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Extrication Plates

Sexton Plates

Kyle Fire Department has been running some intense pin jobs on IH35. Every once and a while we run into the new metal on small vehicles and the light weight construction on large commercial trucks. These particular vehicles have posed some drawbacks. Several times the Ram has either torn the floor pan or pierced through it. I have made these plates to combat that problem. they have been a key point in our extrication process

Making the plates

I use a 5/8 inch plate 10x10 square. Find a good welder (not a deputy fire marshal). Weld up a square in the middle using angle iron. Do not use large angle iron as your Firefighters might get confident in using it as an anchor and the metal is to thin. You want a smaller piece of angle iron that has a strong weld completely around it. The square in the center is measured by placing the Ram on the plate (in the center) and measure around it. I then take the chain and slide it through a piece of strong hose before I weld it. the smaller plate we use is 5x5 square and the angle iron is placed side by side directly across. Before you weld the second piece, weld the first all they way around. I gives a good stronghold. this is just an idea that might help you in the future

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