Channellock’s original 88 Rescue Tool was developed for prying, cutting, and other rescue operations. Then, based on user feedback, they modified the design slightly and came out with the 89 Rescue Tool, which replaced the 88’s flat cutters with curved steel cutters.
A few months ago, I wondered – is the Rescue Tool a life saver or weighty back breaker? Can a multi-tool like this really take the place of several separate tools?
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I know almost nothing about firefighting and rescue tools, but luckily I know a few good guys experienced enough to give these tools a fair evaluation. So, we sent out two 89 Rescue Tools to firemen in Pennsylvania. One reviewer had never seen or even heard of these tools, and passed the sample around the firehouse. The other reviewer immediately recognized the 89 since he had uses the 88 Rescue Tool in the past.
After we contacted them, Channellock donated one of the review samples, and we paid for the other. The reviewers were asked for their first impressions and to consider using the tools if they felt comfortable doing so. We made sure to insist that the reviewers not feel forced to use the tools if they didn’t want to.
It has now been more than 10 months since we sent the samples to our reviewers. We’re now waiting to hear back from them about their long-term impressions of the tool, and are preparing a write-up of their initial impressions. In the meantime, if you’re a firefighter or first response rescuer, what’s your take on Channellock’s Rescue Tools?
Channellock 89 Rescue Tool via Amazon
Product Info via Channellock
Kevin D
I’m a firefighter in Denver, and recognize the tool though I’ve never actually used one (kind of expensive). The “spanner wrench” on the bottom side would come in handy here and there. In my experience, the “gas shut-off” and “pry” end doesn’t seem very useful, as gas shut offs vary in size and sometimes need a lot of force to turn. The cutters, however, are very useful. I personally carry a set of Klein curved cutters very similar that have helped me out tons. Those were about $30, and that’s the most expensive thing I carry in my gear, because it’s not uncommon to loose or destroy tools you’re carrying.
rob
I have seen this item on Amazon a few times and always wondered if FFs really carried it with them or in their trucks/engines. Being in CA I often thought it looked like a good tool to put in a earthquake kit. But, I will admit personally I haven’t added one to my kit….
Tyler
I am a firefighter in nebraska. I bought this tool last year and while I like the functionality it has its just too big overall. It fits in my bunker pants pocket, but tends to lay down horizontally no matter how i put it in there and then its really inconvenient, especially when sitting down in the back of the engine. I’m going to go back to using 4 separate tools. Just weighs too much and is too long.
Stuart
Thanks for the mini-review, Tyler! A lot of the rescuers I’ve spoken to had similar complaints about the Rescue Tool 89 being a bit too large for comfort.
In case you have not heard about it yet, the Channellock Rescue Tool #87 is a slightly smaller and lighter version of the #89.
Clay
Channellock now has a 9″ rescue tool with lineman’s head and a spring with lock. Model #86