"RicodJour" wrote in message
...
On Sep 24, 11:24 am, "Robert Green"
wrote:
I was surprised to find my local HoPo didn't have any spring-loaded center
punches. Anyone have one/used one they could recommend? Primary use is to
punch out car window if trapped in a flood. Since the 100 year floods
appearing to be coming every 2 years now, I figure it's time to put one in
the glovebox. Not sure what happens to fancy power doors and locks when
they're shorted. I know when floods reach certain levels, car horns start
to sound, which I assume means the harness/electronics failing or that
cars
really do have souls and "scream" when they drown. Either way, I think
it's
prudent to carry one to pop a window if it ever comes to that.
Why spring-loaded?
I'd be worried about being able to swing a hammer with enough force to pop
the window in an emergency situation. The spring loaded jobs are what I've
seen EMTs and firemen use.
I pay $100's for insurance that won't actually be able to do anything very
helpful during an underwater situation so I figured I could spend $10 or
$20
on something that might prove useful in what I hope is an extremely rare
situation. (And that I could use in the shop, too!) I've only seen it
flood that seriously here before once in . . . well, once in my life,
really. With the bridges of the country in disrepair, who knows what will
happen?
I've seen EMT's use a combo device that slits belts and punches windows,
but
belts are manually operated and wouldn't lock up in a flood situation so
that's probably overkill. I am sure a new dollar mart rectangular letter
opened with a guide slot would work wwww
It's not a question of whether the belt "locks up" as much as whether
you can get to the release and operate it. Then again it's also a
question of whether in that situation you could get to the emergency
tool.
I can slip a small spring-loaded punch in the console or even with a
magnetic mount.
Any other suggestions?
http://www.amazon.com/Mayday-Window-.../dp/B001B5NEHE
There are also versions with a flashlight and such.
Looks interesting - thanks. I'll pick up the HF one, I think. Not as
worried about the belts as I am about the windows and doors not opening.
If I end up being hung up in the seat belts, you can be assured I'll die
thinking "RJ was right!" (-:
--
Bobby G.