By JJ 5-5-2019
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The Pig tool is a fire service multi-tool. It is an integration of a pick head axe and a sledge hammer in one. Primarily I feel that the Pig is a great option for forcible entry, but can also be a valuable tool for overhall and possibly also ventilation. When I use it I tend to have it paired with a hooligan or a 3 foot roof hook as a set of irons. This allows me a prying tool and a striking/braking tool that still has the benefits of a pick head axe. This being said, the head of this tool is blunted much like a sledge hammer. The Pig is a great forcible entry tool in part because it’s blunted head is larger than most other multi-purpose tools. This allows it a much greater surface sticking area.
My initial impression is that of a high quality tool. The head being made of machine steel, giving it strength and reliability. The all fiberglass handle offering an interesting alternative to the tradition wooden handle we traditionally encounter. Upon arrival, the head was an unfinished tool steel with a protective wax coating applied to it. The wax coating was short lived and I have since added a coal of black rust resistant paint to the head of the tool. Since painting (and an occasional re-coating after vigorous use) the tool has shown little signs of wear. The tool does not require a marrying strap. I however typically use a hook and loop strap to attach a hooligan bar, a max rex probar, in my case. Based on how the Pig is designed this is not necessary but I find convenient when carrying because I’m a bit paranoid.
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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. This tends to be a typical wear spot on many tools as I have had similar experience with others and have also seen it on other departments tools as well.
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Available in handle lengths of 28 or 32 inches and a 2 inch width head. The tool is fairly head heavy but this is to be expected with a steel head and a fiberglass handle. 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. 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.
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.
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The cool factor is not lost on this tool, this tool is a work horse, being meant to break crap. 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 200$ for the black or tan versions, while 195$ for versions smaller version named the piglet. Handle Lengths available in 28 or 32 inch versions. Check them out at their website https://www.lonestaraxellc.com/the-pig-fireground-hand-tool/
