Any tried and tested car window breakers?

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Rogue3953@reddit

Resqme. Available on Amazon.

They use a spring fired bolt. You often wont have 'swing room' inside a car. Those hammer ones are more for outside I think.

100% you need one of these.

Ive been in a crash where I had to Dukes Of Hazard out of the window after using one of these.

Theres a slicer for the seat belt in too (also vital)

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HappyTrifler@reddit

I second Resqme. They work great and fasten on your key ring. A friend used one when she was trapped in her car after an accident and she said it worked great.

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What about when it's to be used under water? Does it work with the water pressure? Or different kinds of windows? I know some cars have different glasses, and sometimes even the sides and dash/back windows can be differently made in the same vehicle.

Wish car companies made window breakers and seat belt cutters a necessity and would crash test them above and under water. Like, crash testing needs to be made better.

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TheRightnotheleft@reddit

This did not work for me. I bought 4 of them and wouldn't even crack cell phone

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SoundOk4573@reddit

I've broken several dozen windows (training and real-world) with Resqme. They work. The are also not expensive. Strongly recommend over window hammer tools.

Source - Retired firefighter.

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TheTrishaJane@reddit

I read in some reviews that they're single use? How come you can't reuse them?

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wahconah98@reddit

They are NOT single use.

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BestBruhFiend@reddit

Do they work underwater?

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SoundOk4573@reddit

I do not know.

In theory, I think they would because of how windows (side of car) are built.

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BestBruhFiend@reddit

Thanks for responding!

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Dredly@reddit

I have one on every set of keys, including tractor key a/ SxS. People often don't think about how dangerous shit can get if you are stuck in a seatbelt

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Heart-Zealousideal@reddit

But how easy is it to find your keys in an emergency? My keychain rarely leaves my purse because you don't need to insert a key to start most cars anymore. For this reason I think the ones that are strapped to the visor or are zip tied to the shifter are probably more reliably found?

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spizzle_@reddit

I second this. Tested it in a scrap yard with permission and it worked and now I have a scar on my knuckle.

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Psychological-Dog922@reddit

Did you test trying to break a window from the inside??

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FinancialAd3233@reddit

Sorry to hear thst you were injured during your test!🥺

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frogmuffins@reddit

I have mine zip tied to my rearview mirror for easy access. Just pull and it quick-releases.

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Junior-Football852@reddit

why would you need a zip tie-OWL Escape card sticks flat right to your visor.

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Rogue3953@reddit

just bare in mind that during a RTA that mirror might not stay attached to the window.

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I_AM_AN_ASSHOLE_AMA@reddit

Yep. First accident I was ever in, the front windshield was smashed and it sent the rearview mirror into the back seat.

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Pleisterbij@reddit

I keep it on my keys, weight is very little so does not damage the ignition.

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I_AM_AN_ASSHOLE_AMA@reddit

Yeah that's an excellent place to keep it.

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Rogue3953@reddit

thats a good idea.

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Caverwoman@reddit

I really like the resqme set up for how it releases. I have mine zip tied to the shifter. I’ve had other ones in the past, ones that tried to multi-use too much, it’s a flashlight and has a magnet for holding to your hood, etc, and even if I tried to secure them it wasn’t as good as the design for resqme

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PeopleOfLight@reddit

You often wont have 'swing room' inside a car.

an interesting argument. i never had thought of this before.

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Successful_Humor_308@reddit

OWL Escape Card is designed so u do t need swing room just stick it in the window and pull back. There are plenty of videos showing it break windows . Slices seat belts real quick also.

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Rogue3953@reddit

have you ever been pinned inside a car wreak after a crash? i have.

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RogueAOV@reddit

I truly think the biggest mistake in any prep is not putting some effort into considering the actual, practical situation you will find yourself in over the nice, calm, take your time, no rush thought process.

It is like buying a tent and never putting it together until you are in the woods fighting the cold and it is getting dark.

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Antique-System-2940@reddit

All the way, I have them on all keychains and in our cars in places driver or passenger can reach. I haven't tested them on glass but the tests I've seen show they work well and these aren't manufacturers marketing material or sponsored videos. I used to keep the hammers around but trying to swing them in side while strapped down would stink.

I also keep other tools in the cars like first aid, fire extinguisher, pry bar.

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max5015@reddit

I took an extrication class and the instructor gave us all Resqme. They work. I bought some for everyone in my family

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Rogue3953@reddit

i was like that after my crash. i gave them to friends and family. something makes you want too....

if you 'track' them on Amazon they will drop in price from time to time

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CantPassReCAPTCHA@reddit

Video of it working

https://www.amazon.com/ive?ingressType=dpimageblock&egress=asvh&productAsin=B09T3WL2RY&viewData=%5B%7B%22videoId%22%3A%2203232f087b2946a5a0fbc653a5dcbe8d%22%7D%5D&ref=dp_ib_undef_ivx_share

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UnicornFarts1111@reddit

Make sure you use any of these on the weakest point of the window which is the edge, not the center. The center is the strongest point on the window.

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Overall_Dot_9122@reddit

This is really good advice. I wish I could bump it up like to the top but I don't know how to do that or even if it's possible on Reddit. I do hope that people continue to read far enough down to read what you just said tho because I do think it makes a big difference in window breaking of cars. And you're absolutely right edge not center.

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Subseataff@reddit

Are the headrests in the car designed to do this? The two metal prongs can be used as a fail safe for breaking a window.

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Overall_Dot_9122@reddit

Almost died because I believed this to be true. It's not. Unless you're Hulk Hogan then maybe... But it's not just about strength, it's about being able to swing the thing hard enough and most of the time you're not going to get that space to swing inside of a car.

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OwnManufacturer7440@reddit (OP)

I’m pretty sure that is a myth

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DwarvenRedshirt@reddit

Agreed, there's way to many variations to say it's real. Some headrests can't be removed at all. But it's still a better option (if you can remove them) than hammering the windows with your hands.

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Complete-Big5252@reddit

I saw a video and the headrest would not break the window.

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Subseataff@reddit

Ive seen videos where they do, it must differ from manufacturer and models etc.

I think this is something where the car industry needs to address. Make sure they’re tough enough to do this!

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DaveIsHereNow@reddit

No. Get off TikTok.

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slowrando@reddit

Criminals use the ceramic from a spark plug.

Don't ask me how or why it breaks car windows, but apparently it does.

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D_UK_TH@reddit

Second the spring loaded tool. Not hard to keep one in your glovebox. Apparently it's a safe and (relatively) quiet way in an emergency.....

https://www.soundproofgenius.com/how-to-break-a-car-window-quietly/

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Overall_Dot_9122@reddit

Tell me again why you care about quiet in an emergency? I tend to prefer my emergencies go down as loudly as possible because if they're too quiet, nobody's going to hear me and come help me!

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Overall_Dot_9122@reddit

I can attest that it works well... But I'm not a criminal. I first heard this sparkplug hack on some mainstream TV show (like myth busters but I think not exactly that one) like back in the 90's in high school. I think it got the rep as a criminal thing due to the fact that you can throw it from a distance and it still works (I've heard).

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TheEverHumbled@reddit

Glass is strong and hard, but the ceramic used in spark plugs is very hard.

Ninja rocks exploit the tensile stress of glass at a very small point to induce shattering.

Our hands and many tools (e.g. steel hammers) involve materials of less hardness than glass, not to mention are comparatively blunt, meaning the window can much better withstand those kinds of stresses.

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Ghigs@reddit

Tempered glass is very strong, but it's strong because of internal stress. If you disrupt the surface deep enough (even in a tiny spot) the glass literally pulls itself apart from the stored stress in there. That's how the whole thing goes, it's a cascade failure.

I mean maybe this is common knowledge and apologies if you knew it, but maybe someone will be hearing this for the first time.

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SafeHavenEquine@reddit

what do you mean by disrupt the surface? sorry i know this is a super old comment

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Ghigs@reddit

Like causing a small crack.

Think about when a small rock hits a windshield. If that happens to tempered glass the whole thing falls apart.

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SafeHavenEquine@reddit

ohh okay that makes sense. thanks!

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SweatyPushover@reddit

Oops my first thought.

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OwnManufacturer7440@reddit (OP)

Resqme ordered from Amazon. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

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Fluid-Prize-6978@reddit

For under water

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wwinter86@reddit

I’ve not had one yet but I watch videos of some none profit groups such as Adventures With Purpose (AWP) on YouTube and they swear by them. For example AWP has solved cases finding something like 40 people who turned out to be underwater in their cars and they say in their option most would still be alive if they had a window breaker.

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DecisionLogical9933@reddit

Does this work if a car is submerged in water though? I've been reading about all of these options they sell, and really none of them mention that it still works while submerged and has the added pressure form the water. One even said it works before it fully submerges. Any one have a thought about which wld be better in that instance?

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LadySentinel@reddit

I tried the adventures with purpose (ResQme design) window breaker. Only glass I had was from a fish aquarium I cut the side out of. It punctured the glass, looked like a rock chip. Since it didn’t shatter I then popped the hole with the back of a pocket knife and that did the trick. Keep in mind that aquarium glass is likely thicker and tempered than a cars door windows…so…it works, you may possibly need to elbow the window after but it won’t take a lot of force.

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blitz-em@reddit

The answer is a $2 center punch from harbor freight. This is all you need. If you have some broken spark plugs the ceramic from them also works, but it's easier to just carry a center punch.

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dohat34@reddit

Does this work and tested with laminated glass?

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blitz-em@reddit

Works on glass. It's not going to work on plexiglass. Paramedics and first responders have been carrying them for years.

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dohat34@reddit

How does it compare to the resqme tool?

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Ill_Hospital_313@reddit

OWL® Escape Card is a credit card size card with tungsten carbide tip and small recessed razor to slice seat belts. it has been tested and certified-the company that makes it is in the USA. It is used by EMTs and there are plenty of videos to see it works. It is sold on Amazon and is under 20 bucks- a great price for this tool that saves your life. Professionals say it is better than old fashioned hammers and spring loaded gizmos that can misfire.

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Comprehensive_Hour62@reddit

Hola senor roboto

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Longjumping-Bus1947@reddit

Yes I have one and used it! It is perfect, it breaks the glass outward and so fast. Makes all the other type look old and antiquated , you don’t need a hammer or those cheap cylinder type keychain things. I don’t carry a keychain anyway. Recommend this OWL Card and unlike other commenters , I’ve personally tested it.

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tessalata@reddit

Where do you keep it in the car?

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Fancy-Seesaw@reddit

Does it work under water?

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tessalata@reddit

Where do you keep it in the car?

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Longjumping-Bus1947@reddit

OWL Escape Card , hands down the best window breaker and seat belt slicer because it is made in USA , tested , certified and easiest to use, the design has no springs to misfire, and blade is sharp but recessed so it’s safe to carry around with u in your purse, wallet or use the stick on holder they provide. It’s like having a life saving credit card with you . I have one, gave to all my kids. EMT recommended. They provide plenty of videos on line if interested.

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Comprehensive_Hour62@reddit

Hello Mr bot

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Collection_Similar@reddit

If you watch this you might not have any way out. https://youtu.be/PQR4936l2d8?si=bIejexbkxGUkzbY9

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Homesteader95@reddit

Try taking off the headrest of the seat and using the metal prongs to break the window

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Complete-Big5252@reddit

I saw a video of the removed headrests, which were unable to break the window.

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DaveIsHereNow@reddit

Stop. Close TikTok.

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onenightshade@reddit

This is a common myth. It does not work.

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TealDove1@reddit

Doesn’t work. Countless videos show that it’s ineffective. A tool will be more reliable.

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Homesteader95@reddit

Totally agree a tool is more effective. In fact a glass breaker is apart of my EDC. But having the knowledge of other possible options in a pinch is also good

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hobosam21-B@reddit

You won't be able to break the window

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max5015@reddit

Have you taken them out before. In my car it's a pain to do in good conditions. I can't imagine it would work out great when my dexterity fails me cause I'm panicking. I rather just have a tool that's easy to use and within reach

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Homesteader95@reddit

My headrest comes off easily, maybe not all headrests come off easy. All I’d then need to do is Ram the rod end of the headrest into the window.

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hobosam21-B@reddit

I've invited a lot of people to try their hand at breaking car windows. Head rests do not work no matter how strong you are, those little Amazon hammers rarely work, the spike in the handle of a pocket knife never works, pushing a windshield out from the inside takes everything two people have to succeed.

Get a spring powered punch with a seatbelt cutter.

If you have the chance practice using it, things are never as easy as they seem. You'll be glad to know how things are going to go when you use a tool in an emergency rather than taking multiple tries to figure something out when life and death are separated by seconds

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MyTFABAccount@reddit

This is old, but just curious, what sort of opportunities are there for trying them out before an emergency?

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hobosam21-B@reddit

I had a car that needed all the glass removed before it could go on a track so I let people try their hand at sitting in the car and popping a window

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No-Television-5296@reddit

What brand? Thanks

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mcmol23@reddit

Shatterball

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neuroscienthusiast@reddit

What about getting a broken arm or other injury during the crash? Bought a Resqme (spring-loaded) and it takes some force to push down. Can anyone say if the spring-loaded tool require more force to use than the hammer tool?

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Successful_Humor_308@reddit

OWL Escape Card . It’s made in USA , tested and certified. I like the flat shape like a card. Fits in my wallet

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Successful_Humor_308@reddit

Yeah it has ingestion carbide tip. It works I tried it

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Suspicious_Sky_6931@reddit

OWL Escape Card is the flat card that uses sound waves to break glass. The design is the best for carrying with you. I like it cause it’s made in the USA and tested and certified. There are lots of videos showing EMTs and people using it. I have one and feel very safe knowing it’s right there if I need it. I got mine in Japan but they are available in USA .

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Easy_Table6221@reddit

The ones I got , Eden , were advertised to work on laminated glass-- Which wind shields all are, but now a.sometimes driver and passenger seat windows. Ford motor company won't answer the salesman and one of the mechanics. Have no idea we're how to find out on the new Maverick Lariat. Has has no real instructions. On the box, Are about 6 wines which are poorly translated. Add have words running into each other., Says to press on four corners of the window.... which is a little difficult to do if you only have two hands Plus you're another hand short for actually using the window breaker. On the product maker site, they show four places to press on and aren't even the same window. There are 2 pieces of glass that came in the box... Which one would presume are to test. And I would also have expected some caveat to sure your eyes are protected just in case. I cannot get the hammer to break that. I can't get the hammer to fire at all. I' ve pressed the back... Does give a little bit but it's not really like a button. I tried pressing on the glass . Nothing happens. Worthless

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David_Parker@reddit

Carbide tips are the way to go. Avoid steel based products (although the CRK Umnumzaan can easily break tempered glass).

Please be advised high end cars are moving to laminated glass, which will require cutting, and will not be achieved through conventional means.

The RescuMe, Benchmade 917, 9170, or anything with a carbide glass breaker will easily break windows. Even the Leatherman Rescue Shears will suffice.

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Signal_Value6966@reddit

Will the RescuMe, Benchmade 917, 9170 break through laminated glass? If not, what works for cutting through that?

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David_Parker@reddit

Laminated glass is made of three layers: glass, laminate, glass. Tempered is just a single layer that has been heat treated. Laminate is meant to keep your from ejecting from the vehicle, while tempered is meant to break into small pieces to avoid severe lacerations.

Glass breakers will just break, but not shatter laminated glass. Ever seen a baseball bat to a front windshield? Think of that. You have to use a saw (or other means) to cut and remove laminated glass.

Be advised: more and more car mfgs are moving to laminated glass even for side/car windows

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Grumpy907@reddit

I worked EMS for several years, and always kept a spring loaded punch on me. Place it on the lower corner of a side window and press til it "fires" I've never had it Not work. Side windows only thought, the front and back windshields (screens) are laminated and wont break properly

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Signal_Value6966@reddit

What do you use if your side windows are also laminated? Trying to put together an emergency kit for our sons' vehicles. And I really want something that's reliable for breaking windows. Also, do you have any other suggestions for emergency necessities for vehicles?

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betterstolen@reddit

What about for laminated side windows? Found out f-150’s have them when I got a large crack in mine and it never broke.

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Grumpy907@reddit

Lifeline Rescue Tools makes a couple that are designed for cutting laminated auto glass

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Hinterwaeldler-83@reddit

Thank you for the tip. If I search for it on Amazon, do you mean just center punches or those Chinese seatbelt cutter combos?

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Pleisterbij@reddit

Jup, those you need to cut. REMEMBER FOR WHO IS LOOKING. Glass dust can be compared to asbestos. If side window is possible use that and wear a p3 mask.

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NarcolepticTreesnake@reddit

Came here to say this a self centering punch is cheap, small and effective

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David_Parker@reddit

Carbide tips are the way to go. Avoid steel based products (although the CRK Umnumzaan can easily break tempered glass).

Please be advised high end cars are moving to laminated glass, which will require cutting, and will not be achieved through conventional means.

The RescuMe, Benchmade 917, 9170, or anything with a carbide glass breaker will easily break windows. Even the Leatherman Rescue Shears will suffice.

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Jammer521@reddit

I keep the "resqme" on my keychain, $10 on Amazon and proven to work, plenty of video's online demonstrating it

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KT9Q@reddit

Automatic center punch. Available in any hardware store.

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IrwinJFinster@reddit

The Amazon items lack mass. A 3 D cell Maglite has mass, is a flashlight, and in places that don’t allow you to carry a weapon…it’s, uhh, not a weapon.

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Ghigs@reddit

If you have a clean hammer face, a car window can deflect a sledgehammer swing and bounce it right back at you. You need sharp and hard, not heavy.

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IrwinJFinster@reddit

Hmm. Thank you. I now need to hit a junkyard and buy a pane to see if I could do it. Does your comment apply to door glass and not just windshields?

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Ghigs@reddit

Windshields are not tempered glass, it's regular glass with plastic laminated in the middle.

Only side windows are tempered usually.

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IrwinJFinster@reddit

So is it better to attack the side windows or windshield if all you have is blunt force?

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Ghigs@reddit

The windshield is tough to get through, but if you can break the windshield you may be able to kick it outward and dislodge it. Otherwise it's hacking through tough plastic with glass stuck all over it. Windshield should be a last resort.

Tempered side glass can break from brute force but it's difficult and unreliable. Sometimes there's a scratch in it already so it's more prone to brute force. Other times you can hammer on it strongly and it just bounces off.

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LowBarometer@reddit

They probably all work. The problem is, some car windows have a plastic coating that make them very difficult to break. So the problem isn't the hammer, it's the window.

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Radtoo@reddit

Victorinox Rescuetool with its saw could work for that although of course using the saw won't be nearly as fast as when smashing a side window works.

I think it's generally a reasonable tool to have in a car though.

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Pleisterbij@reddit

Remember outside of emergency wear mask and proper gear. Glas dust can be compared to asbestos

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Pleisterbij@reddit

Resqme

When i did my firefighting training I had one and could test it out multiple times during the car extraction course. The belt cutter cutted better than the one in our tool pouch and the window hitter worker perfect. Just watch out that your hand does not go flying through te window.

After I saw how well they worked i gave a lot of people during christmas one and have one on my work and personal carkeys. My turnout coat ect.

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harbourhunter@reddit

I wear a bracelet with a tungsten bead (from sap gear)

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YogurtclosetNew4018@reddit

Two birds here https://www.benchmade.com/collections/tactical/products/917sbk-tactical-triage

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givek@reddit

ceramic from a smashed spark plug.

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EffinBob@reddit

Works on my annoying neighbor's car...

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kalitarios@reddit

r/holup

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UnknowablePhantom@reddit

I would caution that a Resqme is only rated for side glass. You could always consider a Victorinox Rescue Tool.

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SweatyPushover@reddit

Stomp a spark plug. Remove porcelain. Break glass.

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bsmith440@reddit

https://www.galls.com/galls-spring-loaded-window-punch?PMOPV1=BLU&PMSRCE=24CGA3ZN5U&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6KunBhDxARIsAKFUGs9MsOe7b4NlT1kqXT7UhGC-8O119RkvkUMopUejdLp6UXlw2dwD5BgaAplKEALw_wcB

It works well, speaking from experience.

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Legionodeath@reddit

Wtf is clood water lol.

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neon57O@reddit

Ummm, a hammer?

Don't over think things

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BirchBlack@reddit

Have you ever tried to break a window with a hammer? Isn't easy. Have you ever tried to swing a hammer while seated in a car? Less easy.

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horse1066@reddit

You can push out a windscreen from the inside, even easier from the outside

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NarcolepticTreesnake@reddit

Might be harder once submerged and the pressure presses back? Maybe dunno

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redduif@reddit

Trick is to have patience and calm and let the water get in to even the pressure out, or at least reserve some energy when it comes that far. Push with your feet, back against, well anything.

It's when the manual old days crank windows made more sense...

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NarcolepticTreesnake@reddit

Sounds horrifying

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redduif@reddit

Yeah, there used to be training in pools for that. Eventually, if the car permits it's with all the modern added stuff you should be able to just open the door once water is high enough.
Panic is always the first killer.
But otherwise you're more likely to pop a front or back window out of it's joints than to break it, and even many sidewindows are laminated now. All those tools tend to work great on hardened, but laminated not so much.

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aidanpf@reddit

I have this gerber glass breaker / seat belt cutter:

https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/shop/knives/all-knives/strap-cutter-black-22-01944

I like gerber stuff and this piece feels well made to me. There have been a few high profile accidents in Ireland where people have drowned in cars following accident and this gives me some peace of mind in that regard.

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dpp-anon@reddit

Resqme Don't drive or walk into moving flood water. https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown

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neon57O@reddit

It's pretty solid advice 🤣