Self-defense tools allow individuals to defend themselves, without resorting lethal force. These non-lethal alternatives include pepper sprays (or TASER), stun guns, a spring assisted tactical knife and personal alarms.
These tools can be carried easily in many different places. They are typically small enough to fit in your pocket, purse or on a keychain for easy accessibility in an emergency.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray, also known as OC (oleoresin capsicum), is one of the most effective self defense tools available for personal use. It works by causing inflammation of the mucous tissues in an attacker’s nose, mouth and eyes. The pain and difficulty breathing that follows an attack usually deter criminals from continuing their assault and can give you a chance to run away or call the police for help.
Depending on the type of pepper spray, it can have a range between 8 and 25 feet. It can also immobilize a person for up to 45 minute. Pepper spray is convenient to carry, and is safer than carrying a firearm. The devices are available in many different sizes and shapes, including small canisters which fit into a purse or a pocket, lipstick cases and key rings, bracelets and guns/firearms.
Another factor that can affect the effectiveness of a pepper spray is how it is held. Recent exploratory research found that the majority of pepper spray users don’t use their thumb as the trigger. They use their index fingers, which can have a less than ideal result. This is because some pepper spray devices are designed in a way that does not clearly allow the user to place their thumb on trigger.
A majority of first-time pepper-spray users don’t know how to aim it for maximum effect. They usually only aim for the attacker’s eye, which may not be sufficient to incapacitate them. In order to get the spray into their attacker’s eyes, mouth, and nose, they should aim at their entire face. This will increase the chances of getting maximum effect from your spray.
Stun Guns
Stun guns deliver a shock to incapacitate an attacker quickly and effectively. When they make contact with an attacker, they transfer a high-voltage electrical pulse into their muscles, disrupting muscle function and causing extreme pain. This can create a valuable window of time to escape or call for help. Stun guns also provide an effective deterrent due to their intimidating appearance and the visible electric arc that emits from their two metal probes. They’re easy to operate and require little training, making them an excellent option for those looking to defend themselves with a non-lethal weapon.
Models of stun gun come in different sizes and styles. Some models are designed to look similar to everyday items such as a lipstick or a mobile phone for covert use. Regardless of what model you choose, the most important factor to consider is that it’s easily concealed and comfortable to carry. Many stun gun models come with holsters and clips to make this easier. You should also practice using your stun guns regularly to ensure that you can operate them without thinking in a crisis.
Some people feel a fear of stun guns because they work by direct contact, but the electricity they emit will not kill you, even those that claim to be millions of volts. The reason is that it takes an enormous amount of amperage to cause a permanent injury and stun guns only transmit a few milliamps. However, it will still be painful and disorient the person being stunned. It can also cause the intruder to lose control of his or her body and run away, providing an opportunity for you to escape.
Personal Alarms
Personal alarms have stormed the market as a powerful safety gadget, promising amplified sound and immediate attention in the event of danger. But do they really deliver on this promise, or are they just another tool of fear-based marketing?
Most personal alarms emit an ear-piercing noise designed to startle and disorient an attacker. This will draw their attention away from nearby people, giving you time to escape or call for assistance. Many alarms have flashing lights and strobes to help deter attackers and draw attention to their situation.
Most models have a button or pin that makes them easy to operate, even in stressful situations. Many are small enough to fit on a keychain or in your pocket so you can keep them within reach. Some of them can be used as whistles to signal or attract attention. They are often equipped with flashlights for low-light conditions.
The Best Personal Alarms
When shopping for a personal alarm, look for one that produces a high-pitched noise of 120 decibels or more. Be sure to check reviews before buying. Many of the cheaper alarms that have fluffy attachments or bead-adorned charms aren’t very loud. Consider if the alarm you choose can be paired up with an app, or other features such as geo-fences. This would allow family members to monitor you and send you alerts if you enter or leave certain areas at odd times.
Personal alarms are a great choice for people who spend lots of time alone. This is true whether they work alone in remote areas, or go out with their friends at night. They can give you confidence and reassurance in situations where a physical confrontation might not be appropriate. For example, when you’re walking home from work or navigating through a parking lot at night.
Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights are a self protection tool that can be extremely useful in dark environments where many violent attacks occur. Their effectiveness is dependent on the right training and situational knowledge. However, flashlights also offer the benefit of enabling people to quickly identify potential threats without any potentially dangerous repercussions.
If an attacker is approaching you in a parking lot with dim lighting, a tactical light can be used to shine directly into their eyes. This will temporarily blind the attacker and give you enough time to escape. The brighter the flashlight, the more effective it will be at blinding your attacker. Many tactical flashlights have a setting for strobes that are particularly effective in disorienting attackers.
Flashlights also serve as an excellent tool for detecting hidden items and weapons that may be used against you. By shining the light on your assailant, you can visually identify any concealed weapons they might have and make plans to counter their attack. This is important, especially if you’re not sure if someone has the intention to harm you.
To get the most out of a tactical flashlight, choose one that is compact and has a good grip. Look for a flashlight with a pocket clip, or a tactical ring that makes it easy to carry. Also, choose a flashlight which has multiple light settings and an easy-to-access on/off button that is hard to accidentally activate in a rush. It should have a momentary-on feature whereby the tail cap is pressed and then released in order to turn the light on.
TASER Devices
These tools can be used to deter an attacker in a non-lethal manner. Each state and city may have its own rules and regulations for their possession and use. However, these devices only work when they are used properly.
TASER energy weapons fire small probes which stick to the skin and deliver a high voltage shock, temporarily incapacitating an attacker. This painless, non-lethal method of defending oneself is highly effective and has been proven to be safer than lethal weapons like guns. In fact, a study found that the use of a TASER reduced the number of incidents where police officers needed to resort to lethal force by a significant margin.
The technology behind a TASER is not as complicated as many people may think. The electrical current doesn’t electrocute people, it just sends a signal for the muscles to flex. This is similar to muscle stimulators available on the market to help with rehabilitation and muscle therapy. The resulting muscle contractions can be enough to disable an assailant and stop them from continuing the attack.
A TASER has a much longer range than a stun gun and can also be used from a distance. It is therefore an ideal self-defense device for anyone who wants to remain safe at a distance. These devices provide an extra level of safety when compared to other self-defense tools like pepper spray or expandable batons.
