grizz
Member
6 D-cell mag light.
Best Improvised Home Self Defense?
- Thread starter Carbonator
- Start date
- Status
W Turner
Member
Hmmmm, just sitting here in my office I see......
Keys that can be used as a flail
The Laptop that I am typing this on would be dandy to bash someones head with (hey, it's the company's)
Pens to jab and poke with
A 5lb copy of the DSM-IV to toss at somebody
A trashcan full of trash to distract them
A bottle of charcoal lighter fluid. Nothing to light it with, but it would distract
A 2lb electric pencil sharpener with a 6 ft cord
My 6'8" 350lb frame sitting in the chair with size 15 heavy boots on....I could always go all Sumo on them or kick/stomp on them once I have them down.
W
Keys that can be used as a flail
The Laptop that I am typing this on would be dandy to bash someones head with (hey, it's the company's)
Pens to jab and poke with
A 5lb copy of the DSM-IV to toss at somebody
A trashcan full of trash to distract them
A bottle of charcoal lighter fluid. Nothing to light it with, but it would distract
A 2lb electric pencil sharpener with a 6 ft cord
My 6'8" 350lb frame sitting in the chair with size 15 heavy boots on....I could always go all Sumo on them or kick/stomp on them once I have them down.
W
Ohio Rifleman
Member
I've seen lots of cords and whatnot mentioned here so far, for use as a mace. But, if you're not afraid of going really medieval, using something like that as a garrote? As someone earlier stated, at home, you can really take advantage of the element of surprise and sneak up behind a bg. I'm also an avid archer, so I keep my bow handy, though it's nearly 5 feet long. I don't know if this would count, by the bayonet on my SKS would make a nasty poking weapon. I also have an assortment of knives that would make some nasty wounds. Lesse...got a wood baseball bat too, hard to go wrong with that. Even being tapped lightly with one hurts like the dickens, I can't imagine what a full-blown strike with one would feel like. Toxic chemicals may be useful, but they're generally not something we keep on hand for that purpose. Of course, any kind of combat with any of the things mentioned here in a HD situation would be extremely brutal and nasty. Hope none of us has to use any of 'em. A chainsaw might not be a good weapon per se, but it'd be sure to make an intruder thoroughly moisten the front of his pants.
hey guys & gals, i've been a lurker on this forum for some time & finally decided to contribute. 
i don't think anyone has mentioned a tire puncture repair kit yet. they usually consist of two sharp metal prods about 5-6" long mounted perpendicularly to a pistol grip. one is for reaming the hole in your tire & the other is for inserting a soft 'plug' into the hole for a temporary repair. the prod is mounted in the middle of the grip so when you make a fist around it, the metal juts straight out between your middle & ring fingers.
they can be had very cheap & wouldn't raise too much suspicion in a vehicle.
i keep them in my glove box for 'tire repairs'. now, if i can just figure an excuse for putting tires on my tub...
i don't think anyone has mentioned a tire puncture repair kit yet. they usually consist of two sharp metal prods about 5-6" long mounted perpendicularly to a pistol grip. one is for reaming the hole in your tire & the other is for inserting a soft 'plug' into the hole for a temporary repair. the prod is mounted in the middle of the grip so when you make a fist around it, the metal juts straight out between your middle & ring fingers.
they can be had very cheap & wouldn't raise too much suspicion in a vehicle.
i keep them in my glove box for 'tire repairs'. now, if i can just figure an excuse for putting tires on my tub...
Last edited:
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
I think the lug wrench in the car would be a little more effective than an "icepick". My opinion.
"I think the lug wrench in the car would be a little more effective than an "icepick". My opinion."
well, a few issues to consider:
-i can't fit a lugwrench in my glovebox & prefer not to have one sliding around the floorboard.
-the tire spikes are much heavier gauge than an icepick (although i know you were being metaphorical ).
-most importantly, i've noticed from videos of real crimes, police riots, etc. that involve weapons like bats & baton-like objects that they are rarely effective at stopping an attacker and if the fight gets inside the guard of someone weilding such a weapon, it becomes useless. knowing most fights can quickly end up "mano-a-mano" so to speak, i'd much rather have every one of my punches, no matter where they land, hit the attacker with a 5" metal spike. i'd rather have real wounding power than something 'scary looking' that will only be effective if i hit the attacker at the right angle, speed, and body part.
well, a few issues to consider:
-i can't fit a lugwrench in my glovebox & prefer not to have one sliding around the floorboard.
-the tire spikes are much heavier gauge than an icepick (although i know you were being metaphorical
).-most importantly, i've noticed from videos of real crimes, police riots, etc. that involve weapons like bats & baton-like objects that they are rarely effective at stopping an attacker and if the fight gets inside the guard of someone weilding such a weapon, it becomes useless. knowing most fights can quickly end up "mano-a-mano" so to speak, i'd much rather have every one of my punches, no matter where they land, hit the attacker with a 5" metal spike. i'd rather have real wounding power than something 'scary looking' that will only be effective if i hit the attacker at the right angle, speed, and body part.
yardmonkey
Member
I think there are some very good ideas. I want to add a few points to consider though.
Many people have proposed blunt weapons like clubs and bats. I would strongly suggest a wrist lanyard or strap for these in case you lose a grip for whatever reason. It will be much less likely that your weapon will be used against you. Wrap some 550 cord around the end or something expedient.
Expedient shield or armor. Wrap the off hand forearm with a coat or blanket so you can better deflect slashing attacks. Any protection is better than none. Jackets etc can also ensnare or slow the enemy's weapon.
Distance. Distance is your friend in close combat. Maintain distance. Use a jab of whatever weapon is chosen to maintain distance. Try to keep the attacker on the defensive if possible.
With edged weapons stab rather than slash. Internal bleeding will drop the attacker faster than even severe external wounds.
Leave yourself a retreat option.
Many people have proposed blunt weapons like clubs and bats. I would strongly suggest a wrist lanyard or strap for these in case you lose a grip for whatever reason. It will be much less likely that your weapon will be used against you. Wrap some 550 cord around the end or something expedient.
Expedient shield or armor. Wrap the off hand forearm with a coat or blanket so you can better deflect slashing attacks. Any protection is better than none. Jackets etc can also ensnare or slow the enemy's weapon.
Distance. Distance is your friend in close combat. Maintain distance. Use a jab of whatever weapon is chosen to maintain distance. Try to keep the attacker on the defensive if possible.
With edged weapons stab rather than slash. Internal bleeding will drop the attacker faster than even severe external wounds.
Leave yourself a retreat option.
I have a three samurai sword set (Tanto, Wakisashi, and Katana) That I have scattered in my home. None have a sharp blade but the point is extremely sharp. If presented, I am sure a strike with the dull blade would be deadly just as the point.
Coyote3855
Member
The classic fireplace poker.
I had trouble with this scenario, because I can't envision a situation where both my wife and I would not be carrying at least one handgun each, and/or would not have access to one or more of the several house guns stashed at strategic locations. I have overlooked the bathroom/shower scene, need to think about that one. Maybe need the stainless Taurus J frame DAO .357 in the medicine cabinet.
I do have some concern with those who have all sorts of non weapons scattered around the house. I'm speaking of the baseball bats, mag lights, axe handles, etc. Unless concealed, I would worry about providing the home invader with more tools than he brought to the party.
We live in a rural area, so I used to keep a Stoeger 12 gage coach gun (starlings) at the back door and a Marlin 336 (feral dogs/cats/humans) at the front door. Because of the above concern, the guns are now concealed in the coat and broom closets. A couple of extra steps, but I won't have handed a firearm to the bad guy.
Coyote3855
Be Prepared
I had trouble with this scenario, because I can't envision a situation where both my wife and I would not be carrying at least one handgun each, and/or would not have access to one or more of the several house guns stashed at strategic locations. I have overlooked the bathroom/shower scene, need to think about that one. Maybe need the stainless Taurus J frame DAO .357 in the medicine cabinet.
I do have some concern with those who have all sorts of non weapons scattered around the house. I'm speaking of the baseball bats, mag lights, axe handles, etc. Unless concealed, I would worry about providing the home invader with more tools than he brought to the party.
We live in a rural area, so I used to keep a Stoeger 12 gage coach gun (starlings) at the back door and a Marlin 336 (feral dogs/cats/humans) at the front door. Because of the above concern, the guns are now concealed in the coat and broom closets. A couple of extra steps, but I won't have handed a firearm to the bad guy.
Coyote3855
Be Prepared
scout26
Member
Geez, if if gets that bad, I have my MP Night Stick hanging on a hook in the closet above the gun safe. On the other side of the safe is my Army Officer's Saber.
That's assuming that that we've burned through all the ammo* and the mutant space alien zombie bears are still comin'.
*A quick count of the ammo locker shows:
12 ga:
~200 slugs, 250 of buck shot, 100 of turkey loads, 20 boxes of pheasant loads and ~ 250 boxes of trap/skeet/sporting clays loads.
20 ga:
200 slugs, 150 of buck shot, 50 turkey loads and 25 boxes of pheasant loads, and 75 boxes of trap/skeet/sporting clays loads.
.410:
10 boxes of light target loads
45 ACP
~1000 rounds
.32 Win Spec
~700 rounds
.22LR
~5000 rounds
Seriously anything that you can get your hands on and use as weapon (even a pillow) can be used against an attacker to gain an advantage/stop the threat. If all else fails, lower your shoulders and drive/tackle your opponent.
That's assuming that that we've burned through all the ammo* and the mutant space alien zombie bears are still comin'.
*A quick count of the ammo locker shows:
12 ga:
~200 slugs, 250 of buck shot, 100 of turkey loads, 20 boxes of pheasant loads and ~ 250 boxes of trap/skeet/sporting clays loads.
20 ga:
200 slugs, 150 of buck shot, 50 turkey loads and 25 boxes of pheasant loads, and 75 boxes of trap/skeet/sporting clays loads.
.410:
10 boxes of light target loads
45 ACP
~1000 rounds
.32 Win Spec
~700 rounds
.22LR
~5000 rounds
Seriously anything that you can get your hands on and use as weapon (even a pillow) can be used against an attacker to gain an advantage/stop the threat. If all else fails, lower your shoulders and drive/tackle your opponent.
Manedwolf
member
If you have a paintball gun, do remember that Pepperballs are also .68 caliber balls, and will work just fine...provided it's PERFECTLY clean and not a Wally World $29 special.
D-cell batteries can be thrown with reasonable accuracy and have good weight. A bowling ball is also useful and heavy, especially when used in a hallway and thrown with a high release.
As for other things kept in a car trunk, I also reserve the Half Life option...a crowbar.
D-cell batteries can be thrown with reasonable accuracy and have good weight. A bowling ball is also useful and heavy, especially when used in a hallway and thrown with a high release.
As for other things kept in a car trunk, I also reserve the Half Life option...a crowbar.
Elmer Fudd
Member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2006
- Messages
- 118
I can't believe the Brits haven't mentioned cricket bats!
The manager in 'This is Spinal Tap' sure looked like a bad@ss with one
The manager in 'This is Spinal Tap' sure looked like a bad@ss with one
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Most Instructive
My house is a friggin' arsenal -- I just never appreciated how much potential violence I've got lying around.
Bedroom, in no particular order: wife's 3D Maglite, my 2D Streamlite (truly solid little number), 3-inch fixed blade utility/camping knife, power strip (metal, 1"x2"x8" with 6' grounded power cord), Steelcase office chair, 1" diameter Marks-a-lot, heavy-duty office stapler, a 7-foot length of Cat-5 network cable I forgot to put away, plastic-covered 5-pound lockbox with handle, assorted tools (needlenose pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, metal ruler) -- I really need to put some of this stuff away.
Kitchen: Oh, Gawd. You SO don't want me on my home turf! I have some 40 knives, all longer than 5 inches, some as long as 15 in blocks and various drawers, solid saucepans, fire extinguisher, cast iron trivets, ceramic canisters -- damn! The friggin' kitchen is a weapons candy store!
Utility room, off the kitchen, has sharp things (gardening implements) and chemicals, and a 20-pound plastic jug(?) of kitty litter.
Moving around into the dining room . . . there's a really solid salt/pepper shaker set -- one for each hand -- about an inch in diameter at the waist and 5 inches tall, and by the fireplace at the end of that room is a set of fireplace tools (nice poker!), a wood hod with pruning shears, hatchet, splitting axe, machete, and a leather-handled knife that seems to have been fashioned from a hunk of lawn mower blade.
Living room is currently full of tools consistent with a never-ending remodel.
Off that is the game room, with several games, some in wooden boxes about 1.5"x14" containing tiles and/or marbles. Frisbees -- the disc golf kind -- ever been smacked in the head with one of those? Did I mention the darts? Unicorn, brass and tungsten, with steel tips.
My office (converted bedroom off the hall) is the place you hope you don't find me. I collect knives. And other sharp things. That's where they live. But, if that's not very sporting, all my tools are there, including my electronics stuff (soldering iron -- ever been stabbed with one of those?). There are a couple of wooden swords in there, along with an old golf umbrella.
Good lord! I never really took stock of how dangerous my home is!
Oh, and that doesn't count any of the lead launchers. We're pretending they're all at the groomer's getting shampooed and manicured.
I'm sure I missed stuff. I mean, we've got heavy cordless phones all over the bleedin' house, and there's a really dense duck carving from almond wood, and a brass clock/barometer, and a 7-inch wooden statue of a rhino with a truly impressive horn, and a pair of ceramic lighthouses.
I hope a violent wind storm never finds its way into our home: we'd be slaughtered by the flying debris.
You'd get to watch it on the Discovery channel: Lethal Decor, When Household Objects Go Bad.
My house is a friggin' arsenal -- I just never appreciated how much potential violence I've got lying around.
Bedroom, in no particular order: wife's 3D Maglite, my 2D Streamlite (truly solid little number), 3-inch fixed blade utility/camping knife, power strip (metal, 1"x2"x8" with 6' grounded power cord), Steelcase office chair, 1" diameter Marks-a-lot, heavy-duty office stapler, a 7-foot length of Cat-5 network cable I forgot to put away, plastic-covered 5-pound lockbox with handle, assorted tools (needlenose pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, metal ruler) -- I really need to put some of this stuff away.
Kitchen: Oh, Gawd. You SO don't want me on my home turf! I have some 40 knives, all longer than 5 inches, some as long as 15 in blocks and various drawers, solid saucepans, fire extinguisher, cast iron trivets, ceramic canisters -- damn! The friggin' kitchen is a weapons candy store!
Utility room, off the kitchen, has sharp things (gardening implements) and chemicals, and a 20-pound plastic jug(?) of kitty litter.
Moving around into the dining room . . . there's a really solid salt/pepper shaker set -- one for each hand -- about an inch in diameter at the waist and 5 inches tall, and by the fireplace at the end of that room is a set of fireplace tools (nice poker!), a wood hod with pruning shears, hatchet, splitting axe, machete, and a leather-handled knife that seems to have been fashioned from a hunk of lawn mower blade.
Living room is currently full of tools consistent with a never-ending remodel.
Off that is the game room, with several games, some in wooden boxes about 1.5"x14" containing tiles and/or marbles. Frisbees -- the disc golf kind -- ever been smacked in the head with one of those? Did I mention the darts? Unicorn, brass and tungsten, with steel tips.
My office (converted bedroom off the hall) is the place you hope you don't find me. I collect knives. And other sharp things. That's where they live. But, if that's not very sporting, all my tools are there, including my electronics stuff (soldering iron -- ever been stabbed with one of those?). There are a couple of wooden swords in there, along with an old golf umbrella.
Good lord! I never really took stock of how dangerous my home is!
Oh, and that doesn't count any of the lead launchers. We're pretending they're all at the groomer's getting shampooed and manicured.
I'm sure I missed stuff. I mean, we've got heavy cordless phones all over the bleedin' house, and there's a really dense duck carving from almond wood, and a brass clock/barometer, and a 7-inch wooden statue of a rhino with a truly impressive horn, and a pair of ceramic lighthouses.
I hope a violent wind storm never finds its way into our home: we'd be slaughtered by the flying debris.
You'd get to watch it on the Discovery channel: Lethal Decor, When Household Objects Go Bad.
Last edited:
Remember that any "weapon" you strategically place around the house can also be used AGAINST you by a home invader, like wall-hanging swords & cutlasses, etc.
One very useful item to have on hand anywhere you go would be a sturdy cane or walking stick.
A few sharp keys on a stout key-ring can do a lot of damage.
Also, +1 on always having a Bic pen available. Place your thumb on the back end and try driving one through a wall sometime to demonstrate its power (somebody else's wall, of course).
One very useful item to have on hand anywhere you go would be a sturdy cane or walking stick.
A few sharp keys on a stout key-ring can do a lot of damage.
Also, +1 on always having a Bic pen available. Place your thumb on the back end and try driving one through a wall sometime to demonstrate its power (somebody else's wall, of course).
kahr404life
Member
I like ice picks.
Sniper4Life
Member
A decent length of motorcycle drive chain, it will scar someone for life and break bones. And the nice thing is that you can wear it as a belt
And the really nice thing is that the school cant yell at you for having a weapon as it is holdin your pants up. One quick practiced movement your ready for anythin
And the really nice thing is that the school cant yell at you for having a weapon as it is holdin your pants up. One quick practiced movement your ready for anythinThe Deer Hunter
Member
Pen
sithanas
Member
Where does one obtain pepperballs?
I would use one of my Mizuno MP-14s. More specifically my 8 or 9 nine iron or pitching wedge would be good as well. The mass in the club head would crush any bone in came in contact with and then after the head breaks off the shaft, I have a really effective spear to finish him off with ala michael skakel.
- Status
