(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best automotive escape tools

I know it’s not “fun” but first aid kits or some sort of rescue item.

North American Rescue Military Issue Combat Application Tourniquet, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003EGD8YC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ECibAbS4F25NT

StatGear SuperVizor XT Auto Escape Tool - Seatbelt Cutter and Glass Window Breaker - The Only Rescue Tool Which Attaches to the Sun Visor - Pack of 2 - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CMVW5AM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SDibAbZB08WHG

Columbia River Knife and Tool 2055 K.E.R.T Key Ring Emergency Tool Strap Cutter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BA9HJ68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mEibAbRWMH31V

Ever Ready First Aid Meditac Tactical Trauma IFAK Kit with Trauma Pack Quickclot and Israeli Bandage in Molle Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GAAMS2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_cFibAbMJEP1BJ

So many ideas just by searching rescue kit or first aid kit.

Also try “EDC” search on Amazon or Google.


Good luck!

You could have probably saved a few bucks at urgent care by getting an actual survival tool: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000BMWXZM

In case anyone else is like me and has this horrible fear of burning, or perhaps one of drowning in your car, buy a car escape tool for peace of mind.

Real LPT. Not all head rests are easy to remove. Especially underwater and when your in a panic. Some can't be removed at all.

Think ahead, and buy an emergency escape tool and mount it in a very safe, secure and easy to reach spot in your car.

You can buy two for $12.

https://smile.amazon.com/Value-Pack-Emergency-2-BlueSkyBos/dp/B01A9Z9MFE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1519140153&sr=8-3&keywords=car+window+breaker

thank you officer. be safe.
edit: this amazon link says the product weights 1.4 ounces (40g). is this true?

I'd highly recommend the resqme, as it is much easier for most people to use than a hammer.

Except if you have laminated windows. If you have laminated side windows then you aren't breaking through them with anything less forceful than a hatchet.

Window hammer.

Everyone needs one.

Vgate Car Rescue Hammer, Emergency Escape Tool, Auto Safety Hammer, Car Auto Windo... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TX9HSDF/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_y-HTDbVSWRCXQ

Have one of these in each car, strapped to the sun visor:

StatGear SuperVizor XT Auto Escape Tool, Black with sunvisor holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNLARJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Q5wuDb2GMYPZM


I’d also suggest perhaps a tactical pen of some sort; many of them have tungsten glass-break tips.

I dunno why but I’m obsessed with glass breaker devices. I have more than I’d like to admit. 🤠

Random safety devices to help offset my own paranoia. Like this seatbelt cutter/glass breaker for cars, this rape whistle/personal alarm for jogging and such, this aerosol fire stopper for around the house, and a few other goodies.

The safest glass breakers to use are key chain ones. Because you aren't swinging your arm at glass you are trying to break. This is what I leave in my car:

https://www.amazon.com/resqme-Original-Keychain-Escape-Black/dp/B000IDYKQO


If you want to leave a knife with a glass breaker in your car what I carry is a $50 CRKT M16-12ZLEK.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050V5KWW

There are a lot of cheap $10 glass breaker knives out there but they use the handle steel to form a glass breaker. I would not rely on them to easily break glass. Edit: especially not from inside my car sitting in the driver seat.

If that is an actual fear or possibility, you should get a window hammer. It does the job quick and easy. One of these kids must have had a skate key. That would have been the best option.

For shelf stable foods, get whatever you prefer and put it in a cooler with water bottles and rotate it out often, no need to get something like lifeboat rations.

Also you probably just assumed they had these but l'll mention them any way:

• Tire Plug Kit/Fix-a-Flat
  
• Snow Chains(if appropriate for your climate)
  
• A Spare Tire(not as common as you think) and tools to change one
  
• A Power Bank, possibly the jump starting kind but I wouldn't cheap out on those.
  
• Sunscreen, in the cooler bag.
  
• Wet Wipes, not sure what you Americans call it.
  
• Umbrella
  
• A Window Breaker like this
  
  edit:
  
  Forgot to add jumper cables!

Everything in your car is going to be not where you put it in a roll over, I mounted mine permanently but if you want a temporary mount you could always look for something like this.

That is precisely why I have one of these in my glovebox. It solves both problems. I'm not even joking. Hopefully it will never be used but it's reassuring to know it is there if needed.

The problem with headrests though is that they can take forever to take off.

Most people only drive one or two vehicles and could easily store it in a glove compartment, and if you worry about not knowing what compartment it's in, you can get one that goes on a keychain. (For instance)

I think you should know where the headrests are, but they should be only used if you don't have access to something specifically made to smash through the windows, those tend to work better.

Be careful on the knife with the glass breaker, I've tried a couple of those and they are not easy to use and some just plain don't work. Plus with the motion needed to use it and your hand being so close to the glass if it breaks, it can easily cut you. I'd use a spring loaded device (first link), a hammer (second link), or a piece of broken ceramic that you can get from breaking an old spark plug.

https://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Tech-ST81010-BodyGuard-Emergency/dp/B004UL5RUI/ref=sr_1_7?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1492902675&sr=1-7&keywords=glass+breaker

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GIR09TK?psc=1

Yeah probably one of these. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q49LJD4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Ws8WDbJFJASJK

perfect time to pick one of these up.

Not saying you should go through the expense of replacing the belt if a tow is free but these little things are cheap and could come in handy eventually.

Yes, and with the proper tool that first responders carry, they are from the outside too. [They're similar to this but bigger, to break glass from the outside](Escape Tool 2 Pack for Car, Auto Emergency Safety Hammer with Car Window Glass Breaker and Seat Belt Cutter https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07RSSVPK9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9le2DbQ65QW0Z)

My carry

• Camel Filters
  
  
• Zippo
  
  
• watch with compass/temp
  
  
• CPR mask w/gloves
  
  
• Streamlight Protac 2L
  
  
• keys
  
  
• carabiner doubles as bottle opener
  
  
• wallet
  
  
• HTC EVO 4G with extended battery
  
  
• Benchmade full auto knife
  
  
• altoids(keep it fresh)
  
  
• SW99 .40cal
  
  I normally carry one of these as well, it's in my car ATM.

That was actually at my university. It’s insane. I also recommend getting one of these it breaks glass so you can escape from inside a car even if the child lock is on!

Ok, I'm convinced. I hope I just wasted 10 bucks and I never need to use it.

Ever since the Tax Day Floods, I have equipped both sets of car keys with an escape tool. This device contains a seat belt cutter and a glass punch which makes escape much easier. Watching that woman in the SUV at Westpark and Post Oak and then finding out later that she died was the turning point for me.

Amazon link

Something I recently came across -- easy window smash and seatbelt cutting tool in case of emergencies. I think everyone should have one of these

Seatbelt Cutter Window Breaker Emergency Escape Multi Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018MXZMHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1y4WDbE99WMKA

I have one of these: https://www.amazon.com/BlueSkyBos-Value-Pack-Emergency-2/dp/B01A9Z9MFE/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2VRHUSQQV9VSK&keywords=glass+breaker+cat&qid=1565386054&s=gateway&sprefix=valley+of+sha%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-3

I bought this one. it attaches to your visor.

Get additional 16% of for Thanksgiving

Smashy smashy

Here is the desktop version of your link

Spring loaded punch/ seatbelt cutter along with a cuff key I keep in my left pocket. ResQMe

Found online: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004UL5RUI/ref=pd_aw_fbt_auto_img_2?refRID=0B6NV3SR42TFW8HDJWPH will by aswell!

You don't necessarily need a knife for those purposes, check this out.
http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Tech-ST81010-Window-Punch-Flashlight/dp/B004UL5RUI/ref=pd_sim_auto_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KYXX9TKHTYX48TY2D05

Am Canadian, carried a pocket knife for years too, but my seat belt cutter/window breaker tool is attached to my keychain.

I recently bought this to attach to my keychain, it has a seatbelt cutter and window breaker.

https://www.amazon.com/resqme-Original-Keychain-Escape-Orange/dp/B000IDYKQO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519872569&sr=8-4&keywords=resqme&th=1

Or one of these.

Here you go

Or you could carry a tool that exists for this purpose.

https://www.amazon.com/resqme-Original-Keychain-Escape-Black/dp/B000IDYKQO/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1517633296&sr=1-4&keywords=glass+breaker

If it's an emergency call, then you not being licensed wouldn't matter. You can listen to the radio unlicensed without problem, just can't transmit (talk). You'll probably look into HAM on some level eventually since you're preparedness-minded. If you're up in the mountains, and you have the range, it would make sense to look into.

The decent jump packs I've seen range from $150 upward. I can't vouch for any under those price ranges. If that's a bit high for you right now, I completely understand.

The Resqme tool is very affordable and lightweight. You can attach it to your key ring, or hang it from your rear view mirror.

Victorinox Rescue Tool

I keep it in my car and HAVE used it to cut through glass in a car accident I came upon.

I also hooked up all my family with a Lifehammer

Yea if you are planning on needing a window breaker a spring loaded center punch is the tool to have. I would still wear gloves if possible though.

Swiss+Tech sells a keyring sized spring loaded window breaker + seat belt cutting tool.

There is a guy on YouTube who breaks windows with a broken piece of spark plug material. Something about the material shatters even thick glass (Part 2).

In an accident, EMS will cut the belt to remove a person.

People also own gadgets for emergency escape. Put one in the door pocket, add curious 9 year old, end up with cut seat belt.

(Volunteer) Firefighter here.

I have a different kind of answer for you.


The most important things to keep in your car are ways to get you OUT of it in case of an emergency, and supplies to keep you IN it in case of a different kind of emergency.

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For getting OUT, you want to keep a seatbelt cutter and window breaker in your vehicle.

One of the most common ways we see people trapped in their vehicles are due to (1) being unable to undo their seat belt, or (2) not being able to break their window.

You can get [a cheap tool called the resqume] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000IDYKQO/) for about $15, which is a keychain-sized window breaker and seatbelt cutter combo. I keep one on every keychain I own, as well as in the glovebox of my vehicle.

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For staying IN your vehicle (i.e. in case of a breakdown, run out of gas, etc...), keep a "bug-out bag" in your trunk/backseat.

Put flashlight(s), batteries, a hand-crank radio, a power converter (so you can plug regular shit into your car), some non-perishable food/snacks (protein bars are highly recommended), and a blanket.

Also, keep an old cell phone charged and ready to go in there, as any cell phone will ALWAYS be able to dial 911 (even if you no longer pay for service for that phone).

Another good thing to keep in there is a portable power bank (or a couple of them), in case you need to recharge your devices and your car/battery dies. Just be sure to re-charge them every couple of months if you don't use them.

This way, if you are stuck in your car for a long period of time, you can even sleep in it if need be and wait for help.