How much do the "jaws of life" made by hurst power tools cost?

Hurst owns the rights to the name “Jaws of Life.” They filed for a patent on the first such hydraulic rescue tool in 1972.

Cost may vary by retailer. Some of the most popular models can be found at these prices:

ML-16S II Maverick: $4,995.00—the standard model.
X-Tractor C: $5,355.00—a compact model.
MOC Combi: $5,895.00—fast, extra powerful model.
LKE 55: $8,955.00—a battery powered version.
HP Combo Plus: $4,365.00—powered via hand pump; no need for batteries or hoses.
SC 557: $6,295—the most powerful high-pressure model.

Hydraulic cutters were on the market before the Jaws of Life. Hydraulic spreaders were on the market as well. What made the Jaws of Life so innovative was that, by applying hydraulic force to both the closing and opening functions of the blade-arms, it combined two critical tools into one.

Mike Brick, a designer that worked for Hurst, is credited with establishing the term “jaws of life.” He came up with the phrase after hearing people say that the tool pulled people out of the jaws of death. In 1982 Brick started his own hydraulic rescue tool company—Phoenix Rescue Equipment.

Updated on Friday, June 01 2012 at 01:42AM EDT