high or low pressure extrication tools

[chief12]

My small department recently received a traffic safety grant for a complete set of extrication tools. I don't know much about tools and I was wondering if high pressure tools were better than low pressure. Also,which tool manufacturers offer the best warrany? Any response would be helpful. Thanks

[Resq14]

Uh Oh!

Hehe, don't mind me. This is just one of the questions that always gets people heated on here, and which usually results in a "my tool is better" discussion.

Ok, let's begin with MetalMedic's standard disclaimer.... Any tool in the hands of a competent operator will do the job that it was designed to do. Low pressure or high pressure, it does not matter as long as the operator understands the strong points and limitations of the particular tool that they have in their hands. (Thanks Richard )

Read some of the discussion we've had on this topic. This was my favorite one.

http://cms.firehouse.com/forums2/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44701&highlight=high+AND+pressure

I'll quote myself from the link above:
"Both WILL build pressure to their rating, whether it's the 5K or 10K. Like your disclaimer always says, "Both will get the job done." And I agree. But if you're looking at how FAST this will be done, examine the fluid flows in primary and secondary stages. Not all are equal: some will get the job done faster."

In addition to warranties, check out your LOCAL service. Will you get a loaner if yours goes down, wow long will it take, etc.

[ForbesCTC]

I would also state that find out about your local service person first and foremost. Almost all of the tools on the market are good, and they all have their faults. Get the reps to bring them out and let you play with them. Don't let them do all the cutting and show you how their tool beats others. If you can, get 2-3 of them there at the same time, then if one says "Tool X won't cut this, you can try "Tool X" and see if it will or won't. Trust me, the rep won't let you try something they know will hurt their tool

[sfdeng2]

Chief,

I want to recommend that you explore ALL options of tools. Weather it be Hydraulics or battery operated. Make sure the manufacturers let YOU and your firefighters use the tools when they come to demo the tool. If you would like to set up a demo for the Powerhawk Rescue System please e-mail me at [email protected]. Check out their website at www.powerhawk.com