The Pig – Product Review

June 7, 2012 1 Comment

The brother firefighters at LoneStar Axe LLC were gracious enough to send THE PIG up to Ohio for some fireground tests.  We put THE PIG to work for a few days as we had an acquired structure and a forcible entry prop to get the tool into many hands.  The only complaint heard was that some firefighters prefer a wood handle over the fiberglass one we used.  Wood and fiberglass mounting options are available here.  Check out the rest of the review below which includes pictures and videos.

Here is the description of the THE PIG right from the LoneStar Axe LLC website: THE PIG is an innovative and beautifully simple, fire service tool that was developed by an experienced Austin, Texas firefighter. THE PIG combines the two working ends of the flat-head and the pick-head axe. Ask yourself- How often do firefighters actually use the cutting edge of a fire service axe? Firefighting has evolved and THE PIG has arrived to devour every assignment in it’s path.

THE PIG is 8 pounds of total fireground domination! Combining proven attributes of a flat-head and pick-head axe, THE PIG is the most versatile tool on the fireground. Roof ventilations, forcible entry, saving your own, breaching walls, and breaking locks are just the start of it’s capabilities. THE PIG can also be used for overhaul, and is great for pulling down drywall, shiplap, lathe and plaster, and trim. THE PIG is the single most capable hand tool on the fireground. When you arrive on scene, there will be no question what you will reach for… Grab THE PIG!

THE PIG on FACEBOOK

Striking 

All of the firefighters that used THE PIG noted that it was well balanced on the 32″ handle.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/NiK5agAWNgk[/youtube]

Roof Ventilation

The video below shows THE PIG in action on an old hip roof with 1″ boards laying across conventional lumber spaced 16″ on center.  Brute force coupled with a well balanced tool here.

FDT on FACEBOOK then click “Like”

[youtube]http://youtu.be/pxO7meanx3A[/youtube]

Wall Breaching

We did put a few holes in this building with various hand tools.  THE PIG breached wood, drywall, and brick facade.

Other +’s

  • The notch on the pick allows for easy marrying of THE PIG and a haligan.
  • The pick end will fit into the shackle of some padlocks similar to a duck billed lock breaker.
  • The pick can be used to remove window glass in vehicles.
  • The combination of a flat head and a pick in one tool is firefighter innovation at its best.  Most firefighters commented that they do not use the blade on standard flat head axes regularly.

Recommendation

After the several days of significant work with THE PIG, the handle below the head of the tool started to become banged up pretty good like most axes do.  The handle did not loose strength, but a metal guard would be beneficial to increase the life of the handle (especially if the wood handle is preferred).  LoneStar Axe LLC is working on a solution and will introduce it at a later date.

Email Chris at chris@lonestaraxellc.com for more information or to order.

Pass it on!

Copyright 2014 | First Due Tackle |