By JJ 4-14-19
The Badaxx is the definition of a fire service multi-tool. Integrating the features of a pick head axe, gas shut off, irons integration, hydrant wrench, and repelling hook, all in a light weight easy to handle package.
While personally I don’t find my self doing lots of roof work in my career in the fire service, I can see why a combination tool like the Badaxx could be beneficial in various parts of the fire device. I often use it with a hooligan tool or a 3 foot roof hook as my set of irons. Allowing me a prying tool and a striking/chopping tool that still has the benefits of a pick head axe.
My initial impression were one a high quality tool. The head being made of machine steel, giving it strength and reliability. The all aluminum handle offering an interesting alternative to the tradition wooden or fiberglass handle we often encounter. Upon arrival, the head was an unfinished tool steel with a protecting oil applied to it, while the handle was an anodized aluminum. Both pieces had no obvious tool or machining marks to note. The finish has proved durable. The only changes made from it original state, was the addition of a coat of black rust resistant paint to the head of the tool and some reflective striping to the sides of the handle. The tool was ordered with the marrying strap (optional extra) to attach the hooligan bar of your choice, a max rex probar, in my case. However, I have since chose to use a hook and loop strap to join the tools due because I found, at least in my case, that the strap available from Badaxx could not be deployed as fast as I would have liked, but your mileage may vary.
After a couple years of use I am happy to say that the tool has held up well. The head shows no signs of wear, other than the occasional scratched paint, but this is to be expected. The handle however did initial show minor signs of scratching to the handle just below it joining to the head. I added some sports tape to this area to make myself feel better, as I believe the handle would be fine without this addition. The anodized finish however has shown signs of minor fading as result of exposure to uv radiation. It is a cosmetic thing, not a critical concern, I mean it is a tool, right. A tool is meant to be used, not set on a shelf and admired.
Available in lengths of 30 or 34 inches and a width on 1 inch. The tool is surprisingly well balanced and relatively light weight weighing in at ~8 lbs. Personally I would have liked to see an option with a slightly heavier head, to give a little more driving force when using as a striking tool. The blunted head allows for easy use as a striking tool when forcing doors or going through brick walls, while still being an effective tool when cutting walls or roofing. The pickhead is angled in such a way it could be used to gap or force inward swinging doors. The tool feels good in the hand and the curve of the handle allows for a natural swing and a forceful blow to be delivered even in situations were a full swing is not possible. I was initially concerned of the conductivity of having a tool made entirely of metal and to some extend that concern remains. I mean it is an aluminum and steel, those are two metals we know conduct electricity well. However, in practice, I have yet to see a situation were I was in undue danger due to the material make up of the tool. As for the features of the tool. I have yet to get a situation to use the gas shut off, as I typically go to my trusted adjustable wrench for that situation. In the rural setting were my departments operate I have only had a few chances to use the hydrant wrench integrated into the handle. On well maintained or new hydrants it works great, however I am still hesitant to use it on some of our older, more stubborn hydrants in fear of cracking the handle. While only in practice; the rappelling hook does seem sturdy and reliable, showing no signs of ware in areas that interact with carabiners or rope. The notched head does allow for a secure, fast and easy anchor in use as part of a bail out set up.
During a recent ventilation training exercise at one our local departments. When given the option of a tradition axe, the PIG tool, and the Badaxx most firefighters kept coming back to the Badaxx. This was especially true when they were forced to deal with ruff cut lumber, were the standard axe would get stuck in the wood, or the Pig tool would just bounce. The Badaxx was more than up to the challenge, going through all materials it faced with standard effort.
While not advertised directly, the limit of the uses of this tool is only the limit of the imagination of the user. During my time with the tool, I have used it as part of rural search and rescue kit. Allowing a quick way to remove debris without the worry of carrying a sharpened cutting tool in areas were traction and footing were not ideal.
The cool factor is not lost on this tool, I mean it is called the Badaxx. The tool just looks cool from almost every angle. Bring it to drill one night and everyone will be likely to say, that thing is pretty bad ass.
At the time of this article, Advertised prices were 299$ for the black versions, while 324$ for versions with differently color handles. Handle Length does not effect pricing.
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