I've always read that in order for equipment to save you, it has to be with you.The ResQMe Mini is pretty small - about 3 inches long with the keyring/protector inserted and 1 1/4" wide and 5/8" tall.
It has a plastic insert blade guard which "locks" into place to protect the razor blade intended to cut through a stuck seat belt (or potentially cut through clothes or shoes that are caught if the fabric is thin enough).I have to admit that I'm disappointed in this design to some degree.While I understand the necessity, I think that a dedicated lanyard or keyring hole in the body casing would have proven stronger and less likely to fail.It's not that the insert is easy to fall out, it's just that it can.The razor is firmly seated and double edged, so it's very sharp.
The spring loaded glass breaker uses a hardened steel pin which is hidden behind a plastic cowl.This cowl is difficult to depress, but it charges the spring for the pin to release with enough pressure to break the side window of your car.The spike is self-resetting and may be used many times.The manufacturer, states that it takes 12lbs (5kg) of force to fire.The tool will not break windshields or laminated glass.Some auto side windows are laminated!So check your vehicle model or call your dealer as this may not work in your particular car (though it's not common yet, many cars are getting safety upgrades now).It should break most rear windows too.
While the Mini Escape tool is small enough to fit in a pocket, it could be bulky on a keychain.I like to keep my accessories to a bare minimum, so I'd prefer it in a smaller formfactor.I've already noted the problem with the keyring mounting position.The quality of the plastic is very good and the blade hook is reinforced well.I'm giving it a 3.5, rounding down for the weak keyring placement.
I think that many people wouldn't mind carrying this in their pocket or on their keyring.I will do so, since that is why I bought it, but I hope the NGV folks who make the ResQMe line of products comes out with a more compact design with a permanent lanyard hole.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
ResQMe, The Keychain Version of the Original LifeHammer (Yellow)Product Description: Inspired by LifeHammer, the acclaimedautomotive escape tool, ResQMe is a revolutionary handheld rescue tool thatamazingly provides drivers and passengers with the same level of confidenceand results as its larger cousin in the event of a life-threatening entrapmentincident in your vehicle. Ultra small, yet designed to provide the instantand easy ability to cut through jammed seat belts and shatter side windowswhen the need arises, it is the inexpensive, portable power that every carshould have onboard in the event of an emergency.
Fits right on your keychain.
Viewlarger.
Quickly detachable when needed.
Viewlarger.
Easy to use during an emergency.
Viewlarger.
The Threat of Entrapment Entrapment, the inability to escape a vehicle in the event of an emergency, is a very real threat to motorists. According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics last publication, there are over 42,000 crash fatalities each year. That is almost 1 death every 12 minutes. Of these, an estimated 500 people died while helplessly trapped inside their vehicles. Along with water related incidents, a potential factor in this disturbing number of emergencies is the growing prevalence of power windows that can become jammed due to submersion or fire. As a result of these facts the demand for high-performance automobile safety equipment is on the rise, with ResQMe fast becoming the most convenient option in vehicles all across North America. With ResQMe drivers can be confident that they will be able to cut through safety belts and smash car windows, when every second counts.
How Does it Work? At just a hair over 3-inches in length and .6 ounces, ResQMe easily fitson to your keychain with a detachable clip. This small size also allowsit to be stored in any number of places convenient to the driver, includinga hanging position directly on the the steering or shifting columns, orin the extra key compartment under the dash. In the event of an entrapmentpull the clip away from the product to reveal the cutter (blade). Hookthis over a jammed seat belt and pull to free yourself. To activate thewindow breaker, simply push the black head against a side window untilthe concealed spring-loaded spike releases and shatters the window. Shatteringa side window with ResQMe takes as little as 12 lb Of pressure, meaningthat virtually anyone can use it. And the fact that the blade can standup to several uses and that the spike is easily loaded back into the readyposition means that you will always be ready if you are unfortunate enoughto be faced with another emergency incident.
Features:
- Spring-loaded head effortlessly smashes the vehicle's side windowswith only 12 lb Of force.
- Razor sharp blade slices through jammed seat belts and is safely surroundedby the plastic casing.
- ResQMe's included clip detaches from the body, allowing the user to quickly access the blade.
- Clip doubles as a device to hang ResQMe from a keychain or other accessible area.
- Originally offered exclusively to fire, paramedic and police organizations, but is now available to the public.
- Contains an imprintable area suitable for personalization with user or company name.
What's in the Box 1-ResQMe unit, 1-detachable key chain clip/blade guard.
About Innovative Distributing/nov8[safety] ResQMe is distributed by Innovation Distributing, headquartered in SantaBarbara, CA, doing business as nov8[safety]. Specializing in providingquality emergency hammers, auto escape tools, and other safety relatedproducts, their great vision is to bring new ideas with a function andpurpose to the safety market and provide a "Gift for Life" suitable forevery driver on the road.
Buy Now
I purchased two sets (shipping price is the same) and it is a very nice product. They come two tracks per, so I put 1 unit in each of my 4 cars. I've used it twice (with neighbors who got stuck sliding down their driveway!) and it worked really well. We just slide the track under the wheel and slowly it pulled under the tire and grabbed and out the car went!If you live in snow country they are a must. I'm sure I'll get a chance to try them out this spring in the mud.
