Here is another great modification of entanglement cutters. Kevin Kalmus from Austin (TX) sent in this photo of his cutters, not only with a leash added to the handle, but with a spring from and over-sized clothespin obtained from the dollar store. The addition of the spring makes using the cutters a single handed operation. Anyone who has ever used cutters in an entanglement knows that having them “spring†back into the open position after a cut has been made is extremely helpful. The picture also shows the handle of the tool covered with some paint on electrical “tape†for additional grip with a gloved hand. The benefit of the painted electrical tape is that it doesn’t get sticky and gunk up the inside of your pocket.
Besides a picture of the modified cutters, Kevin gave us the heads up on the IAFF Fire Ground Survival (FGS) Program. The FGS program is a comprehensive survival skills and MAYDAY prevention program. The FGS program applies the lessons learned from the NIOSH fire fighter fatality investigation program. The program is available in both online or hands on formats. The HOT format is taught by IAFF certified FGS instructors. The course manual and materials have a section that discusses the benefits of having cutters like this available during an entanglement. The online version of the FGS program is available for FREE to all firefighters, career or volunteer. Additional details about the program and a link to the free online training component of the program can be found on the IAFF website by clicking here.
Curious as to how he attached the spring so it would last for a long time.
WONDERING THE SAME. GOOD THOUGHT THOUGH
To me it looks like the spring would fall out or may only be good for a max of 7 cuts. the spring to me looks off centered. Great concept.. Would like to see more details on how its made tho.
The spring ends are set in holes drilled into the cutters. The idea came from a set of tile cutters and they were used as a model for the first set. We have been using the cutter in the photo in the FGS hands on class for about 18 months and have never had any issues with the spring (25 students per class and almost everyone of them tries them). I also have a set in my turnouts and again no problems. The major issue I have come across is ensuring that the blades are cleaned when needed to prevent rust from sticking the blades together.
Great Idea!!!
bonerifc
This is apparently only available to IAFF members?
OUTSTANDING! Thanks for sharing!
Genius! Also the FGS class by the IAFF is amazing, I would highly recommended it to any firefighter out there
Had a house fire yesterday and while on the roof I spotted a wire “tangled” around one of our guys SCBA. I pulled out my handy dandy wire cutters and fixed that problem. Well unbeknownst to me, it was his radio microphone wire. Just though everyone could get a good laugh from me. Love this site. Thanks.
what brand of cutters are those?
Kevin,
What are you using to hold the tool closed?
I too think this is a greta idea.
Gregg,
If you are looking to make a pair. Greenlee, Klein, and Channel Lock all make them. They are 9 1/2″ Cable Cutters. Try Home Depot or Lowes. I have used them for years (mine are not spring loaded however). For grip I used the smaller diameter end of a nasal cannula and spiral wrapped the handles then covered them with hockey tape much like you would a Halligan or Hook just with smaller diameter tubing.
Not only are they great for freeing yourself from entanglement, but I probably use mine the most on vehicle crashes for cutting battery cables etc… And I hear they work great for cutting Mic cords too!!! LOL
awesome guys! i just made my pair two days ago…i also made some cherry bombs!
I know this is off topic.. but we are trying to put a list of our portable radio channels on our portables…anyone know whats the best adhesie to use? Packaging tape failed…thanks guys
I just completed the IAFF FGS class and Kevin was the lead instructor. I used the tool in the picture and it is still working great. The ends of the spring are bent over so that they don’t fall out, they go through the handle in opposite directions. I have made my own pair with a loop on the handles instead of the spring, but the spring-ed version will be next.
The tool in the picture is a Klein, $30.
Can you post a video on how to make these please? I’ve tried to make them and can’t get right