By Mark van der Feyst
Forcing a door typically requires two firefighters working together in small area. The firefighter operating the striking tool, be it a flat-head ax or maul, needs to have a controlled swing when striking. Wild swings will end up missing the halligan and hitting the other firefighter.
To prevent this, always rest the striking tool against the end of the halligan bar. When a strike is called, the striking firefighter can pull back the striking tool and hit the halligan. This way the firefighter uses the shoulder to keep the swing short. Controlled swings will prevent misses.