I also find the momentary switch of the keychain more functional since a likely use of the LED is for signaling. This is useful if the car has fallen in the water and you need to signal a search helicopter in the dark. The Lambertian distribution of an LED means that some can be seen from a mile away in total darkness. A flashing light is much more noticeable than a steady light. You can certainly make a steady light flash by constantly shifting the switch or swinging the light, but that takes effort and waste electricity (from batteries that have very little energy to begin with).

As stated in the article, regarding the glass breaker, “I think even a child could probably do it” and this would surely be an unwanted event. So to prevent this, the cap serves multiple purposes, one of which is as a safety barrier.

They told me that the cap must be removed before use because this is an item that is intended for key chain application and as such, could be readily accessible to children. So they designed the cap to block the use of the glass breaker, without removal, to prevent children from “testing” it’s usefulness and also to prevent children (and adults) from getting there fingers accidentally in and/or around the seat belt cutting blade.

they advice you not to keep it in the glove compartment because when you’re upside down in your car (eg after a crash ) you might not get to it. the seat belt will keep you in your chair. (do wear the seat belt otherwise you might already be dead or unconscious ).
they advice you to attach it somewhere in reach of you, preferably near the roof (wich will make it easier to grab upside down.

If all you’re looking for is a window tool a simple spring loaded punch is the best thing out there and it’s way cheaper.

Fatboy Dim

Oh, and the link on their site that prompts “Click here for your escape guide” doesn’t go any where. What’s that about?

I am very familiar with the ResQMe, and take it from me, it is a total piece of cheap crap. The glass breaker only works 50% of the time, and the seatbelt cutter blade is so poorly designed that the seat belt just gets bunched up in the slot. It also has no LED light. I think it is worth it to pay a few dollars more to have a product that actually works in an emergency. Regarding the Houdini Pro, this is a professional rescue tool built to a whole other standard, and is used by fire fighters, police, and military all over the world.

My only complaint is that the lights on mine are both dead. Changing batteries and such has not revived either one. Since neither of them has been subjected to any more stress than just being in my car for a few years that is not impressive. Make sure you have another light source available.

Despite the LED failures I like these tools. They handle better than the keychain versions I’ve tried and they seem to be tougher.

@lgreenberg: Thanks for the additional links! Are there standard issue tools like these that you use as a firefighter?

Just an fyi. While they look like very nice, products items that do the similar, if not the same, job can be found much cheaper.

Similar key chain version for $8.99 http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_695_res_q_me_personal_rescue_key_chain_size_tool/

Knife, seat belt cutter and window punch combo for $19.99 http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_6068_boker_magnum_firefighter_39_s_folding_rescue_knife/

Auto Rescue Kit for $19.99 http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm?pID=1354

Rescue Set – $21.95 http://www.firefighter.com/Leases2/Home.cfm?Action=Webview&ProductID1=HST428&WebRet=Yes&StoreID=205

Just to name a few.

The one they tested was smaller, and was a key-ring type of device – simple to carry around. I think everyone should spend the $20 and have it in their glove box or keyring. The power it packs will astound you. AND – I believe they are all self re-loading.