REVIEW: The Hooligan

Paratech is a an established manufacturer of a wide array of emergency service products.  The company can be traced back 1963, although at that time it was under a different name.  The bulk of the products are focused on technical rescue, and some of their tools are most utilized in the technical rescue industry.

They are the manufacturers and creators of the Hooligan Tool.  The Paratech Hooligan Tool has set the standard of excellence for Hooligan type tools.  It has been the world's most popular heavy-duty, forcible-entry tool for more than 35 years.

The Hooligan is designed to pry, pound, puncture, twist, remove and cut open all types of barriers.  They come available in lengths of 24", 30", 36", and 42".

With a Hooligan from Paratech, you get:

• Heat-treated alloy steel head and claw, permanently press fitted to a 1" stress-proof alloy bar
• Machine-grooved, non-slip grips for a secure hold
• Gently curved claw maximizes your prying leverage (also doubles as a nail puller and gas shut-off)
• Duckbill: Long, smooth incline to force windows and interior doors
• Pike: Super-hardened alloy point punctures almost anything
• Bright Finish: The standard electroless nickel finish is available for good looks and easy maintenance
• Parallel opening for gas valve shutoffs, locks and hasps
• Claw radius offers optimal prying leverage
• Recessed nail puller
• Machine sharpened claws

Hooligan Tools are reasonably priced between $99 to $160, and they can be purchased directly from Paratech or through most firefighter gear companies.  Paratech has an entire section of their website dedicated towards user-submitted rescue stories where their tools made a significant impact; check them out to learn more about the versatility of The Hooligan.