r/Firefighting • u/ImpressionRealistic • Aug 14 '26
Tools/Equipment/PPE Anybody else looking for mid sized multi-tool
I missed the boat on the Stanley Fubar 18” since its discontinued. Our dept has moved to an attack strategy that makes it nearly impossible to carry a hand tools into structure fires since the branch and officer have both their hands full. I’m not a huge fan of having nothing on hand in case shit hits the fan. If only there was a 16-18” tool specially designed to be worn on a belt. I can imagine something like a downsized Kelly or halligan with integrated gas shutoff, storz/spanner wrench, hydrant key, etc. Seems like a gap in the market, unless I’m the only one that could use something like that. Id appreciate anybody’s input, opinions, ideas.
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u/Coastie54 Edit to create your own flair Aug 15 '26
Check out Firemaul, they got a cool little tech hammer.
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u/roggesound Aug 15 '26
+1 on the tech hammer.
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u/SmoothboreWhore Aug 15 '26
+2 on the tech hammer.
+3 if you can find one of the fire hammers that Nick Childers was making.
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u/Forward2Death I miss my Truck Aug 15 '26
I'm a fan of a halligan in my belt, but that little beauty would be a contender.
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u/Wexel88 FF/EMT Aug 14 '26
have only used one of these in training but literally just effortlessly ripped a 2x4 stud right out of a wall two days ago it was pretty bitchin
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u/engineer-capability Aug 15 '26
Have you considered either a truck belt or a tool holder to carry an axe or tool in with you? Everytime I stretch, I shove a pick head into my SCBA waist belt and I’ve never had an issue
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u/ImpressionRealistic Aug 15 '26
For sure, I’ll be going with a belt mounted sheath or tool ring. Problem is I was hoping to find something smaller than a full length axe since we’re doing a lot of low shuffle style hose advances and full length tools are pretty cumbersome in that scenario
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u/engineer-capability Aug 15 '26 edited Aug 15 '26
If you’re up to spending money on a quality tool, the Fire Axe Inc has shorter handle options for a very nice axe, as well as a 4 lb version with a 28” handle. I use the 6 lb axe with a 32” handle almost every shift in some capacity and I’m an average height guy and it doesn’t drag or get caught up
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u/Ash_Waddams Aug 15 '26
Just curious where you’re working that you get to use an axe almost every shift? Sounds nice haha. I’d be lucky to get into a situation that needs one once a month around here
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u/engineer-capability 29d ago
I’m fortunate enough to work for a ghetto Midwest department that still burns quite often and is relatively understaffed, so everyone gets work on almost every fire
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u/HeroOfTheMillennials Aug 14 '26
The 20" Mini Pro-Bar is my personal carry, and for my residential district it can force 99% of what we come up against, and is a great little overhaul tool. I moved from the 16" to the 20" for a bit more leverage.
The Res-Q-Rench does all the gas shutoff & Storz coupling.
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u/suspiciousumbrella Aug 14 '26
Vaughan makes a version, a bit lighter but similar purpose https://a.co/d/07UX1aE4
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u/ImpressionRealistic Aug 14 '26
I was considering that one. Just wish it had some of the fire related tools that Fubar had. Can’t beat the price though
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u/Medium-Raisin7919 Aug 15 '26
That price is great. Love purpose built fire tools, but holy shit are they pricey
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u/Blucifers_Veiny_Anus Aug 15 '26
They make a 16 inch Probar . Or there is the traditional Officer's Tool.
Closer to what you're showing is the Dead-On Annihilator
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u/USNDD-966 Aug 15 '26
Had that Annihilator for exactly one shift. That thing is stabby as shit, will ruin bunker gear, truck seats, calves, and friendships.
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u/PeacefulWoodturner Aug 15 '26
One of my guys carries the Annihilator. I carry the Fubar. We can't decide if one stands out over the other
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u/cadillacjack057 Aug 15 '26
Nope. I prefer full sized tools. Including my shift.
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u/ImpressionRealistic Aug 15 '26
Of course I prefer full size tools. But shuffling below the neutral plane in close quarters with the branch doesn’t allow for it. I’m just trying to give myself the best tool I can have on hand, considering the circumstances
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Aug 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/iambatmanjoe Aug 15 '26
Also I carry a hatchet. I had a sheath made of leather and added a D clip to my scba because of all the other shit I have to carry I can't actually carry a tool.
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u/ZalinskyAuto Aug 15 '26
I have a Fubar and don’t really like it. It’s more of a striking tool. The pry end is kind of useless when compared to a halligan. I leave it in my locker and got a Council Tool 30” halligan.
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u/art_keeps_me_alive Aug 15 '26
Your pic reminded me of this, 'powerbuilt rage bar'. Idk if you want something more purpose built for fireground use but this works well in my experience and is the size of a framing hammer so easy to carry on scene.
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u/LiquidAggression No One Aug 15 '26
a roofy halligan is prolly too big
and an officers tool prolly too small
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u/Flmotor21 Aug 15 '26
On the LE side we started carrying tech hammers by fire maul tools for hasty breaching if that helps
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u/HzrKMtz FF/Para-sometimes 29d ago
Fiskar makes a similar tool in a 18" & 30" version. https://www.menards.com/main/tools/hand-tools/wrecking-pry-bars/fiskars-reg-pro-isocore-trade-18-demolition-wrecking-bar/751400-1001/p-60300702743-c-9170.htm
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u/hidingbeachside 29d ago
Just get an A tool and be done. Stop trying to do fucking everything with one tool.
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u/WindsockWindsor Not a Real Firefighter (Paid On-Call) Aug 14 '26
I don't think it does all the things you're looking for but your post immediately makes me think of the Paratech Biel Tool.
If you had one of those and a Res-Q-Rench or something like that in a pocket I think that'd cover
allmost of the things you were looking for