The Halligan tool, sometimes called a Halligan bar, was invented in the late 1940s by FDNY Fire Chief Hugh Halligan. The Halligan tool is considered one of the most effective forcible entry tools firefighters can have at their disposal.
The Halligan tool came about by necessity.
Prior to the Halligan tool, firefighters typically carried a Claw tool, and a Kelly tool. The designs of these tools were imperfect. They were heavy, and left little margin for error, making them troublesome. Many firefighters who used these tools were left with elbow and arm injuries.
Chief Halligan recognized the shortcomings of the Claw and the Kelly tool and developed the Halligan tool, which is comprised of three, much lighter, components.