Best Improvised Home Self Defense?
- Thread starter Carbonator
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Things close at hand where I am,
handset on the telephone for bludgeoning, or with cable attached, use as mace.
very small safe with cash and important documents inside for bludgeoning or throwing.
special decorative battery operated clock for slashing/bashing.
ceramic pot full of dirt and plants in macrame hanger for use as mace.
full bottles of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide for throwing.
wife's full purse for use as mace or bludgeon.
heavy candles and stands for thowing or bludgeoning.
laundry basket full of towels for thowing.
drawers full of stuff in bathroom area for thowing in face of bg.
wooden towel rings that could probably be ripped out of the wall for use as a bludgeon.
Thinking about this issue has encouraged me. The world really is full of weapons. Great ideas. Thanks guys.
But don't forget: Keep packin'!
handset on the telephone for bludgeoning, or with cable attached, use as mace.
very small safe with cash and important documents inside for bludgeoning or throwing.
special decorative battery operated clock for slashing/bashing.
ceramic pot full of dirt and plants in macrame hanger for use as mace.
full bottles of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide for throwing.
wife's full purse for use as mace or bludgeon.
heavy candles and stands for thowing or bludgeoning.
laundry basket full of towels for thowing.
drawers full of stuff in bathroom area for thowing in face of bg.
wooden towel rings that could probably be ripped out of the wall for use as a bludgeon.
Thinking about this issue has encouraged me. The world really is full of weapons. Great ideas. Thanks guys.
But don't forget: Keep packin'!
Mulliga
Member
Baseball bat. More range, foolproof design, and it's quiet, which is more than can be said for the chainsaw!
Well,
I make knives as a hobby/side business to my full time compter gig so I always have a large persian dagger next to the bed along with my current firearm of choice (at the moment a Kel-Tec .380).
If Neither of those was available for some reason I would grab the baseball bat (aluminum) that is leaning against the wall and or throw the alarm clock (larger old style so it makes a good thrown weapon) and various other heavy objects while finding a better weapon. Hell, the lamp on my side of the bed is a huge glass thing left over from the 70's so it would make an ideal skull cracker if necessary.
I make knives as a hobby/side business to my full time compter gig so I always have a large persian dagger next to the bed along with my current firearm of choice (at the moment a Kel-Tec .380).
If Neither of those was available for some reason I would grab the baseball bat (aluminum) that is leaning against the wall and or throw the alarm clock (larger old style so it makes a good thrown weapon) and various other heavy objects while finding a better weapon. Hell, the lamp on my side of the bed is a huge glass thing left over from the 70's so it would make an ideal skull cracker if necessary.
mogunner
Member
Best improved Home Self Defense
A Woodmans Pal and a Louisville Slugger. I got both.
A Woodmans Pal and a Louisville Slugger. I got both.
Gord
Member
Not really "improvised" in that it is a weapon, but if kitchen knives are permissible... 
I have the bayonet that came with my Mosin 91/30 lying on the bookshelf in my room because it's too tight to fit on the gun and it was the first place I found to set it down. I would not want to go up against a foot-long steel spike.
On my desk within arm's reach right now are:
- Car keys on keychain (flail and/or punch with)
- 4D Maglite (I think we've covered the use of this one)
- Two cans of Tag bodyspray (spray in face, smells pretty overwhelming in large quantities too)
- About a dozen CD-ROMs (throw)
- Multiple books (throw, hit with)
- Small glass square holder for a tea candle, larger glass "jar" candle (throw)
- Box of kitchen matches for candles (moment of opportunity + loose clothing on BG?)
- Keyboard and mouse (ker-smack/swing at)
And one of those $5 Cyma airsoft guns, a good enough replica of a Glock 27 that I'd sure be vacating my bladder if it were pointed at me without prior knowledge that it was a toy. It'd at least give the BG pause, if not make him run off outright. Heck, the slide's even marked 9x19.
As others have said, the mind is the weapon - no matter where you are, there are probably a dozen items within arm's reach that could be used as fairly effective improvised weapons. Heck, the zero-tolerance policy at my schools wouldn't have stopped me for a moment in seriously maiming or killing at least several people with the everyday school items in my backpack, and I mentioned that upon being called to the assistant principal's office one day for having a pencil sharpener with an "exposed blade" (as opposed to the ones with a plastic capsule to collect shavings)
Actually, this thread has made me resolve to stock the bathroom a bit better - the only things I can think of are baby powder in the face, cosmetics bottles thrown and air freshener sprayed in eyes. I'd like to avoid having to threaten someone with a pair of nail clippers if possible.
I have the bayonet that came with my Mosin 91/30 lying on the bookshelf in my room because it's too tight to fit on the gun and it was the first place I found to set it down. I would not want to go up against a foot-long steel spike.
On my desk within arm's reach right now are:
- Car keys on keychain (flail and/or punch with)
- 4D Maglite (I think we've covered the use of this one
)- Two cans of Tag bodyspray (spray in face, smells pretty overwhelming in large quantities too)
- About a dozen CD-ROMs (throw)
- Multiple books (throw, hit with)
- Small glass square holder for a tea candle, larger glass "jar" candle (throw)
- Box of kitchen matches for candles (moment of opportunity + loose clothing on BG?
)- Keyboard and mouse (ker-smack/swing at)
And one of those $5 Cyma airsoft guns, a good enough replica of a Glock 27 that I'd sure be vacating my bladder if it were pointed at me without prior knowledge that it was a toy. It'd at least give the BG pause, if not make him run off outright. Heck, the slide's even marked 9x19.
As others have said, the mind is the weapon - no matter where you are, there are probably a dozen items within arm's reach that could be used as fairly effective improvised weapons. Heck, the zero-tolerance policy at my schools wouldn't have stopped me for a moment in seriously maiming or killing at least several people with the everyday school items in my backpack, and I mentioned that upon being called to the assistant principal's office one day for having a pencil sharpener with an "exposed blade" (as opposed to the ones with a plastic capsule to collect shavings)
Actually, this thread has made me resolve to stock the bathroom a bit better - the only things I can think of are baby powder in the face, cosmetics bottles thrown and air freshener sprayed in eyes. I'd like to avoid having to threaten someone with a pair of nail clippers if possible.
AmbulanceDriver
Member
Well, as far as the shower stuff.... My girlfriend got me as a housewarming gift a little "tiki god" looking thing that's sitting on my bathroom counter... It's solid wood, about a foot tall, and 9 inches on each side... And it's got legs that you can grab it by....
I can imagine it would make a serious dent in someone's skull......
I can imagine it would make a serious dent in someone's skull......
kengrubb
Member
Only really three major types of weapon: projectile launchers, cutting and/or stabbing, and blunt force.
Almost ANY projectile launcher would by definition be a weapon--unless one can slip a wrist rocket by the "no weapon" definition.
Cutting and stabbing, pretty well out of options. I suppose a chisel or a screwdriver would inflict a mean wound, but I'd rather not have to get in that close.
Blunt force. I'd rather have a pair of 28" long rattan sticks, but someone would probably scream Arnis or Eskrima stick and the penalty flag would get thrown. 3/4" wooden dowels would be my favorite. I use 'em in the channels of my apartment's windows. One is just shy of 48". Two-handed, it's pretty fast and doesn't put an undo strain on my wrists. Big heavy stuff will wear ya out and risks a sprain. Light and fast lands the first shot--assuming one knows how to use a stick.
Almost ANY projectile launcher would by definition be a weapon--unless one can slip a wrist rocket by the "no weapon" definition.
Cutting and stabbing, pretty well out of options. I suppose a chisel or a screwdriver would inflict a mean wound, but I'd rather not have to get in that close.
Blunt force. I'd rather have a pair of 28" long rattan sticks, but someone would probably scream Arnis or Eskrima stick and the penalty flag would get thrown. 3/4" wooden dowels would be my favorite. I use 'em in the channels of my apartment's windows. One is just shy of 48". Two-handed, it's pretty fast and doesn't put an undo strain on my wrists. Big heavy stuff will wear ya out and risks a sprain. Light and fast lands the first shot--assuming one knows how to use a stick.
kengrubb
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outofbattery
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Aerosol aircraft stripper.I wouldn't even want to imagine what a face full of it would feel like.
I once had an inebriated gentleman end up in my office,looking for not even he could tell you what.Long story short,a well thrown 3 hole punch sobered him up rather quickly and he beat feet.He almost earned himself a potted cactus
I once had an inebriated gentleman end up in my office,looking for not even he could tell you what.Long story short,a well thrown 3 hole punch sobered him up rather quickly and he beat feet.He almost earned himself a potted cactus
BIGDADDYLONGSTROKE
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HOPPY590
I think that is a really good idea, but wouldnt the camera flash blind you as well, think about it, even a muzzle flash would blind both parties.
I think that is a really good idea, but wouldnt the camera flash blind you as well, think about it, even a muzzle flash would blind both parties.
hurrakane212
Member
Screwdrivers have their place. While I was in London I kept a screwdriver or good sturdy pen near me in the more crowded areas. Just the pen in Oxford and Cambridge. IMHP my wife should count as an improvised weapon, she's a vicious one!~Nathan
Bedroom = all my guns, knives, and a 4D Maglight
Kitchen = Knives I got a big butcher knife already picked out.
Basement= Tools, tools, tools I got a choice between my Axe or a my black 22oz framing hammer with a skull and crossbones on it (swear to God, you can find it at Lowes, and it's a good hammer to boot).
Bathroom = The Top of the toliet there is that big heavy lid over the tank. Don't have time to dig thru the chemicals.
Kitchen = Knives
I got a big butcher knife already picked out.Basement= Tools, tools, tools I got a choice between my Axe or a my black 22oz framing hammer with a skull and crossbones on it (swear to God, you can find it at Lowes, and it's a good hammer to boot).
Bathroom = The Top of the toliet there is that big heavy lid over the tank. Don't have time to dig thru the chemicals.
Folding chair. Can be used as a shield, can be swung like a bat edge on or flat, thrust leg first it makes two points the have to be blocked/parried, and in a hallway/confined space you can use it as a nice obstruction - throw it tumbling chest high, turn and haul butt for a better weapon.
323D3F3C!7$
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Actually I always keep a mag lite and tire iron easily accessible in my truck. In the house I have an sks always by my bed ready to go. Unfortunately my favorite knife broke, so now I don't really have anything on me at work. Like the others have said though, anything at hand could be a great weapon: Fire extinguisher, claw hammer, tool box, anything that isn't bolted down really.
CoachVince
Member
What would you keep "at the ready", in place of a "real" weapon?
Baseball bat? Propane torch? Nail gun? kitchen knife? chainsaw? Household chemicals?
By the door in the garage, I've got an aluminum baseball bat, 2 farming hammers, 2 machetes, 2 hatchets, a fire extinguisher, and some nasty chemicals in spray cans. There's some more brush clearing stuff out there, if the need arises.
Near the front door, fire extinguisher, and windshield de-icer spray (in all seasons).
In the bedroom, large folding Buck knives, .75 oz. of mace (OK, I need to work on that room)
Kitchen - 18" curved "boning" knife (one of several items we bought from at a yard sale of a guy whose father was a butcher), fire extinguisher.
Somebody recently asked about what their friend should carry with them when driving; looking at taxi driving jobs. My 1st advice was to ask other cabbies, 2nd was to point out that NJ only allows .75 ounce of mace on your person, but doesn't regulate Windshield DeIcer (those big yellow cans).
In the car, I 've got more deicer (handy stuff, and it goes on clearance every spring!), a non-OEM tire iron (the old bent hockey stick style), a folding shovel/pick (not military, but about 30 years old; it's made pretty sturdy), and a hatchet/sheath knife combo pack. Plus flares, of course (I try not to ever have less than half a dozen). With that said, I shouldn't have to mention the old multi-tool, screwdrivers, etc.
We had a small spontaneous fire in the bsmt. a while ago , so fire ext.s are all over the house now. We used to have 5 large dogs, but in 18 months we lost 4 of them (3 to cancer, 1 bullmastiff to old age at 13 years) and gained a runty boxer (she's a good watchdog, though). I used to feel a bit safer with all the dogs around the house, but we've still got the 45 lb. boxer and the 200 lb. English mastiff
If cats count, do chinchillas?
Note: we also have some "out of date" cell phones in certain spots around the house. They can only be used for 911, but sometimes that might be all you need.
Baseball bat? Propane torch? Nail gun? kitchen knife? chainsaw? Household chemicals?
By the door in the garage, I've got an aluminum baseball bat, 2 farming hammers, 2 machetes, 2 hatchets, a fire extinguisher, and some nasty chemicals in spray cans. There's some more brush clearing stuff out there, if the need arises.
Near the front door, fire extinguisher, and windshield de-icer spray (in all seasons).
In the bedroom, large folding Buck knives, .75 oz. of mace (OK, I need to work on that room)
Kitchen - 18" curved "boning" knife (one of several items we bought from at a yard sale of a guy whose father was a butcher), fire extinguisher.
Somebody recently asked about what their friend should carry with them when driving; looking at taxi driving jobs. My 1st advice was to ask other cabbies, 2nd was to point out that NJ only allows .75 ounce of mace on your person, but doesn't regulate Windshield DeIcer
(those big yellow cans).In the car, I 've got more deicer (handy stuff, and it goes on clearance every spring!), a non-OEM tire iron (the old bent hockey stick style), a folding shovel/pick (not military, but about 30 years old; it's made pretty sturdy), and a hatchet/sheath knife combo pack. Plus flares, of course (I try not to ever have less than half a dozen). With that said, I shouldn't have to mention the old multi-tool, screwdrivers, etc.
We had a small spontaneous fire in the bsmt. a while ago , so fire ext.s are all over the house now. We used to have 5 large dogs, but in 18 months we lost 4 of them (3 to cancer, 1 bullmastiff to old age at 13 years) and gained a runty boxer (she's a good watchdog, though). I used to feel a bit safer with all the dogs around the house, but we've still got the 45 lb. boxer and the 200 lb. English mastiff
If cats count, do chinchillas?
Note: we also have some "out of date" cell phones in certain spots around the house. They can only be used for 911, but sometimes that might be all you need.
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Big Calhoun
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Behind the head of the bed is a Tippman A-5 paintball gun. On the wifes side is a 4 cell maglite. Above the bed, mounted on the wall is a sword that I bought in Spain years ago. There's also constantly a bottle of tobacco 'juice' somewhere near night tables. So if worse comes to worse, I have plenty of options.
When I lived in DC, I picked up a piece of rebar about 30 inches long from a construction site one night when I thought someone sketchy was following me, and kept it tucked behind the door. I also expanded my kitchen cutlery to include one of the big Joyce Chen chinese kitchen knives and a nice medium sized Tramontina cleaver.
That stuff comes in aerosol cans ??????
I think that might be considered a weapon in places that outlaw OC.
For anyone unfamiliar with it, it will remove any kind of paint from metal. It makes the metal hot to the touch, and the paint just bubbles up. Very nasty stuff.
The blue nitrile gloves aren't enough to keep your hands from getting burned when using it. I went through about 4 pair of them stripping a kitchen range hood.
High Planes Drifter
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Estwing 32oz Waffle head framing hammer. I keep it in my laundry room. Why?
nothing says "Mofo - Im about rattle your brains" quite like ESTWING !!!
nothing says "Mofo - Im about rattle your brains" quite like ESTWING !!!
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