Sgt. Pullen from DCFD Truck 4 sent in his idea of “making it work†with another rex tool modification. The tool was created by removing the collar from a mini rex tool and adding it to a shortened halligan (NY roof) hook. Once the collar was removed from the mini rex, a hole was drilled through the head, and a 2†piece of round stock was added. The round stock was then sleeved (and welded) into the hollow end of the shortened hook. The round stock gives the tool the strength required when prying with the rex head. The welding was performed by FF Wipprecht from Truck 4.
Sgt Pullen points out that the tool has proven to be useful for a number of different situations: going through-the-lock on investigations, lock-out’s/lock-in’s, forcing into the “charlie” side with nothing evident, into exposures, and to the floor above in apartment houses. All with minimal damage to the door and sometimes even quicker than conventional methods.
Obviously the shortened four foot hook has some advantages and disadvantages. Some advantages are that it’s nice to have the rex tool handy without the weight of it in the pocket, the tool has the strength and stability required for the lateral movement of working the rex head behind the lock, and it provides the user with a hook once entry has been made. Some disadvantages are that the tool is too long to be used in some hallways, and is too short for extended use pulling ceiling over head.
It’s just another great example of firehouse ingenuity and working smarter, not harder.
I don’t have any personal experience with this modification…but the drawbacks described by the author appear pretty significant to me. A hook that is too short to pull ceilings and a cylinder puller that can’t be used in some (many??) hallways. I’m all for multiple use tools…but the disadvantages seem to outweight the advantages here. I think a standard 6′ steel roof hook and a halligan tool coupled with a “lil Rex” in a coat pocket is a better combo. Just my two cents. Again, I have no personal experience with this particular modification and would like to hear others thoughts on the matter before forming a final opinion. Stay safe, Brothers.
Lance C. Peeples
We don’t have hallways, lock cylinders,or ceilings in my district.
It seems that this tool fits the niche it was designed for very well. Like the post mentioned it may not be the best choice for “extended use” in pulling cieling and in “some hallways”, but it sounds like it works well for the FF who is assigned to check exposure apartments and such where you’ll probably only be poking a few small holes. Another positive would appear to be gaining a little more leverage due to the length, than is available with the Halligan.
Sounds like you need to do some district training DMAN.
great idea, can you use it to pull a meter? will it fit in a rubber glove?
Excellent question, bulldawg!
I wish my department had a FF Wipprecht. I wonder if he’d like to come and impart his welding wisdom where I work. You think he’d let me ride truck 4 with him?
DMAN thank of what ya could do to a cow or bull with that sucker!!!! Man why doesn’t any one post something we can get in a rip roaring heated discussion about??
I bet if ya put on rubber gloves on and took a going yard swing on a meter it would send that sucker flying over the fence!!!
And what is a truck tool without 3 rolls of hockey tape and some 14 gauge wire for that grip ?? Still good job DCFD way to think outside the box!!
This isn’t a cure all tool, Peeples, but it seem like a GREAT tool for the job. Actually this site has helped my department find new ways of doing stuff to suit our needs as well.
Another great and interesting tool mod, it seems that the two headed tool is on the rise! one burning question I have is where everyone is getting these rex tools to cut up and weld! My department does not use them (or metal hooks- but thats another post), so I bought one a while back and cringe at the thought of cutting the head off it- $$$! If anyone knows a bargain basement tool distributor let me know!
I have always found that with a good leather man you can widdle one out of a 12 inch solid block piece of Pittsburgh steel, as long you know how to widdle steel that is.
Mr. Stewpac, Could you please instruct on how to widdle steel?
OKFF65 said “two headed tool” HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA sorry I am a 13 year old at hart 😉
Does this tool have a solid steel handle, or is it hollow?
I find that an IAFF or association/union decal in the back window of my car is enough to sway most police officers if they are on the fence about you and your driving.
IMO, the hook on the trunk lid is a bit over the top.
Apparently, the “Cops are Wussies” bumper sticker isn’t helping my cause??!!
The last time I got pulled over the cop said “Where you going in such a hurry?” I said “We have a fire and I gotta drive like an @$$hole and beat the engine there so I can park in front of the hydrant and completely block the street.” The cop said “That sounds like a pretty stupid thing to do.” I said “Yeah, it sure does.” P.S. I get laid.
Last time I got stopped, the leo asked if I knew why he pulled me over…you’d think he would have f***** known that!!!!!!
Damn DMAN, when did you start working in my town? Maybe we’ve never seen each other because we work in the biggest dept. on the busiest trucks…And yet we still find time to post comments on this site…Amazing, isn’t it?
We have a two-headed tool on A shift.
No…wait…thats a two-faced tool….sorry.
riley you only got one ??? If ya ever want any sent your way I got a pool just say the word brother 😉
brick….if you have an extra one that at least knows his job, well then we can talk…hehehe
Ordered my NY hook and Rex tool yesterday to marry and make this thing my detail tool. As a float Lt., I have to carry a variety of tools (and sometimes a limited choice or undesirable choice) to do my job. Thanks for sharing Bart!
This may be one of the worst ideas I’ve ever seen. Anyone with any knowledge of how a Lock-puller (Rex Tool) or a Roof hook is used would know that this homemade tool is completely useless. It is pretty clear that the person who constructed this tool has zero experience using a lock-puller. Good job.
“Sgt Pullen points out that the tool has proven to be useful for a number of different situations”.
…sounds like it works for him.
Mr. Dan Rockwell, what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this web site is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
NICE!!!
Where’d my comment go?
P.S. Billy Madison, that is one of the funniest effing comments I have ever seen in my life!
Not a bad job for an ENGINE man. Now that engine guys are inventing truck tools I guess my dog and cat are gonna start fornicating!!!!