Water Can

Firefighter Ken Girlardo from Volusia County Fire, Engine 15 sent in this step by step pictorial of how to attach a water can strap. The water can is an extremely useful, yet totally underutilized tool. Many agencies carry the water can without a strap. It seems to make the job of carrying the can much more difficult then it needs to be. The problem is that if someone has to work hard to carry it, they are more likely to just leave it on the rig thinking it's not worth the effort. Some cans come from the supplier with clamps already attached, and some do not. This tip is a simple way to modify a can so a strap can be added.

The materials (pictured above) that needed are: 2 pieces of inner tube (left over from helmet bands), 2 hose clamps 7 to 7 1/2 inches across, 2A water extinguisher, nylon strap (old backboard strap), scissors, sharp knife, duct tape (if needed.) If a detectable strap is desired, you will also need a small D ring and two small snap links.

The clamp is threaded through the strap. If a detachable strap is desired, attach the small D ring to the clamp.

The inner tube (or tape) is wrapped around the extinguisher. The excess is trimmed away leaving a slight overlap.

The clamp screw is positioned over the overlapped area.

Cut off the excess from the top rubber strap and overlap.

Position the shoulder strap and clamps then tighten the screws. Compress the rubber slightly being sure not to crush the extinguisher. The layer of rubber or Duct tape will keep the clamp from slipping. If you are using a detachable strap, simply attach the strap with one of your small snap links to the tab found near the top of most cans.

Score and remove the excess rubber using a sharp knife.

The finished extinguisher.

Remember, we need to work smarter, not harder. If your can does not have the strap, at least make a quick detachable version of the carrying strap. That way if someone wants to drag the can around by hand, they can remove the strap. If someone else would rather wear the can, leaving their hands available for other tools, then they can simply attach the strap and go.

It doesn't have to de difficult to be effective.