By Sam Hittle
Attacking doors in low visibility and/or tight spaces is problematic when it comes to striking and capturing progress. In these situations, using bar-to-bar techniques over traditional methods has numerous benefits. Like the previous two-person bar-to-bar video, 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.
When operating in tight spaces, having two bars allows firefighters to trade tools with one another. This permits them the ability to achieve maximum force potential without either having to relocate to a different location or occupy space unavailable. Traditionally, no one wants to trade a bar for a striking tool, but when both firefighters have bars, this is no longer a problem.
In both tight spaces and low visibility, driving the other bar is easily accomplished by sliding the crotch of the adz and pike on top of the shaft of the other bar. If performed correctly, the technique of pool cuing is both quick and efficient for setting the forks. In tests conducted at the Wichita (KS) Fire Department, we found this practice delivers 50% more force than sliding a striking tool across the shaft. This is attributed to two factors. The first is how the ergonomics of the bar allows it to ride easily on top of the other, maintaining a quality trajectory. Secondly, this practice results in greater impact speeds with a slightly heavier tool than that realized with an 8-pound flat head, since the striker has increased confidence and control.
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 setting the forks through pool cuing. It is important to keep the bars parallel to one another for maximum results.
- Training Tip: Bar-to-Bar Forcible Entry
- Training Tip: Hinge Reinforcement
- Hinge-Side Forcible Entry on Outward Swinging Doors
- 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.
