What Self defense tool is the best?
All Self Defense tools have some benefits. The best self defense tool will be different from everyone based on personal preference. It’s important to learn what will suit you the best. Here you will learn why certain self defense tools may be better than others.
1. Pepper sprays- Pepper spray is small and easy to use. They are very affordable and vary in size. This tool is good for long range and for delaying the attacker. The pepper spray will not do long term harm unless it is used for a prolonged period of time. Pepper spray will do immediate damage and makes it easy to get help or get away from the attacker.
Drawbacks- If there is heavy wind then that pepper spray can blow toward you and cause temporary blindness to you instead of the attacker. Your pepper spray can lose effectiveness over time which you need to be cautious about when purchasing. You also need to make sure you hit your attacker in the correct spot in the face or it will be ineffective. Many of the pepper sprays found in general stores are also low quality, and therefore, ineffective. Pepper spray should be purchased at a sporting good store.
2. Small Keychain Alarms- Personal alarms come in a variety of sizes but are normally in a keychain form. They are best if you don't want to cause any physical damage. They are useful if you want to alert people around you and get help as they emit a very loud sound that you can't ignore.
Drawbacks- While the sound is loud, it might not be enough to have an effect on the attacker. It does no real physical harm to the attacker either.
3. Spikes- Spikes are small sharp objects that are used to jab an attacker. They are very durable. This tool is best if you want to delay the attacker and feel confident in using a tool like this. They can puncture the attackers skin which can delay the attack. I personally think this tool is best if you have experience with other martial arts forms as this is a close range defense.
Drawbacks- Spikes are a close range weapon, so the user must be close to the attacker to do any damage. They also require some practice to use.
4. Stun guns- Stun guns provide a strong electrical shock that can immobilize an attacker. They are very portable and easy to carry since they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are most effective if you have some experience in self defense training. If used correctly, they can immobilize the attacker.
Drawbacks- Stun guns, also known as tasers, also require close proximity to the attacker. Many stun guns are also ineffective because they are of poor quality and do not deliver an effective charge to the attacker. They are also not legal in all 50 states and need to be charged or changed batteries.
5. Pocket Knives- Pocket knives are very strong and durable. They are very easy to carry because they are foldable and small. These are best for close range defense and they can slash the attacker. If you are not experienced in close range defense or any type or martial arts then pocket knives are not recommended.
Drawbacks- Some sizes of pocket knives can be illegal. They also require training and confidence to use.
6. Expandable Batons- Expandable batons are compact at first and can then be extended into a self defense tool. They are made of metal or hard plastic and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are most useful for mid range defense. They are recommended for people who have experience in martial arts since they takes some skill to understand how to use correctly.
Drawbacks- There is limited range on this tool compared to pepper spray. They are most effective mid range.
7. Household Items- There are many items you can find at your house or at a local store that you could use as a self defense weapon.
8. Metal water bottles- You can use this to strike the attacker.
9. Lighter- You can use this to burn the attacker briefly and catch them off guard and cause minimal damage or create space.
10. Phone- You can use your phone to call for help, as well as to strike your attacker. Phones can be very effective striking tools.
11. Cleaning products/ Aerosol Sprays- Some can cause permanent damage depending on the ingredients that they use, but they can be used similarly to pepper spray.