A few weeks ago we had a post describing how to attach a carrying strap to the water can. Some people wondered why we discussed such an involved process. Those pictures were based on a can that had a plastic ring on the bottom. The presence of plastic ring created a need to use the large hose clamp at the base. The original post and comments can be found here.
Trevor Holmberg from Poulsbo (WA) Engine 71 sent in a method of attaching the carrying strap to a can with a metal base. They simply drilled 2 small holes in the base of the can and put a key ring through the holes. On the top they used another key ring on the wall hanger tab. The strap is actually an unused flashlight strap. Easy on, easy off.
Engineer Jeff Spinelli from Winter Park (FL) Engine 62 created a strap with a quick disconnect. He simply used an old stretcher strap with an automotive style seat belt release. These straps have pre-sewn loops at the ends that can be girth hitched around the wall hanger tab on top, and fed through the clamp on the bottom.
Obviously there are a million different ways to attach a strap to the water can. The main focus should be to make carrying the can more convenient so it’s carried more often.
Good Tip, having a strap on the can is a must in my book. However, I have found that the split ring winds up coming out rather quickly when you have to carry that can into any fire (or any length of time for that matter). You would be better off doubling up the webbing strap, drill a small hole (or poke a nail through it) and put a bolt/lock washer/nut in its place. This will hold that strap much better than a split ring ….sorry I dont have a pic to show you, but I think you can figure out what I am talking about. Keep the tips coming….!!!!
Or you could wrap some tape around the ring to prevent the strap from getting into the split, would that take care of the problem?
Another use I found for the Ferno straps is on the big box lights, simply put on of them on, and you have a quick disconnect system in place. The straps are pretty strong so you can imagine the uses for them (K12, Chainsaw, extrication, etc)
Or you can buy a can strap for 35 dollars from Hooks Unlimited.
I would imagine that the metal on the water can would rip over time even if you used tape. That is really thin stuff at the bottom. It isn’t the same thickness as the can itself because it only needs to support the can, and not the pressure. I do like the idea of using the machine bolts with washers and nuts. Overall, I would check with the extinguisher service company that maintains your station/vehicle extinguishers because they may not hydrotest the can if it has been altered.
Stay safe!!
Trevor, you are my hero (he’s not a trucky). We at 23/D (E23) were trying to work out just such an application for ease of use. (I like the seat belt release) Saw your name…. keep up the good work and effort to excel. Peace
I agree with that bottom metal seeming rather thin… unless it was reinforced somehow then maybe…
dunno, i think a seatbelt longboard strap might hold better as those flashlight ends don’t seem to stand up well for very long… anyone else have that problem?
Our Department uses a contractor for suppling the extinguishers. they are not ours to alter, and besides when the can is emptied it is exchanged for a new one ( they keep several extras in the station for us, the contractor comes to exchange them as they get used). Are there any ideas out there that can be transfered from can to can?
Glenn, The idea shown above with the quick release tab can easily be swapped to a new water can. All you would need to do is unscrew the hose clamp and “ungirth” the strap from the wall hanger tab. On that particular strap set-up, I used the inner liner of some out of service attack hose. The liner keeps the clamp from sliding.
Stay Safe
Spinelli
Glenn, Evan Swartz had an earlier post which may be what you are looking for. Here’s the exact link….http://www.firehooksunlimited.net/harnesses.html