Created by Captain Mike Schamadan, the ‘Big Spike’ tool has taken a beating and proven its value in more than 50 structure fires. A 20-year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department, and a working ladder captain, Schamadan began adapting new shapes and materials to improve traditional firefighting tools in 1999. His objective was to improve the safety and efficiency of working firefighters. After many subtle changes and trial by fire –literally – the Big Spike was born. The design of the Big Spike is patented, and the three main components of the tool are:
The Foot of each Big Spike Tool is a serrated and gridded footplate made of Tenzaloy™, a special aluminum alloy. The Foot is used to batter, pound and punch through roofs, walls, and ceilings.
The Spike end is also made of Tenzaloy™ and is used in the venting process to open and pull ceiling and wall material. The unique design helps firefighters avoid pulling ceiling debris directly down upon themselves. This Spike end also serves a handle for extra leverage when serious hole-punching is required. Ladder crews often use the spike end to open padlocks and door restraints.
The Pole is 2” resin-reinforced fiberglass making the Big Spike strong, very light-weight and non-conductive.
The “standard” Big Spike is 78” long and weighs 11 lbs. However, if roof pitch angles or ceiling heights in your community would require a longer tool, custom lengths can be ordered at no additional costs.
