Forcible entry tools are commonly grouped into which category?

Forcible entry tools are commonly grouped into striking tools because these tools are designed to deliver impact or force to breach barriers such as doors, windows, or locks. Striking tools, such as sledgehammers or battering rams, provide the necessary force to break through solid materials, making them essential for firefighters who need quick access during emergencies. These tools are frequently used in situations where rapid entry is critical, allowing firefighters to effectively respond to life-threatening incidents.

While cutting, lever, and prying tools also play roles in forcible entry, they do so in more specialized contexts or for specific applications, such as cutting through metal or leveraging doors open. Striking tools, however, remain the primary category due to their direct application in gaining access through strong barriers which is often the first step in firefighting operations.