Auto glass breaking tool?

[Toy4x4]

Do any of you carry one of these tools in your vehicles as a "just in case" precaution? Or to possibly help someone else? Thought about this for years, but have never done anything. There have been a few news clips recently of people being rescued and some YT police videos I've watched (where the hit the glass 1537 times to break a window ) and it's got me thinking again.

Thoughts?

 

[KGMtech]

Car window glass on the doors is much easier to shatter than the front windshield, and tinted side windows are not going to give way the same as un-tinted. For something that will never get used, its not worth the wear on your pockets to carry IMHO.

 

[JWC86]

No but it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Keep in mind some vehicles have laminated side windows.

 

[Toy4x4]

Car window glass on the doors is much easier to shatter than the front windshield, and tinted side windows are not going to give way the same as un-tinted. For something that will never get used, its not worth the wear on your pockets to carry IMHO.

I was thinking of keeping it in the console vs pocket carry.

 

[JimPghPA]

Most front seat headrest are removable and have two metal rods. Holding the headrest, slam the ends of those rods against the window you want to brake.

If you don't think thats enough or your headrests don't compete come out of the seats, put the factory L lug wrench in the cabin area someplace out of sight but within reach.

 

[wavinwayne]

I keep one in my center console, in case I ever need to help someone that's in a bad way.

 

[D60]

I was recently taught the spring loaded center punches will shatter a side window. Somehow I think this is a more elegant solution than the stupid hammers

 

[dogememe]

Never had one, never worried about it.

 

[fsdork]

Whatever tool you use (spring-loaded punch, pointy hammer, lug wrench, etc...), strike the glass as close to the outer edge as you can. The videos of repeated unsuccessful attempts tend to have one thing in common - they're beating the heck out of the middle of the window, so it's able to flex instead of shattering.

As others have mentioned, laminated or film-tinted side glass will behave differently - the glass will still shatter, but the film will hold it in place, to varying degrees.

 

[Trav]

A broken spark plug ceramic works great, just drag it across the window and it shatters. Throw it in the glove box or center console.

 

[Toy4x4]

Some good demonstrations in this video:

 

[D60]

A broken spark plug ceramic works great, just drag it across the window and it shatters. Throw it in the glove box or center console.

I don't wanna know why Trav is sitting around watching Auto Theft Tips

 

[Tom NJ]

Two pointy hammer types in our primary car, one in each of the other two vehicles. They also have a blade for cutting seat belts.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I have the ResQme in each car in obnoxious pink with a ziptie to keep it mounted. Its actually above the visor since I rarely use them with my tint strip.

I just bought some KC rechargeable flashlight emergency tools at Costco. 2 for $19.99. They will be in the door pocket on drivers side. The flashlights are seriously bright which is what I wanted them for. They just happen to have a seatbelt cutter and carbide tip as hammer.

 

[JohnnyG]

My cars have laminated side windows, those won't work. My Cadillacs did too in 2008 as part of their soundproofing package.
Maybe the back glass.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

My cars have laminated side windows, those won't work. My Cadillacs did too in 2008 as part of their soundproofing package.
Maybe the back glass.

It will still crack creating weak areas. Watch the video with front windshield.

 

[JohnnyG]

It will still crack creating weak areas. Watch the video with front windshield.

Yep, then get out the chain saw.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Seriously watch that video above starting at 9:10. Maybe not for the thinking I have no clue what I'm talking about but in an emargency someone else may remember that yes you can get through laminated glass. More effort yes but if your life depends on it. Use the glass breaker punch 10 times as quick as you can.

I use glass saws also at car accidents. We have the hand held versions and sawzall.

 

[GaryMX5]

Two pointy hammer types in our primary car, one in each of the other two vehicles. They also have a blade for cutting seat belts.

When I was participating in SCCA stage rallies we were required to have the (pointy) hammer with belt cutter mounted within reach of both the driver and co-driver. The dumb part is that the hammer didn't work on lexan side and rear windows, which the guys with deep pockets often had on their cars.