Best Car Window Breakers and How to Use Them
Last updated: June 2023
Just like our previous buyers guides were we have written about emergency blankets and first aid kits, another important product is that of an emergency hammer, window breaker and safety multi tool.
Here we review the best car window breakers, emergency hammers and emergency multi-tools. We have a look at five different tools and car window breakers to see what is the best value for money to have in your car at all times, and what can do the best job for you when you need it. The car window breakers/seat belt cutters are definitely in the category of tools that you don’t want to be needing to use and would be happy if they just collect dust in your car.
Alas, car accidents are unpredictable and can occur at any time. In some situations, the vehicle’s doors or seat belts may become jammed, trapping the occupants inside. This is where a car escape tool becomes invaluable. It can cut through jammed seat belts and shatter windows, providing a quick escape route.
In the event of a car submerging in water or catching fire, every second counts. The power windows may fail due to electrical short-circuiting, and the pressure difference can make it nearly impossible to open the doors. A car escape hammer can be the difference between life and death in these scenarios.
Car escape tools are typically compact, handheld devices designed to perform two main functions: cutting seat belts and breaking windows.
Seat belt cutter – is a sharp, guarded blade that can slice through a seat belt’s material quickly and safely. This feature is crucial if the seat belt mechanism is jammed and cannot be released normally.
Window breaker – on the other hand, is a pointed, hardened steel or tungsten tip designed to shatter tempered glass. A forceful swing or push against the corner of a side window is usually enough to break it. Remember, the windshield and rear window are often laminated and are much harder to break.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Tool
When purchasing a car escape tool, consider the following factors:
Quality: Look for tools made from high-quality, durable materials. The window breaker should be made from hardened steel or tungsten, and the cutter should be sharp and well-guarded.
Ease of Use: The tool should be easy to handle and operate, even under stress. Look for an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand.
Accessibility: Choose a tool that comes with a mount or holder. It should be stored within arm’s reach, like in the center console or attached to the driver’s side door, so it’s easily accessible in an emergency.
The emergency hammers come in many different forms, some are simple hammers, made for breaking glass and getting out of a car you might be trapped in. A couple of the hammers have advanced tools on them which can help you cut your eat belt and one even has an emergency light beacon and torch on it as well.
Car window breakers and emergency hammers don’t cost much to purchase and can come in handy for yourself or whether you find someone else stuck in a car or locked behind their seatbelt.
We have ranked the AA 3 in 1 Emergency Beacon as the best car window breaker and emergency hammer. It’s fantastic multi-tool use means that you get more than just a window hammer. Even though it’s called a 3-in-1 emergency beacon, it actually has 4 tools on it.
It has a beacon, a seat belt cutter, a torch and importantly a window breaker. With some batteries placed inside you know you have a tool that you can keep in your car and use in a number of circumstances.
We have put the Lifehammer Classic Glow Emergency Hammer in at second because it’s a very simple tool and as well as being able to cut through a seatbelt, it’s also glow in the dark.
The Ipow and the Resqme car glass breakers are both very simple car window breaker and emergency tools. The resqme comes with a seat belt cutter attached to the top and the Ipow has it’s seat belt cutter near the bottom of the handle. They are both simple tools but do the job intended very well!
Best Car Window Breakers – overview
Amazon.co.uk 
AA 3-in-1 Emergency Beacon
This is a review of the AA 3-in-1 Emergency Beacon
The AA 3 in 1 Emergency beacon arrives in a surprisingly small package, weighing only 200g this little device packs quite the punch. Designed to be of assistance in a multitude of emergency situations when out on the road.
The lower section of the device serves as a 360 flashing beacon light which provides very bright red light using LED’s that can be seen from 500 metres away.
To the end of the device is an additional light for general use, however I would recommend buying a extra torch for general use and using this torch only in emergencies to preserve the batteries (which are included). To the other side of the device is a strong magnet which means you can turn the torch or beacon on, attach the magnet end to your car allowing you to do something else such as checking under the bonnet, calling the emergency services or your break down recovery.
Added to the above elements car evacuation features such as the seat cutter and the robust hammer to shatter car window glass. The seat cutter is simple to use you will just need to remember to hold at a particular angle to catch the blade on the seat belt. The hammer itself is easy to use and just requires you to strike the window with the steel point to the head of the device.
This is an extremely handy tool the only two elements for consideration is that it doesn’t come with a mount to use in the car and that it is worth familiarising yourself with where things are on the tool, how they work and that the batteries are charged.
Verdict
The AA 3 in 1 emergency beacon is a value for money multitude of emergency tools in a tiny package that could be a life saver in an emergency situation.
Where to buy
AA 3-in-1 Emergency Flashing Beacon Torch Glass Hammer Seatbelt Cutter Rescue Tool...
& Free shipping
Lifehammer Classic Glow emergency hammer
The Lifehammer classic is an emergency hammer your not going to miss. It comes in orange and when its dark the pin on the hammer even glows in the dark. This is a very handy attribute as time is crucial in an emergency and if you have an emergency in the car… some where, that isn’t going to help you if you cannot grab it within a split second. So big thumbs up for this design feature!
This emergency hammer is also double headed and has two steel points that can be used to strike your window, to do this effectively and quickly. To the base of the hammer is a small but very sharp blade to slice through your car seat belt to help aid escape.
It also comes on a mount to be fixed in your car, you do have the option not to fix it but I would keep it on the mount non the less to protect the stainsteel points.
Verdict
Whats not to like about this convenient emergency hammer. Your not going to miss this hammer in an emergency, its bright glow will guide you back on your way to safety!
Where to buy
LifeHammer Brand Car Safety Hammer, the Original Emergency Escape and Rescue Tool...
Ipow Car Emergency Escape Tool
The Ipow emergency hammer is a straightforward piece of kit. It comes as a pack of two so that you can give one to a loved one or as most families have at least two cars, have one in each car.
The hammer is double headed so it has two steel points that can be used to shatter the car windows of your car in an emergency to escape.
It is a sturdy device weighing 170 grams using hard plastic and stainless steel. The handle that you hold feels ergonomically made easy to grip and clasp in the palm of your hand.
To the base of the hammer is a seat cutter which is very easy to use with safeguarded razor blades, you just need to slightly angle the hammer to hook onto the seat belt and pull it and it will pull through the webbing of the seat belt.
The hammer come with a mount to be screwed and fixed to the car door. The mount is a little flimsy so I have choosen not to use it and instead keep securely in a soft pencil case in the side pocket of the door.
Verdict
The Ipow emergency hammer is a double headed straight forward device that only requires a better mount to improve its ability.
Where to buy
ipow 4 Packs Car Emergency Escape Window Break Hammer Safety Seat Belt...
& Free shipping
Resqme Hammer – The Modern Emergency Hammer
Weighing 141g, the lightweight modern emergency hammer is sleek and has been made a little differently to other emergency hammers out there.
The hammer comes with a quick easy bracket that can attached in the car to make the hammer easy to grab in an emergency. The hammer has the classic sharp steel point to the top side of the hammer and is where the most weight lies. A special design to this hammer is the shape its been made easy to grab and comfortably hold and the front part that goes over the top of your fingers will protect your knuckles as you break the glass.
The seat belt cutter which you would normally find to the base of most hammers is actually at the top the opposite side of the hammer point, nicely hidden away in a recess making it not easy to catch your fingers at all.
Verdict
The resqhammer is a delightfully handy tool that has been well designed and well made.
Where to buy
Resqme GBO-RQM-ORANGE Car Escape Tool, Orange, 1 Resqme
& Free shipping
How to Use an Emergency Hammer & Seat Belt Cutter
FAQs
What is a car window breaker?
A car window breaker is a tool designed to shatter the tempered glass of car windows in emergency situations, allowing for a quick exit from the vehicle.
How does a car window breaker work?
A car window breaker works by concentrating a large amount of force onto a small, pointed tip. When this tip is pressed or swung against the window, it causes the glass to shatter.
Can a car window breaker break any window?
Car window breakers are designed to break tempered glass, which is what side windows in cars are typically made of. They may not be effective on laminated or bulletproof glass.
Where should I store my car window breaker?
Your car window breaker should be stored within easy reach, such as in the glove compartment, center console, or attached to the driver’s side door.
Are car window breakers reusable?
Yes, most car window breakers can be used multiple times. However, it’s important to check the tool for damage after use.
Can a car window breaker be used on a windshield?
Windshields are usually made of laminated glass, which is tougher than tempered glass. While a car window breaker might cause some damage, it’s unlikely to shatter the windshield completely.
How much force is needed to use a car window breaker?
The amount of force required varies by tool and window, but a strong, firm push or swing is typically enough to shatter a side window.
Are car window breakers legal?
Yes, car window breakers are legal to own and use for emergency purposes in most jurisdictions. However, laws can vary, so it’s a good idea to check your local regulations.
Can a car window breaker cut seat belts?
Some car window breakers also include a seat belt cutter, which can be used to cut through seat belts if they become jammed.
What material is a car window breaker made of?
The pointed tip of a car window breaker is typically made of hardened steel or tungsten, both of which are very hard and durable materials.
Can I use a car window breaker underwater?
Yes, a car window breaker can be used underwater. In fact, it’s an essential tool if your car is submerged and the doors won’t open due to water pressure.
Can children use car window breakers?
While a child might not have the strength to use a car window breaker effectively, it’s important to teach older children about the tool and its location in case of an emergency.
Are there different types of car window breakers?
Yes, car window breakers come in various designs. Some are standalone tools, while others are incorporated into multi-function devices like flashlights or car chargers.
How do I choose a good car window breaker?
Look for a car window breaker made from high-quality materials, with a sharp, durable point. It should be easy to handle and store within easy reach in your car.
Can a car window breaker be used for other purposes?
While a car window breaker is primarily designed for shattering car windows in emergencies, the pointed tip can also be used forself-defense in extreme situations.
How do I maintain my car window breaker?
Maintenance is typically minimal. Just ensure the tool is clean, the point is sharp, and it’s stored properly. Check it periodically for any damage.
Can a car window breaker break a home window?
Yes, a car window breaker can break a home window if it’s made of tempered glass. However, many home windows are made of annealed glass, which is harder to break.
Can I carry a car window breaker on a plane?
It’s best to check with the specific airline’s regulations. However, due to its sharp point, a car window breaker might be considered a prohibited item in carry-on luggage.
Can a car window breaker fail to work?
While rare, a car window breaker can fail if it’s of poor quality, damaged, or used incorrectly. It’s important to buy a high-quality tool and know how to use it properly.
Is a car window breaker a good gift for a new driver?
Absolutely! A car window breaker is a practical gift that could potentially save a new driver’s life in an emergency. It’s a good idea to also explain its use and importance.
