors were reinforced with hinges on top of the hotel deadbolt and slam latch in order to resist popping them quickly. See our video on hinge reinforcement.
Note 2: The end of the video is a slow-motion look at fork management. When forks are set bevel to door they set much easier. However, easy in means easy out. Becoming overzealous and trying to pop the door before setting a bar with the forks bevel to jamb first will likely send you back to the starting line. Therefore, the initial prying is not intended to open the door, rather create space for the next bar to get the forks set properly. Discipline is required on behalf of both positions. The first bar is only creating a gap while the second bar is applying forward pressure until the right depth is achieved.
- Training Tip: Hinge Reinforcement
- Hinge-Side Forcible Entry on Outward Swinging Doors
- Drill: When “Through-the-Lock” Fails, Part 1 | Part 2
- Tools for Us, By Us
SAMUEL HITTLE is a captain with the Wichita (KS) Fire Department. He has an associate degree in fire science. He has been an instructor for FDIC International and Traditions Training. He is a contributing author to Fire Engineering, Urban Firefighter, and FireRescue. He is a Google Hangout panel member, an Interior Attack technical panel member for Underwriters Laboratories, and a member of the FDIC International Educational Advisory Board.
