Lieutenant Mark Silverman from Cocoa Fire Rescue sent in this photo. If you look close, those security bars are on the inside of the window! He reminded us that condominium associations usually dictate what owners can do to their units. Specifically, they dictate modifications to the exterior of the building that affect the appearance (they are usually not permitted.) This ingenious condo-owner responded by installing the bars on the inside. I guess they can’t tell you what to do inside your home!
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When faced with a situation like this, we can only imagine that it would make forcing and clearing the window, and removing the bars slightly more challenging. Not impossible, just challenging. The one obvious drawback is not being able to remove the bars without compromising or “taking the window†during proactive RIT functions.
Better to take the windows now during proactive RIT than have to waste time doing it after a member is pinned down in that room!
Rebar cutter anyone?
Evan (and anybody that uses rebar cutters)-
Can you give me some thoughts based on your experience with these tools? Each of our truck companies was recently issued a unit for the purposes of removing window bars (the first officer to notice them is to notify the incoming Chief who will add a company to assist in removal, other RIT stuff, etc). We’ve been given a ton of rebar stock to practice with, but have been as of yet unable to “find” a set of window bars to cut. Personally, until I get a chance to try them under realistic field conditions, I’ll still with the metal saw and irons. I’d love some feedback.
On the photo – I’d be very interested to see how those particular bars are secured to the building.
the rebar cutter we have is made by Holmatro, its a very nice tool to have. Quick and easy. If your department does not have a rebar cutter, Cutter Edge makes a black diamond blade which i used the other day and it was faster then the rebar cutter.
It’s hard to tell from the pics but they don’t look real stout.
If we’re talking about how do we get this window cleared out, I’d say try it with what you have. I’ve seen a lot of “Mickey Mouse” sh!t in peoples places. They may pull right out!
Those are Mickey Mouse BS bars. If you tried a rebar cutter on them you would be wasting your time. The rebar cutter works on the fact that rebar is cast not forged. It actually cracks the casting, it doesnt cut anything. This window bar garbage can most likely be taken out with a few meaty swings of a halligan, I would not try a maul as you need good aim or you either brake the handle or your hand! (thats experience talkin folks :-)) If not attack the hinge side (the one without the lock or slide bolt) In NYC, the Battalion calls an additional tower ladder immediately upon discovery of a window with bars in it. Our window bars are usually slide type of a scissor like construction. The lock is generally protected so we always force it from the hinge side as the screws are generally pretty weak.
Stay Safe
Those are Mickey Mouse BS bars. If you tried a rebar cutter on them you would be wasting your time. The rebar cutter works on the fact that rebar is cast not forged. It actually cracks the casting, it doesnt cut anything. This window bar garbage can most likely be taken out with a few meaty swings of a halligan, I would not try a maul as you need good aim or you either break the handle or your hand! (thats experience talkin folks :-)) If not attack the hinge side (the one without the lock or slide bolt) In NYC, the Battalion calls an additional tower ladder immediately upon discovery of a window with bars in it. Our window bars are usually slide type of a scissor like construction. The lock is generally protected so we always force it from the hinge side as the screws are generally pretty weak.
Stay Safe
Ive been told you can also use spreaders and spread them off the mounts.
Sometimes the old saying comes in, “try before you pry.” Many times if you pick the bars up the will unlatch and swing in or out.
I agree with jon. Most likely the wall isn’t masonry on the inside and the mounting screws should be easily pulled away or sheered with the irons.
From the looks of it, those bars are not mounted too “securely”. Like Jon said, a few extra swings with a halligan would do the trick. In cases where people do stupid stunts like this, you can usually be assured that it wasn’t done by a professional installer. The homeowner, with his trusty black and decker 4 volt screwdriver, did the install. If they are installed in a bit more “meaty” way, then, like it was mentioned, RIT needs to go to work finding a way to clear it.
Just be careful and coordinate your venting with the first due officers, you do not want to add the oxygen or draw the fire to them.
“Just be careful and coordinate your venting with the first due officers, you do not want to add the oxygen or draw the fire to them.”
Exactly!!! the RIT may be a little too pro active on a situation like this. Seems like a k-12 will still make the same impression to me though if needed. ALTHOUGH, this one pic does not show the entire size-up of this property. Are All the windows like this, if so, depends on the RIT and conditions.
The biggest problem we have had with those rebar “lobster” cutters have been the batteries. The unit has a battery indicator LED set on the side of the unit that may read that the battery is full but when you go to use it under load, it may or may not cut the window bar due to the battery being worn out.
That being said, I feel they’re unreliable. However, they are small enough and light enough to grab AS YOU GO FOR THE METAL CUTTING K-12. So give it a shot, if it works…great, if not have your “partner” at your feet and ready to cut.
SIDENOTE: Have also seen a few guys think the tool won’t cut, when it was simply the release nob that was not tightened prior to cutting…..
Stay safe…good stuff yet again!!
Don’t you think if they are mounted inside – they are only in the sheetrock or stud? My guess is that you could just push them in.
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