This document provides information on forcible entry techniques for firefighters. It begins with objectives such as understanding tools for forcible entry and dangers associated with it. It then discusses preparation, different entry situations, and types of tools including striking, prying, cutting, and specialty tools. It also covers door and window construction materials and designs, and techniques for forcing different types of doors and windows. The overall document serves as a guide to selecting the proper techniques and tools for gaining entry in emergency situations.

1. Forcible EntryForcible Entry
Prepared by Lt. Eric Neubert
April, 2013
Sourced from Jones & Bartlett
Fundamentals of Firefighter Skills,
2nd
Edition
1

2. OpeningOpening
 Instructors/Students
 Exits
 Cell Phones/Radios
 Interactive
 Plan
 Companies
2

3. ObjectivesObjectives
 Understand the association between specific
tools and special forcible entry needs.
 Describe the basic construction of typical
doors, windows, and walls.
 Know the dangers associated with forcing entry
through doors, windows, and walls.
 Know how forcible entry relates to salvage.
3
11

4. IntroductionIntroduction (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Forcible entry
 Method to gain access when normal means of entry
cannot be used
 Requires strength, knowledge, proper techniques, and
skill
 Use amount of force appropriate to situation.
 Alarm/Nothing showing VS. working fire
4
11

5. IntroductionIntroduction (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Arrange to secure the opening before leaving scene.
 Keep up with how new styles of windows, doors, locks,
and security devices operate.
5
11

6. PreparationPreparation
 Your Gear
 Personal tools
 Your Truck (Engine)
 Available tools and location
 Your Tools
 In service and ready to use
 Your District
 Yourself
6

7. Preparation (cont)Preparation (cont)
 Your District
 Types of occupancies
 Special problems or hazards
7

8. What’s In Your Pockets?What’s In Your Pockets?
8

9. Forcible Entry SituationsForcible Entry Situations
 Required at emergency incidents where time is a
critical factor
 Effect a rescue.
 Control a fire before it extends.
 Non Emergency situations
 Calls for a more thoughtful approach
9
11

10. Forcible Entry SituationsForcible Entry Situations
 Company Officer Selects
 Point of entry
 Method to use
 “Try before you pry”
10

11. The ProblemThe Problem
 Primarily Residential, Mercantile, Light Industrial
 Look for the easy way
 Try doors & windows
 Knox Box or hidden keys
 Neighbors
 Alternate Entry
 2nd
Floor
 Bulkhead
 Air conditioners
11

12. Forcible Entry ToolsForcible Entry Tools
 Fire fighters must know:
 What tools are available
 Uses and limitations of each tool
 How to select the right tool
 How to operate each tool
 How to carry each tool
 How to inspect and maintain each tool
12
11

13. What Is Your MostWhat Is Your Most
Important Tool?Important Tool?
13

14. General Tool SafetyGeneral Tool Safety
 Incorrect use or improper maintenance can be
dangerous.
 Always wear proper PPE.
 Use the right tool for the job.
 Keep tools clean and serviced.
 Take broken tools out of service for repair.
 Keep tools in proper area or container.
14
11

15. General Carrying TipsGeneral Carrying Tips (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Request assistance
with heavy tools.
 Use your legs to lift
heavy tools.
15
11

16. General Carrying TipsGeneral Carrying Tips (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Keep sharp edges and points away from your body.
 Cover them with a gloved hand.
 Carry long tools pointing down.
 Be aware of overhead wires.
16
11

17. General Maintenance TipsGeneral Maintenance Tips (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 All tools should be
in a ready state.
 Tools must be in
working order, in
their storage place,
and ready for use.
17
11

18. General Maintenance TipsGeneral Maintenance Tips
(2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Tools require regular maintenance and cleaning to
ensure readiness.
 Perform required checks conscientiously.
 Follow manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions.
 Keep proper records of maintenance, repairs, and
warranty work performed.
18
11

19. Types of Forcible Entry ToolsTypes of Forcible Entry Tools
 Striking Tools
 Prying/Spreading Tools
 Cutting Tools
 Lock
 Specialty Tools
19
11

20. Striking ToolsStriking Tools
 Used to generate an impact force directly on an object
or another tool
 Head usually made of hardened steel
 Flat-head axe
 TNT Tool
 Sledgehammer
20
11

21. Flat-Head AxeFlat-Head Axe
 One side of the axe head is a cutting blade.
 Other side is a flat striking surface.
 Fire fighters often use flat side to strike a Halligan tool
and drive a wedge into an opening.
21
11

22. SledgehammerSledgehammer
 Sometimes called mauls
 Come in various weights and sizes
 Head of hammer can weigh from 2 to 20 pounds.
 Handle may be short like a carpenter’s hammer or long
like an axe handle.
 Can be used alone to break down a door or with other
striking tools
22
11

23. Prying/Spreading ToolsPrying/Spreading Tools
 Halligan tool
 Pry bar/Crow bar/Variations
 Pry axe
 Hydraulic tools
23
11

24. Halligan ToolHalligan Tool (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Widely used
 Commonly used to
perform forcible
entry
24
11

25. Halligan ToolHalligan Tool (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Incorporates adz, pick, and claw
 Adz end pries open doors and windows.
 Pick end makes holes or breaks glass.
 Claw pulls nails and pries apart wooden slats.
*Pairing with flat head axe creates The Irons
25
11

26. ““The Irons”The Irons”
 FH Axe and Halligan
“married” together.
 Tools complement each
other & cover a wide
variety of situations.
26

27. Pry BarPry Bar
 Made from hardened steel in a variety of shapes and
sizes
 Commonly used to force doors and windows, remove
nails, or separate building materials
 Various shapes allow fire fighters to exert different
amounts of leverage in diverse situations.
27
11

28. Hydraulic ToolsHydraulic Tools
 Spreaders
 Cutters
 Rams
 Require hydraulic
pressure
28
11

29. Cutting ToolsCutting Tools
 Primarily used for cutting doors, roofs, walls, and
floors
 Hand operated and power cutting tools
 Axe
 Bolt cutters
 Circular saw
 Bullet/Chain Saw
29
11

30. AxeAxe (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Many different types
of axes
 Flathead
 Pickhead
 Pry axe
 Special purpose
30
11

31. AxeAxe (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Cutting edge of axe used to break into plaster and
wood walls, roofs, and doors
 Pick used for opening walls, floors, etc.
 Flat portion for striking other tools
31
11

32. Bolt CuttersBolt Cutters
 Used to cut metal components as bolts, padlocks,
chains, and chain-link fences
 Available in several different sizes
 The longer the handle, the greater the cutting force.
 May not be able to cut into some heavy-duty padlocks
made of case-hardened metal
32
11

33. Circular SawCircular Saw
 Gasoline-powered
 Light, powerful, and easy-to-use
 Blades can be changed quickly.
 Carbide-tipped blades
 Metal-cutting blades
 Masonry-cutting blades
33
11

34. Bullet SawBullet Saw
 Gas Powered Chain Saw
 Depth Gauge
 Carbide tipped bullet chain
 Able to cut through multiple layers of roofing, boards,
nails, light gauge metal
 “Roll” over rafters/floor joists
34

35. Lock/Specialty ToolsLock/Specialty Tools (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Used to disassemble the locking mechanism on a door
 Cause minimal damage to the door and the door frame
 Experienced user can usually gain entry in less than a
minute.
35
11

36. Lock/Specialty ToolsLock/Specialty Tools (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 K tool
 Lock wrenches
 Halligan (pick)
 Credit Card
 Pocket Knife
 Hood Latch Tool
36
11

37. K ToolK Tool
 Designed to shear
off a lock cylinder so
it can be removed
37
11

38. DoorsDoors
 Basic Door
Construction
 Door
 Jamb
 Hardware
 Locking device
38
11

39. Construction MaterialConstruction Material
 Wood
 Metal
 Fiberglass/Composite
 Glass
39
11

40. WoodWood (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Slab
 Solid-core
 Solid wood core
blocks covered by a
face panel
 Hollow-core
 Lightweight,
honeycomb interior
40
11

41. WoodWood (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Ledge
 Wood doors with horizontal bracing
 Panel
 Solid wood doors made from solid planks to form a
rigid frame with solid wood panels set into the frame
41
11

42. MetalMetal
 Hollow-core metal doors
 Have a metal framework interior so they are lightweight
 Solid-core metal doors
 Have a foam or wood interior to reduce weight without
affecting strength
42
11

43. FiberglassFiberglass
 Fiberglass shell
 Foam core
 Interior wood
reinforcement in key
areas
43

44. GlassGlass
 Generally steel frame with tempered glass or tempered
glass only
 Easy to force
 Produce a large amount of broken glass
44
11

45. Types of DoorsTypes of Doors (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Inward-opening
 Outward-opening
 Sliding doors
 Revolving doors
 Overhead doors
45
11

46. Types of DoorsTypes of Doors (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Hinges indicate if
door is inward- or
outward-opening.
 Outward
 Hinges are
visible.
 Inward
 Hinges are not
visible.
46
11

47. Door FramesDoor Frames (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Wood-framed doors
 Stopped door frames
 Have a piece of wood attached to the frame to stop the
door from swinging past the latch
 Rabbeted door frames
 Have a stop cut built into the frame so it cannot be
removed
47
11

48. Door FramesDoor Frames (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Metal-framed doors are more difficult to force open.
 Look like rabbeted door frames
48
11

49. Inward-Opening DoorsInward-Opening Doors (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Design
 Made of wood, steel, or glass
 Have an exterior frame with a stop or rabbet
 Locking mechanisms range from standard door knob
locks to deadbolt locks or sliding latches.
 Most residential open inward
49
11

50. Inward-Opening DoorsInward-Opening Doors (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Forcing Entry
 Determine what type of frame the door has.
 Use a prying tool near the locking mechanism to pry the
stop away from the frame.
 Use a striking tool to force the prying tool further into
the jamb.
50
11

51. Outward-Opening DoorsOutward-Opening Doors (1 of(1 of
2)2)
 Design
 Used in commercial
occupancies and for
most exists
 Designed for a quick
exit
 Made of wood,
metal, or glass
 Usually have
exposed hinges
51
11

52. Outward-Opening DoorsOutward-Opening Doors (2 of(2 of
2)2)
 Forcing entry
 Check to see if hinges can be disassembled or hinge pins
removed.
 Place adz end of prying tool into the door frame.
 Use striking tool.
 Leverage the tool to force the door outward away from
the jamb.
52
11

53. Sliding DoorsSliding Doors (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Design
 Made of tempered
glass in a wood or
metal frame
 Have two sections
and a double track
 A weak latch on the
frame of the door
secures the movable
side.
53
11

54. Sliding DoorsSliding Doors (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Forcing Entry
 Check whether a security rod is in the door track.
 If present, try another door.
 If not present, use a pry bar to lever door away from
locking mechanism.
 If necessary, break the glass.
-Some patio doors swing on hinges-
54
11

55. Overhead DoorsOverhead Doors (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Design
 Can roll up or tilt
 Made of wood or
metal
 May be hollow-core
or solid-core
55
11

56. Overhead DoorsOverhead Doors (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Forcing entry
 Break out a panel or window and manually operate lock
from within.
 Always securely prop door open to prevent door closing.
 Security roll-up door
 Cut triangle-shape entry.
56
11

57. WindowsWindows (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Usually easier to force than doors
 Frames made of wood, metal, vinyl
 Glass is the easiest way to force a window, but also the
most dangerous.
57
11

58. WindowsWindows (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Safety
 Wear PPE with face and eye protection.
 Clear area of personnel.
 Coordinate with fire attack to prevent flare-ups and
backdrafts.
 Completely clear frame of glass shards.
58
11

59. Glass ConstructionGlass Construction
 Regular or Annealed Glass
 Double-Pane Glass
 Plate Glass
 Laminated Glass
 Tempered Glass
 Wire Glass
59
11

60. Regular or Annealed GlassRegular or Annealed Glass
 Commonly used because it is inexpensive
 Larger pieces called plate glass
 Easily broken with a pike pole
 Watch out for shards.
 Can penetrate helmets, boots, and other protective gear
60
11

61. Double-Pane GlassDouble-Pane Glass
 Used in many homes because it improves home
insulation
 Uses two panes with an air pocket between them
 Two panes need to be broken separately.
 Watch out for shards.
61
11

62. Plate GlassPlate Glass
 Commercial plate glass is stronger, thicker glass used in
large window openings.
 Can easily be broken with a Halligan tool or pike pole
 Watch out for large shards.
62
11

63. Laminated GlassLaminated Glass
 Also known as safety glass
 Molded sheet of plastic between two sheets of glass
 Commonly used in vehicle windshields
63
11

64. Tempered GlassTempered Glass
 Specially heat-treated
 Four times stronger than regular glass
 Common in side and rear vehicle windows,
commercial or sliding doors
 Breaks into small pellets without sharp edges
64
11

65. Wired GlassWired Glass
 Tempered glass with wire reinforcement
 Often used in fire-rated doors
 Difficult to break
65
11

66. Frame DesignsFrame Designs
 Double-Hung Window
 Single-Hung Window
 Jalousie Window
 Awning Window
 Horizontal-Sliding Window
 Casement Window
 Projected Window
66
11

67. Double-Hung WindowsDouble-Hung Windows (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Design
 Two sashes move up
and down
 Common in
residences
 One center lock or
one on either side
67
11

68. Double-Hung WindowsDouble-Hung Windows (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Forcible entry
 Break locking mechanism to force entry.
 Place a prying tool under the lower sash and force it up.
 May be cheaper and easier to break glass.
68
11

69. Single-Hung WindowsSingle-Hung Windows (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Design
 Upper sash is fixed—only lower sash moves.
 Locking mechanism is the same.
 May be difficult to distinguish between single-hung and
double-hung from exterior.
69
11

70. Single-Hung WindowsSingle-Hung Windows (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Forcing entry
 Use same technique as forced entry through double-
hung window.
 Breaking glass and opening the window is generally
easier.
70
11

71. Forcing a Double or SingleForcing a Double or Single
Hung WindowHung Window
71

72. Jalousie WindowsJalousie Windows
 Adjustable,
overlapping sections
of tempered glass
 Operated by hand
crank
 Difficult to force
 Avoid if possible.
72
11

73. Awning WindowsAwning Windows
 Like jalousie, but only
one or two panels
 Break open lower panel
and operate crank.
 Break out panels.
 May be easier to force
than jalousie due to
larger panel size
73
11

74. Horizontal-SlidingHorizontal-Sliding
WindowsWindows
 Similar to sliding doors
 Rods and poles are
placed to prevent break-
ins.
 Force in the same
manner as sliding doors.
 Attempt to locate
another window if a
security rod is present.
74
11

75. Casement WindowsCasement Windows
 Steel- or wood-frame
windows that crank open
 Similar to jalousie or
awning windows
 Should be avoid because
they are difficult to open
 To force, break glass,
unlock, and open
manually.
75
11

76. Projected WindowsProjected Windows (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Also called factory
windows
 Avoid forcing entry
76
11

77. Projected WindowsProjected Windows (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 To force entry, break a pane, unlock, and open the
window manually.
 If opening is not large enough, break out entire
assembly.
77
11

78. Types of LocksTypes of Locks
 Cylindrical Locks
 Padlocks
 Mortise Locks
 Rim Locks
78
11

79. Parts of a Door LockParts of a Door Lock
 Latch
 Catches and holds
the door frame
 Operator lever
 The handle
 Deadbolt
 A second, separate
latch that locks and
reinforces
79
11

80. PadlocksPadlocks (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Most common locks
on the market today
 Regular- and heavy-
duty are available.
 Come with various
unlocking devices
80
11

81. Parts of a PadlockParts of a Padlock
 Shackle
 U-shaped top of the
lock
 Unlocking Device
 The key way or
combination dial
 Lock Body
 Main part of
padlock
81
11

82. Forcing a PadlockForcing a Padlock
 Forcing entry
 Cut the shackle- bolt cutters
 Break the shackle- Irons
 If padlock is made of case-hardened steel, many
conventional methods will be ineffective.
82
11

83. Bolt CuttersBolt Cutters
 Can quickly and easily break regular-duty
padlocks
 Cannot be used on heavy-duty case-hardened
steel padlocks
 To use, open jaws as wide as possible.
 Close jaws around one side of the lock
shackles.
 Once the shackle is cut, the other side will spin
freely and allow access.83
11

84. Cylindrical LocksCylindrical Locks (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Design
 Most common type
of fixed lock in use
today
84
11

85. Cylindrical LocksCylindrical Locks (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Forced entry
 K Tool
 To force, place a pry bar near the locking mechanism
and lever it.
85
11

86. Mortise LocksMortise Locks
 Found in hotel
rooms
 Latch will lock door.
 Bolt can be used for
added security.
 Difficult to force
 Use through-the-lock
technique. 86
11

87. DeadboltsDeadbolts
 Used as secondary
locks
 Have a bolt that
extends at least 1"
into the door frame
 Difficult to force
 Use through-the-
lock method.
87
11

88. Rim LocksRim Locks
 Older style lock
 Mounts on outside of
door and jamb
88

89. Rim LockRim Lock
 Present day
89

90. Breaching Walls and FloorsBreaching Walls and Floors
 Breach only as a last
resort.
 First consider if wall
is load-bearing.
 Could cause collapse
if breached
 Nonbearing walls
can be removed
safely.
90
11

91. Exterior WallsExterior Walls (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Can be constructed of one or more materials
 Wood, brick, aluminum siding, masonry block,
concrete, or metal
 Whether to attempt to breach is a difficult decision
 Masonry, metal, and brick are formidable materials.
91
11

92. Exterior WallsExterior Walls (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Breaking through can be very difficult.
 Best tools to use are:
 Sledgehammer
 Rotary saw with a concrete blade
92
11

93. Interior WallsInterior Walls (1 of 2)(1 of 2)
 Constructed of wood or metal studs covered by plaster
or sheetrock in residences
 Commercial buildings may have concrete block interior
walls.
 Breaching an interior wall can be dangerous.
 Bearing or non-bearing.
93
11

94. Interior WallsInterior Walls (2 of 2)(2 of 2)
 Locate a stud away from electrical outlets and switches.
 Make a small hole to check for obstructions.
 If area is clear, expand to reveal studs.
94
11

95. FloorsFloors
 Most floors are
wood or poured
concrete.
 Both can be difficult
to breach.
 This is truly a last
resort.
 Use a rotary saw
with appropriate
blade or Bullet Saw.
95
11

96. Forcible Entry and SalvageForcible Entry and Salvage
 Try to keep damage to a minimum.
 Secure structure before leaving.
 Replace locks or board up entry point- nails or screws
 Ensure owner is on-site or request additional police
patrols.
96
11

97. SummarySummary
 “Try before you pry.”
 Use the minimum amount of force necessary to gain
access.
 Knowledge of building construction is essential to
successful forcible entry.
 Use proper PPE.
 Use and carry tools safely.
97
11

98. Hands- on DrillsHands- on Drills
 Forcing double hung window
 Forcing inward swinging door
 Forcing outward swinging door
 K Tool (time permitting)
 Building doors (time permitting)
98

99. SafetySafety
 Keep cutting tools sharp.
 Use proper PPE.
 Gloves
 Eye protection
 Face protection
 Have others stand away.
99
11

100. Hands-on DrillsHands-on Drills
 Assign Companies into two groups
 1 group to Vent, 1 to Forcible Entry
 Vent will go over power tools, breach floor and breach
wall.
 Forcible entry will work door prop, window prop, and
interior doors.
 Groups will switch ½ way through.
100

101. ResourcesResources
 Jones & Bartlett- Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills,
2nd
ed.
 Truckie-Talk (Facebook)
 VentEnterSearch.com
 Firefighterclosecalls.com & The Secret List
101

102. Questions?Questions?
Comments or
Suggestions?
102