An emergency hammer on the chain is a critical tool designed to break car windows or cut seatbelts in emergencies. This lifesaving device, often placed on a durable chain for accessibility, ensures swift action during dangerous situations, such as car accidents, fires, or submersions. Emergency hammers are commonly installed in buses, trains, and private vehicles, allowing passengers to quickly exit when regular doors become inaccessible.
Why Should You Have an Emergency Hammer on Chain in Your Vehicle?
Emergencies can happen unexpectedly. Having an emergency hammer within arm’s reach can be the difference between life and death. Here are several key reasons why you should consider having this tool in your vehicle:
- Quick Escape: In the event of a crash or vehicle submersion, the windows and doors might jam. This tool allows you to break the glass effortlessly.
- Seatbelt Cutter: Many emergency hammers come equipped with a built-in seatbelt cutter. If the seatbelt becomes stuck or the buckle fails, this feature allows you to cut through it quickly.
- Enhanced Safety: Some accidents may leave drivers or passengers trapped. By having an emergency hammer on a secure chain, you’ll always know where it is, reducing the chance of it getting lost in the vehicle.
Features to Look for in an Emergency Hammer on Chain
When choosing the right emergency hammer for your vehicle, there are several important features you should look for to ensure it performs when needed.
Durability
Your emergency hammer needs to be built to last. Opt for a model made from hardened steel or tungsten material, capable of shattering toughened vehicle glass. The handle should be comfortable yet strong enough to withstand repeated use in case of multiple impacts.
Mounting and Chain
The chain attached to the emergency hammer ensures it doesn’t get lost. Look for a hammer that comes with a mountable bracket that allows the chain to remain securely fastened, usually in an accessible location in the vehicle, such as near the driver or passenger seat.
Dual Functionality
Choose an emergency hammer that offers a dual function, including a glass breaker and seatbelt cutter. These combined tools will prepare you for various emergency scenarios.
Ease of Use
In stressful situations, every second counts. Look for an emergency hammer that is easy to grip and use, even if your hands are wet or shaky. Testing the tool for ergonomics and ensuring it is within reach will ensure you don’t waste valuable time during an emergency.
How to Use an Emergency Hammer on Chain?
Accessing the Tool
If you’ve secured your emergency hammer on a chain near your driver’s seat or another easily reachable location, grab the handle securely. Ensure that the chain doesn’t get in your way, but instead helps you retrieve the tool without it getting lost or misplaced during the chaos.
Breaking the Glass
The pointed tip of the emergency hammer is designed to target the corners of the vehicle window, as this is the weakest part of the glass. Firmly strike the window, applying force until the glass shatters.
Cutting the Seatbelt
If the seatbelt has jammed or you need to free a passenger, locate the seatbelt cutter on the emergency hammer. Slide the seatbelt into the cutter’s blade, making a clean, swift cut. Be mindful of sharp objects or edges.
Common Myths About Emergency Hammers on Chain
There are several myths associated with emergency hammers that may prevent people from purchasing or using them effectively. Let’s debunk a few:
My Vehicle’s Windows Are Too Strong for an Emergency Hammer
Modern vehicles use tempered glass for side and rear windows, designed to shatter into small pieces when broken. An emergency hammer is specifically engineered to break this type of glass.
I Don’t Need One Because I Have Automatic Windows
While modern vehicles do have automatic windows, they may become non-functional in the event of an accident, submersion, or fire. Electrical systems can fail during accidents, making it crucial to have a manual glass-breaking tool.
Any Heavy Object Will Work to Break Glass
It’s true that some objects might be able to break glass, but emergency hammers are specially designed for the job. Their pointed tips focus all the force into a small area, increasing the likelihood of successfully breaking the window quickly.
Best Places to Store an Emergency Hammer on Chain
Knowing where to store your emergency hammer is as important as having one. The tool should always be accessible to both the driver and passengers. Some of the most recommended storage places include:
- Driver’s Door Pocket: The pocket of the driver’s door is a convenient spot, as it’s within easy reach.
- Center Console: If you have a center console, placing the hammer here ensures accessibility for both driver and front-seat passengers.
- Under the Seat: A mountable hammer on a chain can be placed under the seat, secured and ready for use without sliding around.
How to Maintain Your Emergency Hammer?
Like any other tool, an emergency hammer requires periodic maintenance to ensure it remains in working condition. Here’s how to take care of yours:
Check the Blade
If your emergency hammer has a seatbelt cutter, check the sharpness of the blade regularly. A dull blade could cause delays when trying to cut through seatbelts.
Inspect the Chain and Mount
Make sure the chain remains strong and the mount is secured in place. Periodically check the hammer’s location to ensure it hasn’t shifted, especially after long drives or bumpy roads.
Test the Handle
Ensure the grip and handle are intact and easy to hold. If the handle becomes cracked or the material starts to wear out, consider replacing the tool.
Final Thoughts
The emergency hammer on the chain is an essential tool that no vehicle should be without. Not only can it break windows, but it can also cut seatbelts and ensure a quick escape in emergency situations, making it truly invaluable. Furthermore, having this tool within reach at all times, securely attached to a chain, guarantees that it won’t get lost or misplaced when every second counts.
In the unpredictable world of road accidents, your safety—and the safety of others in your vehicle—often depends on the tools you have available. Therefore, by equipping your vehicle with an emergency hammer, you significantly enhance your safety, knowing that you have the right tool to navigate any unexpected situation.
