Which tool is commonly used for forcible entry through doors and windows?

• A. Sledgehammer
• B. Halligan tool (often used with a flat-head axe)
• C. Hydraulic spreader
• D. Pike pole

Answer: (B)

Forcible entry relies on a tool that can pry, lever, and gain purchase on locks and hinges. The Halligan tool is built for this purpose: its design combines a pike for prying, a curved blade for levering, and a pick for hooking hardware, making it versatile enough to breach doors and windows quickly and with control. It’s widely used with a flat-head axe to create an effective entry pair, covering many common entry scenarios—from stubborn doors to obstructed windows.

The other tools aren’t as well suited for rapid, controlled entry. A sledgehammer is blunt and heavy, often causing oversized damage and taking longer to maneuver. A hydraulic spreader requires power equipment and is aimed at vehicle extrication rather than quick entry through typical doors or windows. A pike pole serves purpose for ventilation and pulling, not for breaching locked or stuck entry points.