The Lund Bar has an interesting history. Due to union agreements in the FDNY, the officers are permitted to carry a small tool for personal use only. I felt that I wanted a tool with a little heft to it so I approached the charter members of “JAF” and asked them to shrink a Halligan tool down for me so as not to cause union problems on the fire floor.

We simply took the middle 6″ or 8″ out of the center of the tool, prepared it for welding by bringing the two pieces to a point (to insure better welds)and then rejoined the two pieces with welds. After having one made for me, and seeing the success of the tool, other officers asked the men of “JAF” to make one for them.

After the welds had been ground down and made smooth, we put the finishing touches on the tool by first putting a line of wrapped medical tape under a layer of thick, rubber electrical tape to make the tool easier to grip. In the past couple of years, the tools have been made by Jimmy Jaget, Sam Melisi and Vinnie Tavella for me – I have tried not to burden any one of our expert welders too much!!!

Interestingly enough, I have noticed that Firemark Tools is now marketing a 20″ Halligan Bar in their catalog but it was Jackass Fabrications that was in the forefront several years ago with this tool!