Halligan Tool Halligan Tool The Halligan Tool is the Most Popular and Versatile Design in a Heavy Duty Prying Tool. These heavy-duty tools were designed to pry, pound, puncture, twist, and cut open or remove all types of barriers between emergency service personnel and saving a life. Both the head and claw are forged from high alloy steel, heat treated for maximum strength, then permanently press fitted to a 1" stress proof or high strength lightweight alloy bar. The Halligan Tool features a gently curved claw that maximizes your prying leverage. The parallel claw opening fits over locks, hasps, and many door bars. When you're in trouble, it doubles as a nail puller and gas shut off tool. The long smooth incline of the duckbill (adze) is used to force windows and interior doors. The long, sharp, tapered and gently curved pike will fit a lock or latch. Lengths and Weights Vary- 24" (8 lbs), 30" (10 lbs), 36" (11 lbs) & 42" (12 lbs). Halligan History In addition to being a great place to enjoy a Guinness, the Halligan Bar is a play on words. According to the Riverhead Fire Department, the "Halligan" is used by firefighters. "This tool was designed in the 1940's by Hugh Halligan, who retired a First Deputy Fire Commissioner in the FDNY. The 'Halligan' is a tool that is used for multiple operations, it has been dubbed 'the universal key.' This tool, comprised of an adz, pick and fork made from a single piece of forged steel, along with an Ax, make up what is now known as a firefighter's set of 'Irons'. Prior to the invention of the 'Halligan' ‘Irons’ tool, firefighters carried what is known as a 'claw tool' and a 'Kelly Tool' along with a striking tool, this was where the term 'Irons' originated. Hugh Halligan took the two tools and combined them into one so you now carry less tools. The first company to get, and name, a 'Halligan' tool was FDNY Ladder Company 47 (who coincidentally were first due to Halligan's home in Parkchester, NY)." .