I am a huge fan of the new TV show Chicago Fire on NBC. Usually when I like a show and start watching it, they cancel it! Anyways, watching the show I have seen a few tools that they have used in the scenes, most have been good choices for the task at hand except when they used what looked like an SDS hammer-drill to disassemble a piece of metal machinery.
Husqvarna K 970 Rescue – Gas Powered Cutting Saw
Quite a few times they used this saw for cutting open vehicles, removing rebar debris and cutting a fence that a guy landed on and impaled himself. Husqvarna reliability and power make this a great choice for this application.
Bosch CRS180K – 18V Reciprocating Saw
I only saw this tool in one scene where Firefighter Kelly Severide yelled ” Send me down a SawZall” it then got, lowered into a collapsed structure, so he could amputate a mans leg. Luckily the guy died before we had to watch this gruesome event. However, it did get me thinking, would I rather have a reciprocating saw cut off my leg or use a high speed 6″ metal cutting circular saw to get it done fast.
Bosch CAG180-01 – 18V Lithium-Ion 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder
This tool was used in conjunction with the Husqvarna K 970 Rescue to remove pieces of fence from a suicide attempt victim. This is also a good choice for smaller tighter areas.
DeWALT DCD959KX – 18V XRP 1/2″ Hammerdrill
On one of their days off the firefighters decided to do a good deed and build a handicap accessible ramp for one of the the people they rescued. Leading the way was firefighter/contractor Matthew Casey using the DCD959KX. Although an older model drill, it still is used by many contractors today. DeWALT has no plans to abandon their 18V line and for contractors like Matt Casey who make money from their tools this is a good thing!
Bosch 26618-01 – 1/4″ Cordless Impact Driver
I didn’t really get a good look at this tool, but it appears to be a Bosch 26618 1/4″ impact driver. This tool was used to remove a piece of metal machinery that had sucked in someones hand. I also saw what looks like to be an SDS hammer drill in this scene below. I am not sure why this would be needed for this situation, unless they wanted to try and remove the entire machine from the concrete floor.
I am no Roger Ebert, but Chicago Fire is great show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The actors all do a great job at playing their Chicago based characters. With every fire call comes more suspense. It is the highlight of my life! Click here to check out Chicago Fire Wednesday nights on NBC
The rotary hammer is an 11536C (36v brushless & vibration reduction), and its got a 3 jaw chuck adapter on the end (1618571014).
A little bigger than a standard drill, but a lot of versatility that way.
I’ve seen the show a few times and I’m a big fan too.
Good call Joe, I wonder if they have a technical advisor for tools or just grab whatever the workers are using on set.
My wife’s all into that show too. All I needed was one more show to plug up the DVR.
In another life I was a fire fighter and I loved the tools. Tearing cars apart with hydraulic machinery was awesome, BUT – I can’t watch the Fire Fighter shows or movies. I just can’t get into them. I was also trained as an EMT and I could never watch the Hospital Shows either. Don’t know why, just can’t do it. Anyone else with me on this?