Knowledge base
The background reading behind our ranking — written from extrication training, not from spec sheets.
6 min read
How To Escape A Sinking Car: The 60-Second Rule
A retired firefighter's step-by-step order of operations for escaping a car that has entered water, and why the window is the only reliable exit.
5 min read
Tempered vs Laminated Side Glass: Check Your Car Before You Need To
More new vehicles use laminated side glass, which no escape tool can clear. Here is how to check your own car in under a minute.
5 min read
Spring-Loaded vs Hammer Window Breakers: Which Actually Works Belted?
The mechanism matters more than the price. A comparison of press-action and swing-action breakers from someone who has used both in training.
4 min read
Where To Mount A Car Escape Tool (And Where Never To)
Placement decides whether an escape tool saves anyone. Reach-tested mounting locations for drivers and rear passengers.