A dedicated glass breaker should be a mandatory tool for any vehicle owner. Whether it’s a rollover, an engine fire, a flash flood, or a brutal car collision, an emergency can happen at any time. So, the ability to smash a window to extricate someone quickly can mean the difference between life and death — regardless if you’re the driver, a passenger, or a passerby.

That’s why we’re examining six glass breakers available on the market today. Some have but one purpose (re: shatter the tempered glass of a passenger window), while others are versatile multitools that can be used in different environments. One is mightier than a sword while another comes in a kit with various survival uses.

But regardless of their shape, materials, or country of origin, we’re focusing more on their ease of use and portability. After all, fatalities can happen at any time and on every type of roadway. So, what’s the point of owning a glass breaker if you’re not going to have it in your pocket or within arm’s reach inside your car when your life is on the line?

Columbia River Knife & Tool ExiTool

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Dimensions (Approx.)
3 by 2.25 by 0.6 inches

Weight
1.6 ounces

MSRP
$27

URL
www.crkt.com

Notes
The ExiTool is a smartly designed rescue device that combines three tools in one: an LED light, a seatbelt cutter, and of course a window breaker. Perhaps the best part is that it conveniently clips onto your seatbelt — just open it up like a briefcase then sandwich the strap between its two halves, which click together via a friction-lock. The body is glass-reinforced nylon, the seatbelt cutter stainless steel, and the glass breaker tungsten carbide. Made in Taiwan.

Pros:

• An innovative design that’s convenient, intuitive, and quite effective.
• Easily accessible for the driver so long as it’s attached to the seatbelt and the seatbelt is properly engaged.
• Tungsten carbide glass breaker has no problems smashing a passenger window.

Cons:

• On the flipside, the pointy glass breaker protrudes about ¼ inch from the body, meaning it can snag or poke you accidentally if you’re not mindful.
• The friction-lock that keeps it attached to the seatbelt weakens over time, allowing the ExiTool to fall off unexpectedly.

Galls Spring-Loaded Window Punch

Dimensions (Approx.)
4.75-inch length by 0.31-inch diameter

Weight
1.5 ounces

MSRP
$19

URL
www.galls.com

Notes
What do you get when you combine a glass breaker, a tactical pen, a slinky, and a pinball machine? We’re not sure but it would probably look a little something like this. As its name implies, the Spring-Loaded Window Punch operates not through striking the glass but rather by placing the tip on the window then pulling back on its top like you would to start a pinball game. Let go and the punch’s two ends smash together with enough force to shatter the glass. Made in the USA.

Pros:

• Made of stainless steel, this tool is durable and well-constructed.
• Clip lets you carry it in a pocket or inside the admin section of your pack.
• Unlike other glass breakers that require force, this punch doesn’t require speed or strength so your hands remain outside the window frame even after the glass breaks.

Cons:

• However, the design that makes it safer to use also requires two hands, which could be difficult if you’re the injured party attempting a self-rescue.
• The flexible spring body and large pointy tip make it awkward to carry in your pants pocket.

Resqme Inc. Resqme Tool

Dimensions (Approx.)
3 by 1.25 by 0.67 inches

Weight
0.6 ounces

MSRP
$10

URL
resqme.com

Notes
This is a two-in-one rescue tool in the form of a key fob, making it much more convenient for you and your loved ones to carry an emergency tool on a daily basis. The resqme has an integrated seatbelt cutter and a window punch that connects to a detachable keyring. The idea is that, if your keys are still in the ignition, you can quickly yank out and separate the tools from the keyring regardless of the condition of your vehicle. This patented tool is made in the USA.

Pros:

• The spring-loaded glass breaker eliminates the need for ballistic swings; instead you press the resqme against a window’s bottom corner until the punch pops out and retracts.
• You’re more likely to carry the resqme on a daily basis because of its keyfob configuration.
• Strap cutter is safe and easy to use.
• Made in the USA and offered for an affordable price

Cons:

• Folks with large paws might find it difficult to find some purchase.
• If your hands are wet (from rain, sweat, or blood), it could be difficult to get a good grip in a stressful situation on this slick plastic body.

Skanda Tactical Glass Breaker Pen

Dimensions (Approx.)
6-inch length by 0.5-inch diameter

Weight
1.4 ounces

MSRP
$26

URL
www.coverking.com

Notes
If you can’t tell, we’re fond of multitools. So, naturally we tested the Skanda with enthusiasm. It’s an aluminum tactical pen that writes in black ink and doubles as an impact weapon — and, thanks to a stubby but pointy glass breaker on the cap, can smash a car’s side window. To access the pen, just twist the cap counterclockwise. To replace the ink cartridge, twist the body clockwise. Meanwhile, the steel clip sits high on the cap, providing deep carry in the pocket.

Pros:

• An integrated glass breaker means you can carry a pen and a rescue tool without adding more weight to your daily loadout.
• Because the body and the cap twist in opposite directions, you’ll never accidentally remove the ink cartridge when trying to remove the cap.
• Its length gives you more leverage when breaking tempered glass than some of the other models in this buyer’s guide.

Cons:

• The ink in our review sample ran dry within a minute of testing.
• The pointy glass breaker is on top of the cap so we can’t place our thumb there when using it as an improvised weapon.

Stat Gear Tools SuperVisor XT

Dimensions (Approx.)
4.5 by 1.5 by 0.44 inches

Weight (Without Sheath)
1.4 ounces

MSRP
$10

URL
www.statgeartools.com

Notes
It makes total sense that this rescue tool was designed by a New York City paramedic: it’s durable, purpose built, and easy to use under duress — all necessary attributes needed in a life-saving situation. The SuperVisor XT consists of a super sharp seatbelt cutter, a stainless steel window punch, and a rubber-coated handle. It comes with a nylon sheath that attaches to your vehicle’s sun visor (hence the name), keeping the tool accessible to both the driver and front passenger.

Pros:

• Quality tool that’s easy on the wallet
• Robust stainless steel glass breaker shatters side windows with ease.
• The integrated cutter slices seatbelts like a lightsaber through butter.
• Rubber-coated handle and jimping on the body’s spine offer greater traction.

Cons:

• Conversely, the handle has room for only two fingers, limiting leverage.

TOPS Knives Pry Probe Punch

Dimensions (Approx.)
7.25 by 0.5 by 0.5 inches

Weight (Without Sheath)
6.8 ounces

MSRP
$60

URL
www.topsknives.com

Notes
This TOPS Knives tool is the behemoth of this buyer’s guide. At 7.25 inches long and 6.8 ounces heavy, the Pry Probe Punch will not only turn passenger windows into glassy rubble, but also serve as a small pry bar and a solid impromptu self-defense weapon. Plus, it comes with a mini survival saw and an offset double-ended screwdriver — all of which can be carried in an included nylon pouch that can be attached to your belt or stowed in your vehicle’s center console.

Pros:

• A quality emergency tool with multiple functions
• Survival saw and screwdriver are useful bonuses.
• The largest glass breaker in this bunch is simple to use and offers the best grip and leverage.
• One of the most burly mini pry bars available.

Cons:

• The mediocre pouch is meant for belt carry, but it’s unlikely anyone will include this in their everyday-carry (EDC) gear. Instead, it would be more functional if TOPS redesigned the pouch to stow conveniently in your vehicle.

Read More for Pocket Preps

• Keychain Tools
• Emergency Signaling Tools
• Gut Hook Knives
• Non-Metallic Weapons
• Impact Tools
• Neck Knives
• Micro Folding Knives
• Knife Sharpeners
• Wallets
• Individual First Aid Kits
• Wallet Sized Tools
• Best Boot Laces and Buyer's Guide
• CPR Masks

Written by Patrick Vuong