Axe for Worst Case Scenario

S

sean1999

Joined
Sep 28, 2007
Messages
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I've noticed over the last 4-5 years that the weather patterns in this country and around the world have been crazy, to say the least. NC just got hit this Sunday with some pretty bad tornadoes (last time it happened was quite a few years ago). Anyway, this got me thinking about hurricane Katrina, etc. Especially the need to be able to extricate yourself and loved ones from a basement (ie. house collapses and you're stuck in the basement waiting for help to arrive).
I know this may sound like a weird ?, but if the board members had a choice for an axe that would be best to accomplish such a job, which one would it be. Does it really make any difference if you just get one down at the local Home Depot or Lowes. Or are there better choices. I definitely wouldn't want it to fail (ie. handle break or blade come loose) under such circumstances. Also, I guess the handle shouldn't be too long if you had to use it in very cramped quarters/limited space. Thank you.
 
Let’s see if we can find the right forum …
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In this situation, I would prefer the old military crash axe. All one piece of steel and handle insulated to 20,000 volts. You're not going to break one of these.
 
wetterlings large hunter is a great truck axe. I read a revie that showed the blade geometry reduced glancing on this quite well. About 45.00 plus shipping.
 
A hurricane or tornado will usually tear a house open and carry parts of it away, leaving holes and making exit easy. But in a flood, people tend to go up within their homes to stay above the water level. If they get chased into the attic, they can get trapped there. Having an axe in the attic in flood-prone areas has saved lives.
 
I wouldn't buy an axe with a wood handle and would make sure the head was attached as securely as possible.
 
got to agree. get a crowbar for what you are looking for. if it has to be a axe the rmj crash axe might fill the bill but it is a lot more expensive.
 
Fire Fighters sometimes carry the FUBAR into structure fires, they are also great during overhaul.

The FUBAR is a small sledge, prybar, demolition tool extrodinaire

What most don't realize is that besides the initial cut into a media, the maul or flat head part of an axe will tear through the material with out binding. The cutting edge tends to wedge and thus jam more often, usually when time is of the essence. Hope this helps
 
There are a couple axes from Ranger knives that I think would fit the bill. In reading your post, the first thing that came to mind was the Ranger Entry Tool. But you mentioned that you may want a shorter handle. Then I thought of the Ranger RD Hawk. I know there are other great ones out there, but I think these are some of the best and you could really count on them when needed most. Good luck with your search. BTW, stanly fubar looks like it would also be a good choice, especially for the price.
 
Thanks everyone, I will check out your suggestions (Fubar, crash axe, etc) and will also get a crowbar in addition. :)
 
I absolutley love my estwing it rides in the back of the truck, tractor, and goes camping gets the hell beat out of it and keeps going. For around $40 you can get a 26" one piece axe with a rubber insulated handle.
 
Axe may help you get out, but my recommendation is to store your chainsaw and a small gas can in your shelter before a crisis arrives.

another idea i had is to put some sets of serious bolts into the floor of your shelter. in an emergency you can mount some cleats to tie off a ratcheting come-along to pull large boards out of the debris to clear a path.

- Eric
 
Another Idea: I've used an RD and the little rascal will do a number on almost any building material used in modern construction and its really easy to strap to a "GO-BAG" if you need to evac.....I've got one of those all steel log splitting mauls(sold at Wal-M***)sitting in the corner behind the door (just in case I need to open a door or window really fast!) With enough room to swing over-head it will demolish anything and swung beside the body(with hands spread apart like the police would swing an Entry Tool)it will remove most obstacles. Plus being all steel its near impossible to break.
 
Have you thought about getting a Khuk? an AK maybe? it could be an interesting choice
 
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For forced entry or exit, a maul or axe with a hammer head is what you're going for. If you're looking for a powerful axe with a short handle, i would recommend either a tactical tomahawk, or if you don't want to spend a lot of dough, an Estwing roofing hatchet. As SS Dragonfly mentioned, the blunt force will probably be more effecient for making an opening rather than the wedge, and a roofing axe will go through just about anything. You can get a good one for about $20-$40, as opposed to a $200-$400 tomahawk. But if you are interested in tactical entry tools, i would check out Galls for their SWAT entry tools, or any military surplus retailer.
 
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