Forging a FIREFIGHTER'S HALLIGAN!

[@AlecSteele]

Protect yourself from Halligan intruders this Christmas by saving 40% or more on your SimpliSafe security system during their holiday sale. Visit SimpliSafe.com/forge to learn more!

[@inventiveowl395]

If a hooligan came with a halligan, he would need to simply use it and not need to care about the safe part.

[@overwhelmedfatwife5792]

You should make a switch blade

[@JTL-knives]

simply safe isnt safe at all... its super easy to hack..

[@racheladamjuliewhite]

Hi Alec, did you see that how ridiculous want you to make a giant anvils

[@ericg7044]

I must the say the way you said that part at the end sounded like a threat. Now I'm worried a mad British blacksmith is going to show up at my door with a pointed metal implement.

[@ItsNickolai]

Hey Alec! Im a firefighter and our department and many fire departments have a door forcing prop, I bet if you stopped by or called and asked to use the prop you could make a cool video testing it out!

[@BetterIntegra]

I love how firefighters speak in volunteer. You probably don't even notice your contributions because it's just built into you all. We notice

[@Sphs65]

Lol I think he called you a volley

[@BetterIntegra]

​@@Sphs65 Just as reliable and they ask for nothing. Well, other than the fact that they literally have to ask. It sounds like the Sallies had to give them a silly name ;]

[@Sphs65]

@@BetterIntegra are you a firefighter?

[@BetterIntegra]

@@Sphs65 For a few summers back in the day. Where I've lived it's been all volunteer departments and alot of kids do. Been pretty hard to find people these days though. Might have to figure something out more, reliable. But we hang in there

[@jaybravo2199]

I just watched an episode on Forged In Fire when they forged a Halligan just this morning. I'm living in a simulation, and I'm glad you are a part of my simulation.

[@Merennulli]

I wonder if there was a fire recently at the simulation server room.

[@fabiometalsinger]

Unfortunately you're living in the corporate simulation kindly offered to you by Google ™️. At least it's a fine simulation as long as Alec's channel is being part of it 😉😄

[@dadsfriendlyrobotcompany]

Alec's does look better than the others'

[@RoborobsComputers]

As long as no one turns off the hallodeck you should be good. Lol

[@BetterIntegra]

I USED to have those dejavu moments in the 90's until I realize the teachers are teaching about sharks, because it's shark week on TV. I assumed it was always coincidental when really you are just, with the times. Sorry to disappoint and for writing this so, metaphorically. I assume you get the point

[@marcelenduro3009]

Firefighter here, Awesome video! The Halligan looks so cool, I'd love to try it out 😂

[@mgreene1409]

Might be cool to take it to your local fire brigade as a Christmas gift. They may not want to use it for work but it would be a cool piece of wall art.

[@JoshWright396]

It wouldn't be practical for actual use. One of the more important features is the flat spot where the adze and pick meet (it's used a striking surface to drive the forks into the gap in a door jamb). In this case it's too rounded and any blows would have a pretty good chance of sliding off.

[@mgreene1409]

@@JoshWright396 I was trying to say that, without saying that. Lol

[@fsttag1]

The Halligan has saved countless lives since it’s invention. One of the most versatile tools that firefighters carry. I have one in my personal vehicle as well as me department vehicle.

[@angiekyle2942]

Me: I wish Alec would do more hand forging, like he did a few years ago, when I first started watching. Also me: That looks like hard work, couple whacks with the power hammer and it would be done.

[@7fungi7]

Local volunteer firefighter here, my favorite tool is this. Great job Alec!!

[@lukearts2954]

The 30-some seconds after he explained the function of that bend, I think my mind blew up about 12 times... He makes it seem so easy like my boy playing with Duploes, but knowing what craftmanship is, that little evolution/montage, can only inspire awe or higher...

[@eggsandbacon1775]

You would think 2 years after covid started we would be over this . I’m sorry you have to deal with all this. Stay safe!

[@frankierzucekjr]

We should be. Let's just hope this "new variant" does what we think and makes all the symptoms mild and kicks out the bad variant. Because I'm ready for our world to be free again. I hate seeing what's happening everyday everywhere. All the politicians and government want that control, so hopefully this shuts them all up. Where I live in NC we haven't really had much of a lock down, at all. But the only reason they can "mandate" anything is because of the "state of emergency" so once that's gone we can tell them to fk off and give us our lives back. But sadly I think they're waiting on a certain PRESIDENT to come back before they release their next man-made bs on our people. Because they LOVE the control they get by putting people in fear. Fingers crossed we all stand strong and show the government THAT THEY WORK FOR US, not the other way around. Once we get this tyrannical potato out and his crew of commies, we'd be SOOO much better off.

[@bobdole4916]

The problem is the ~1/4th of the people who still think it's all a hoax or who are antivaxx. That group makes sure Covid sticks around *and* helps it keep mutating. They've basically turned themselves into a Covid breeding ground. There's just enough of those people that they ruin it for the rest of us. If that same number existed, but weren't clustered into groups, this wouldn't still be happening, but the young and the ignorant seem just absolutely determined to believe that it can't hurt them and therefore doesn't matter.

[@MortRotu]

@@bobdole4916 it's not just young, all ignorant though.

[@thomasdunn5883]

@@bobdole4916 what a special one you are

[@LSD25]

I'm ready for permanent covid, are you?

[@ManualPixarPresents]

So many firefighters here were waiting for this to be made, myself included! Fourth generation member of the FDNY, same department that invented the halligan. Besides the adz not being on the same plane as the fork it’s nearly perfect. Awesome job.

[@JoshWright396]

The flat between the adze and pick is too rounded to be used as a striking surface (probably the most common use case for a halligan)

[@ManualPixarPresents]

@@JoshWright396 if you need somebody to hit you in, you’re not good enough at forcing doors

[@davidsanders5788]

That’s awesome. Welcome back and safe travels back to the UK. With 36 years in the fire service that is the first completely one piece haligan I’ve ever seen. Awesome job.

[@firefighterfarmer]

Alec, truly appreciate this tool and your process and you making this awesome tool that I have used numerous times. I can't remember if you have in the past but perhaps a fireman's axe for the next project? Either way, cheers and as always, thanks for the awesome work.

[@Merennulli]

He does have a 2-video project titled "Making a Wildland Firefighter's Pulaski" but I don't think he's done the pickhead style fireman's axe.

[@firefighterfarmer]

@@Merennulli yes I remember the Pulaski axe. I just didn’t think he had done a fireman’s pick axe. Good call on the other though. Thanks.

[@williamletts9487]

He could make this into a series and make a pike pole as well

[@GoProMallory]

Hey Alec, 15 year career firefighter here from Ga. That was super awesome to watch and see how that process worked, Been a subscriber for years. Is this halligan going to be for sale? Would love to get my hands on it

[@CodyLakner22]

Full set of A.S. irons?!? I'd be in...

[@Pay-No-Mind]

With your experience would you say there are any small/large adjustments that would improve the current design and it's capabilities? Thank you for your service you do for your community, I hope you and all your co-workers stay safe, god bless.

[@jhcengineering]

I would make you some. What specs would you like? Copy the one at the local fire station?

[@seanshuping]

Oh man, The banter between the blacksmith and the videographer is fantastic. Alec and Jamie this is an excellent piece of art; both the forged piece and the videography piece. It just shows that both of you are bad asses in your profession. Respect

[@StrokerStevens]

I started my career as a Firefighter, and the Halligan Bar was my favorite tool in our arsenal.

[@DavidLee-yu7yz]

Never seen you so happy and smile, since your sojourn in the Old Country, Good to see.

[@cscarecrow1704]

I love so much Jamie's back talking, he cracks me every time XD

[@dylanvaughn3564]

That's the one thing I'll miss when he returns to Montana lol maybe Jamie will put some snarky comments in the edits 🤣

[@cscarecrow1704]

@@dylanvaughn3564 I hope so much

[@mikemoore4602]

Welcome back to Montana Alec!!!! We’re glad to have you back in our beautiful State.

[@edupuertasfruns]

Quite impressive you can turn a round piece of steel in that!!!

[@jadsmvs8651]

I'm a firefighter here in Australia and love your content! I've been waiting for a video of a halligan forging for years. Awesome stuff, mate.

[@Jarvisskilling]

this looks so good good to see you back in your workshop

[@nathanklein3111]

Career Firefighter/Paramedic here. Great video and an awesome looking halligan. If you ever want to learn the art of using it, feel to come through Maryland. We’ll help you put it through its paces. 😁👍🏻🇺🇸👨‍🚒

[@jamesellsworth9673]

It is FINE to see Alex actually making/forging something basic again!

[@matthewtrombly4173]

I made a halligan a few months ago and for the ads/pick formation I decided on hot cutting the squared-off round stock and bending out the pieces and forging them from there. Worked a treat

[@alexlutz2221]

I work as an engineer at a custom firetruck manufacturer. I think a good fire fighting tool to try forging would be a traditional new Yorker pike pole with a wooden handle. Most trucks have at least one hook of some kind if not several of them so not only would it be a great project but it's just about simple enough that you could probably develop tooling to be able sell them to local departments if you wanted to. They can be made of mild steel and usually have a white ash handle.

[@uhavenosushi]

Looks really great! That’s a tough piece to forge. One thing, I noticed the adz and the pick locations should actually be swapped. One might not think it’s a big deal, but there is actually a purpose why the adz and pick are where the are, as well as the slight curve in the forks, pick and adz.

[@Ricochet845]

not so much swap the adz and pick ends, because you'd still have the same problem of the fork end sticking up a bit... a simple "twist" perse and put the adz end inline w/ the forked end and the spike to the side... if looking at the Halligan tool in the direction from 10:53 on the video, a 90* counter clockwise "turn" perse would put everything where it needs to be.

[@uhavenosushi]

@@Ricochet845 ah yes. That is true. Didn’t look hard enough apparently. Just noticed it wasn’t quite right. So they are in the correct positions just not in relation to the fork. Good catch.

[@Ricochet845]

@@uhavenosushi all good friend. I am very picky about my halligan tools....I personally own 3. 1 in my truck, one in my garage, and one in my bedroom cause well....reasons lol. and yes pretty much correct, just need that tweeking in relation to being inline with the forks and this would be perfect... that said I still want to buy this one, cause well... I need another one lol.

[@joshualoney1]

Need to square off the fork shoulders too.

[@Ricochet845]

@@joshualoney1 ehhh…. Some guys like myself prefer to that themselves…. I know I do, and the guys in my truck company do. Nothing against Alec, it’s just a weird thing that a lot of people like to do themselves… get that perfect smooth fit between axe head and halligan shoulders.

[@MrAidanfleming]

Great to see an upload!! I want to see house updates also! But forever I’ve wanted you to make a Damascus knuckle duster!! That’s a challenge 😉

[@dan725]

Welcome back!! It’s such a great idea to have a workshop in both countries so you can split your time between the two. One for your dreams and passion; but still grounded to your roots and your family back home! I hope your channel grows exponentially so you can have staff at both locations!! Edit: Typed too soon! Haha annnnd back to England you go! I hope we also get some B roll of your staff making stuff for your online store!

[@pinking5555]

What would be cool is for you to bring the Halligan to a training center, so it can be in a controlled environment and have the firefighters there test it for a video

[@graydonsalonia4578]

I’m so happy to see my favorite forger and my job combined into one

[@lanzhimself]

This is my favorite thing you've forge so far. Now do it in Damascus!

[@jeffreymiller9706]

Oh how I'd love to have a smaller version of this...say 12 inches to carry in my personal vehicle along with my turnout gear and Tactical EMS bag. Amazing work, Alec!!!!!

[@ingerakkermans2565]

Even though thuis might be the roughest ive seen you complete anything, its stil a marvelous beast to see

[@wrench_n_ride8159]

Welcome back to the US! My son lives in Montana and he is an Iron Worker.

[@EmpatheticOne]

Come back quick and safe! Enjoy the great time with the fam!

[@Hazzyman]

I suggested you made this in another one of your videos when you asked for suggestions. I thought it’d be a challenge but you make it look so easy haha keep up the great work Alec

[@rensocruz1866]

Montana looks so awesome. Can't wait to have you back in the states.

[@garonberger31]

I just noticed that he used scenes from Chicago fire while he was explaining what a halligan is, he even showed the scene where Joe Cruz is using the slamagin! That is awesome!😂

[@paulcardone481]

One of the best looking halligans I've seen made.

[@AnyMotoUSA]

I'm a new blacksmith, and also a new firefighter! Imma need to make one of these.

[@mikesupczenski5867]

My department only uses solid welded or forged Halligan. We don’t like ones that are held together by pins. The pin ones tend to flex to much. Thanks for the vid!

[@Asertix357]

Pinned halligans are the devil's buttscratchers.

[@parryhotter4283]

Future firefighter here. Basic training starts in february and I can go on duty in may. Greetings from Germany, great video

[@JBMetalShop]

You do what you have to do Alec! Family first, always. Mad respec man, love your videos!

[@dusty2206]

Jamies job has never been so chill!

[@southronjr1570]

Beautiful job. A tip, the spike portion has a slight curve to it on the more effective "Hooligan" tools out there. I have been a Firefighter since I was 16 (awful close to 30 years now) and after about 3 years and getting trapped in a house fire, refuse to make entry without a set of irons ( both a Haligan tool and a flat head axe strapped together), no matter what else I am taking, be it the nozzle, as back up, or as search and rescue. I can say that my beloved "Hooligan" has saved my but more than once.

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

Thank you for your service!

[@dmckenzie9281]

I was a firefighter for 37 years and retire two years ago this month! I have used a halligan or three in my 60 years. I have a broken one in my shop that was being thrown away because one of the forks broke during training. Captain said that I could take it home. I couldn't see throwing that chunk of steel in the trash bin.

[@lucasceglinski2352]

We get sentimental attachments to our tools, don’t we? I’m still in my probationary period on the volunteer department and I’ve already grown attached to a specific halligan, pike pole, axe and apparatus. I’ve been on for nearly three months now and plan on being on for years to come. Congratulations on your retirement, my friend!!

[@porterabplanalp8454]

Alec's ability to snatch quality from the jaws of garbage is unparalleled.

[@bruinflight]

It's really neat how you are able to draw out metal like that

[@barryd.thomassr.9156]

Swung Many of Them, Looks Great! OH I was a volunteer for 9 Years till Bi lateral Knee replacement.

[@Cowter4]

Fun fact: Firefighter Halligans are nickel plated to prevent sparks, because sparks WILL kill a firefighter

[@alloypaulson7520]

Do they have to recoat/replace it if the coating wears off of it? I'm not too familiar with how nickel coating works

[@joanus2010]

WELCOME HOME ALEC! MISS YOU HERE!

[@jornwielinga6919]

Dutch firefighter here! That halligan looks awesome, I would love to test it on the job! Just add it to your shop like the grinding disc, or lend it to me:-D

[@MakoRuu]

You could make a cool video of donating it to a small volunteer fire department! They could always use the equipment.

[@kronosboy35]

That's so cool!! About a year ago I left a comment on your website asking if you could forge a halligan. It's so cool to see you make one! As always, keep up the amazing work!

[@ninehundreddollarluxuryyac5958]

Would love to see you loan it to firefighters doing training. The real challenge is what happens when they use it to force a commercial steel door in a steel frame set in concrete. Will your hardening stand up like an actual drop-forged in the dies tool? Also, file the shoulder where the claw meets the bar so it is square. That way we can slide the axe down the bar to strike the claw, even in reduced visibility. The Halligan's with the rounded interface cause the axe to glance off instead of delivering a good hit. If you loan it to firefighters to try, have them mark the spot on the adze where it gets to the back of the doorframe. You can file some marks there to serve as depth guides when driving the Halligan into the door gap. Thanks for showing this. This is a fascinating tool. Consider making an eight to ten pound flat back axe to go with it, complete with the little notches that let the Halligan claw mate up with the axe so they can be carried as one item. That would be way cool! I'll make one more suggestion. We wrap the axe handle with a thick bunch of old wire, mostly up near the head, then wrap tape over the wire. The idea is that if you miss with the axe, you don't tear up the handle. Can you invent something better?

[@MorrisonManor]

The bend was genius!

[@willgriff]

My Christmas present this year was finding your KZbin channel which I had no idea even existed before 3 or 4 days ago

[@jamesmace29]

Hey now you just have to make an axe and you’ll have “the irons.” I knew there was a reason I love your videos!

[@mark8lifestyle322]

Welcome back to the United States!!! That was a bit of a quick trip. I think anyone would have done what you did to be with your Family.

[@wyattdunkley7038]

This makes me happy by far my favorite tool

[@Dynotop1a]

11:25 is the universal reaction to initiating invasion via Halligan 😂

[@masonmills8140]

Wow just realized i live 16 minutes away from your montana workshop! What a surprise

[@firstnamelastname8815]

As former voluntary firefighter this bringed smile to my face

[@Steve.budgen]

I think you need to get Will Stelter back, he was a great addition to your channel, and you both made some impressive knives, would be great for you two to do that again .

[@zachscherwin3417]

Dude I’m a firefighter in Illinois , I would do anything to carry a Halligan made by you while on duty !!!!!!

[@tkl1984jr]

Hell yes I requested you make one several years ago 🤘🏼♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ my brother is a firefighter and instructor for Irons and Ladders

[@JakeHoffman4life]

Back in the neighborhood for my birthday! Come on down to Wyoming for some adventure man!

[@larrypreston3826]

Not a firefighter but a construction worker. This is an invaluable tool to have for remodeling!

[@MabasCommunications]

I’m a FF in one the poorest communities in America and we have one of the highest structure fire responses in America as well. I’d love to put one of yours to the test!

[@MrWhateverfits]

I love hearing things like this. I volunteer in my Townsite that's only around maybe 400 people and we only have 4 people on our department, including me. Before I joined the department the response time was like 30 minutes to an hour. We have gotten down to 10 minutes. The town didn't even know there was a fire department, They do now and they are very happy.

[@garyhost354]

Buy one. Stop begging.

[@MabasCommunications]

@@garyhost354 who’s begging? He doesn’t offer them for sale. Thanks for your concern though

[@garyhost354]

@@MabasCommunicationsit’s fine. Typical of Americans these days. America is basically just a rich third world country at this point

[@MabasCommunications]

@@garyhost354 let’s go Brandon

[@zarahandrahilde9554]

I've always dreamt of what a Damascus Khopesh would look like...! Perhaps one will be made? :D

[@nedben1602]

Would love to see one

[@richcook9808]

In our brigade we call it the Hooligan tool. For obvious reasons. It's usually the Hooligan that volunteers to open the car bonnet at a MVA.

[@dpearson80808]

Damn that’s a sturdy vice Edit: immediately after unpausing the leg broke 😂 still though, didn’t know you could forge with a vice!

[@Liberty_DIY]

Don't leave again (except of course for family reasons) we here north america are blessed with your presence.

[@weoff507]

I have been waiting on this since you did the Pulaski. Thank you

[@frankierzucekjr]

Man it's good to see ya back in America bud. Can't wait to see what you make being back HOME. Also I think you and Will should do Steel VS Stelter challenge. We've been patiently waiting lol

[@garyhost354]

Will finally went and did his own thing. Alex was holding him back.

[@briannotseth21]

Awesome work! Please make a Spanish Tickler soon!

[@thieskuchenbecker6301]

Hope the house renovation is going smoothly. I hope there will be time for some bigger projects like the viking sword (by far my favorite project of yours) soon.

[@nathanminich8549]

Firefighter here. You need to make the handle and adz longer. Open the forks more and square the shoulders on the forks maybe a little more curve on the forks too. I can’t wait to see your next one!

[@JPOC226]

that was addressed in the video

[@tonyfranchise9565]

Amen to that.. I usually carry an Iron Fox axe, love the halligan tho! 🔥

[@mattbaigent5373]

This is a great tool. It is our go to tool for many incidents. Although we call it the hooligan tool.

[@SeeMick1]

I once knew a firefighter named Halligan. Lovely chap

[@giggityguy]

I'd love for you to show or at least talk about what the team in the Montana workshop are doing. I know that they handle a lot of the production forging for the AlecSteeleCo merch, but it would be cool to see it in action.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Have a Happy Holidays Everyone !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RyoHazuki224]

Boy, that jetlag from going from England to Montana from Montana to England... WHEW!!

[@victariongreyjoy7261]

8:48 I'm glad Jamie said it

[@anushrut5]

that were some crazy balls of steel in there

[@YuKonSama]

That's what I call dedication to a sponsor. Flying to America just for an Ad :D

[@teladithz7830]

Huh, looks like one of them master keys for the neighbourhood. 🤣

[@jackwriter1908]

When Alec started the Powerhammer I thought for a second that it wouldn't turn on and that we would have another repairing the powerhammer series on hand.

[@nriyo3]

Alec when you did those large 90 degree bends to make room to work on the angles I almost fell out of my chair. Haha great show young chap!

[@tonyfranchise9565]

Firefighter here, well done brother.... I'd love to run that bad boy. I carry an Iron Fox Axe usually. Yee Yee! 🍀14

[@richardbenge5376]

Welcome back to this side of the pond Alec.

[@garrisonthomas5038]

If you’re not continuing the shamshir just yet, you should try making a WWI era trench knife. There’s all different whacky styles to choose from if you decide to do it.

[@seannmurphy5360]

Love it when a plan comes to gether... although if it where damascus that would look epic. Everything looks better in Damascus..

[@devonotwell]

As a guy that works at a fire station with a bunch of guys that love your content @Alec Steele, how can I go about buying that?! We’d love to have it on our fire truck!!

[@Adjurthian]

You know what would probably be fun/awesome? Seeing you make a gunsword (if it is legal) and having it be tested by Matt and yourself over at DemolitionRanch. I don't think y'all have done a crossover if I remember correctly.

[@JacksonEngineering]

Woah! I may have to try that! I mean granted it’s on a plate anvil, hand hammering, and a coal forge that’s only 12” across but I think I have it!

[@steamerpowered]

What you got is better than most of the history of iron working! 👍

[@JacksonEngineering]

@@steamerpowered That’s what I keep telling myself!

[@federicograziani6160]

Wow. I've followed you since your video with Mike Boyd (2017 i think) and i can definitly see a big improvement in your forging skills. Keep it up man

[@user-io6ds8gj4p]

Welcome back Al. I had to cancel two trips home over the last two years, and now have had to postpone next years plans too. Still, Here I can hit metal and shoot guns, so it's not all bad.

[@Boomerangguy100]

Welcome back to Montana for a second! I got hit with that testing requirement change too. My vacation had to completely rescheduled and a lot of things were non-refundable.