Through the Lock

Forcible entry training is a staple in many departments. In fact, it is often one of the more exciting trainings that firefighters are involved in. It's quite captivating to have the green light to break something. My own experience in these trainings is that the stars of the show are the halligan and the axe, and very little is discussed outside of using these tools. 
I can remember being shown a K-tool, but it was another couple of years before I actually had any hands-on experience with it. True, it is my own fault for waiting that long to become familiar with it, but I think it speaks greatly to the approach the fire service takes with through-the-lock methods of forcing doors.

When it comes down to it, most of us will pull out the irons long before considering the K-tool, or similar tool. There is certainly a place for traditional irons work. For the majority of emergency scenarios, irons probably should be the go to method of forcing entry. It is usually both very effective and quick when done correctly. We should not be fooled in thinking that irons are the only way to open a door, however. Maybe this video will help make that point for you, as it did for me. 

Thru the Lock Time Trial for Mobile

My curiosity in through-the-lock techniques came about following several recent incidents. One involved a flooded grocery store, and the other an automatic alarm in an occupied apartment building. In each of these instances, we were quickly able to rule out any immediate life-threats, but the need for gaining entry through locked doors still remained. A halligan and axe were used at both locations to get the job done. This left behind multiple doors that could no longer be secured. While this method mitigated the problem for the fire department, those in charge of property maintenance had a new set of issues to deal with. I found myself feeling guilty for not being better prepared for the task I was given. Thus started some my desire to learn more about attacking the lock rather than the door.

Below is a great video from Search & Destroy Fire Training that gives an inside look at how to manipulate a variety of locks once the external lock faces or handles are removed. In many lock types, it is a fairly simple process to gain entry once the initial work is completed. I would encourage you to take some time to consider how you might add some of these new techniques to your forcible entry arsenal. I can guarantee that it will eventually save you a lot of time, and a lot of property. 

Lock Manipulation for Mobile