Everyone needs an escape tool in their vehicle. The original is called the Lifehammer (http://goo.gl/yN8oFB). Now lower cost alternatives such as the generic Emergency Tool (http://goo.gl/7wKW2h) are available for around a five spot. There’s also a more premium one called the Houdini (http://goo.gl/dS4U0H) that has a uniquely clever design.
What is an escape tool? It has two functions and one goal. It slices seatbelts and shatters automotive window glass in order to vehicle occupants to safely escape in case of emergency.
The Lifehammer is the original escape tool. It comes with its own mounting bracket. (Click the pic for more info.)
The most likely emergency situation would be a sinking vehicle. From time to time, we hear reports of vehicles being accidentally driven into large and/or deep bodies of water. This is a terrifying situation that requires quick survival reflexes.
When a vehicle plunges into water, its occupants may only have a few precious moments to get out alive. Seatbelts can become stuck (especially those with electronic controls that fail to operate when wet). Similarly, electric windows may not lower once the vehicle is sinking.
Here's a rather generic escape tool that may be the best five bucks you ever spend. (Click the pic for more info.)
Another emergency situation might be an accident in which the vehicle doors have been rendered useless, and the only means of escape is through a window.
An escape tool contains a sharp blade that’s designed to quickly slice seatbelts
It also contains a specially designed hammer that quickly shatters automotive glass.
The Houdini costs more, but it features a clever design that does the hammering for you. The window breaker is a spring loaded punch mechanism instead of a hammer. (Click the pic for more info.)
While slicing seatbelts may be a relatively straightforward task, for most of us shattering a window is not. When you get your own escape tool, it makes sense to invest a couple of minutes watching a video of one being used in action.
Some junkyards may even allow you to practice shattering window glass on old vehicles.
Everyone needs an escape tool. Hopefully you’ll never need to use it.