# Which of these machete/prybar tools ought I get? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 7, 2011, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780 "2011-03-07T14:31:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/21 "2011-03-09T10:01:13Z")
I have a Stanley FuBar. It’s OK, but it’s more for doing demo work in houses. You could get along just as well with a hammer and one of those flat bars that **T. Slothrop** linked to. I have one and I like it. That rescue knife **ducati** mentioned looks like it’ll be good for the job. It usually is better to get specialized tools than to get an all-in-one tool, honestly. If space is an issue, get the SP8 and a prybar, and a good seatbelt knife for the glove compartment. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/22 "2011-03-09T14:02:45Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Not to be a party pooper, but you may want to check on the laws in your jurisdiction concerning possession of burglary tools in a motor vehicle. Might save you some future annoyance. I have no idea what the law of Soviet Canuckistan may be, but I think there are some jurisdictions where you probably don’t want to be caught driving around with a collection of implements suitable for smashing glass and/or forcing open doors. Good point. That’s part of why I’d like to get an obvious ‘safety tool’ than a collection of burglary kit. > [@EvilTOJ](#): > > I have a Stanley FuBar. It’s OK, but it’s more for doing demo work in houses. You could get along just as well with a hammer and one of those flat bars that **T. Slothrop** linked to. I have one and I like it. That rescue knife **ducati** mentioned looks like it’ll be good for the job. > > It usually is better to get specialized tools than to get an all-in-one tool, honestly. If space is an issue, get the SP8 and a prybar, and a good seatbelt knife for the glove compartment. Looking like it might be the [MAK-1 widget](http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-Tool-2050K/dp/B001B8WD6O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1299679260&sr=8-1). > [@T.Slothrop](#): > > Gimme. Hokay. Watch for the maily-man. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/23 "2011-03-09T14:59:13Z")
> [@DCnDC](#): > > I’ve got a few KA-BAR products and they’re consistently excellent. > > However, judging by what you describe you’d use it for, I think something like [this](http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-45-Survival-Hatchet/dp/B001CWEH72) could be worth a look. Could be a worthless POS but at that price, you never know. And if you don’t come across any accidents, you can still use it to fight off the Saxons. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/24 "2011-03-09T15:21:48Z")
I just put the MAK-1 on my Amazon wish list. Maybe the wife will get it for me for my birthday. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/25 "2011-03-09T15:41:08Z")
> [@Unintentionally\_Blank](#): > > You said ‘prybar’ and my subconsicous immediately brought up [this](http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-55-099-FatMax-Functional-Utility/dp/B000FCGS0Y), it’s not what you’re looking for, but I guarantee you’ll have the most testosterone at the crime scene. That thing should be marketed as The Wrong Tool For The Job®. I picked one up at a flea market for a couple bucks some years back. No matter what use I tried to put it to, it was the wrong tool. It wasn’t a good hammer, hatchet, nail puller, or prybar. The only thing it was moderately good for was breaking up block ice. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/26 "2011-03-09T17:01:04Z")
For personal use you need something readily at hand so something like [this](http://www.vat19.com/dvds/body-gard-5-in-1-emergency-tool.cfm) would work. Beyond that, a regular pry bar and a fire extinguisher (or 2) is the best thing to bring to an emergency. The other stuff originally listed is perfect for zombie attacks but I don’t see them being useful for anything else. If personal protection is desired then buy a T-handled tire plug tool. You have a legitimate reason to carry one in the car. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/27 "2011-03-09T17:54:49Z")
Fire extinguisher is a good thought. Hey, you’re almost Macgiver. I’m not taking your advice, you’d just make a fire extinguisher and anti-zombie tool out of a unicycle and a camera. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2011, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/28 "2011-03-09T17:59:37Z")
[SAK rescue tool.](http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=35) ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/29 "2011-03-10T21:31:55Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > What is it that you do, anyway? I’m a consummate do-gooder, but when I’m not rescuing damsels in distress or idiots who’ve crashed into a tree in front of me, I teach CERT classes in my county. I’m also in charge of my county’s mobile command post, so I’m a emergency-preparedness kind of guy anyway; Skywarn spotter, ARES member, CERT, and do volunteer work with the county’s EMA as well. I carry a good bit of rescue and first-aid gear always, 'cause you just never know when you’ll need it. ---
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/30 "2011-03-10T22:11:18Z")
Hey, sup CERT buddy? Since we’re talking about multitools, I recommend everyone get one of [these](http://www.onduty1.com/) if you have access to your gas and water mains. I live in an earthquake prone area and water and gas are vital to be shut off if there’s breaks in the lines. I bought mine from [http://www.redesupply.com/](http://www.redesupply.com/) ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2011, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/31 "2011-03-11T21:17:46Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > I’ve thought about the Fubar - although it looks like it’s designed with [del]another[/del] a zombie outbreak in mind as well. > [@Scumpup](#): > > That thing should be marketed as The Wrong Tool For The Job®. I picked one up at a flea market for a couple bucks some years back. No matter what use I tried to put it to, it was the wrong tool. It wasn’t a good hammer, hatchet, nail puller, or prybar. The only thing it was moderately good for was breaking up block ice. I bought my SO a fubar for Christmas two years ago, and it’s a great tool for demolishing 2x4 walls. We had to remove an interior, non-load bearing wall, and that thing was wonderful for pulling out the studs. The descriptions I’ve seen say the original version was designed for a fire department. The jaws are sized to go around a stud, and let you wrench it out. The fire department versions I’ve seen include a wrench for opening up [fire hydrants.](http://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.cfm/pid_6159_stanley_tools_fatmax_fubar_forcible_entry_tool_18_or_30_inch/) ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2011, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/32 "2011-03-11T22:10:31Z")
As cool as that sounds, I’m thinking that if I’m driving around and I find myself in a situation where I need to leap out of the car and rip out somebody’s wall, maybe I should just stay in the car. ---
**Author:** ![T.Slothrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@T.Slothrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/T.Slothrop)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/33 "2011-03-18T08:15:34Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > And if you don’t come across any accidents, you can still use it to fight off the Saxons. So we don’t have to worry about the Zombies any more ? _ **Wait,** _ I think I might be a Saxon. Did they invade before or after 1066 ? ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/34 "2011-03-18T10:18:38Z")
> [@T.Slothrop](#): > > So we don’t have to worry about the Zombies any more ? > _ **Wait,** _ I think I might be a Saxon. Did they invade before or after 1066 ? Before, around the fall of the Roman Empire. Based on names, at least one of your ancestors was from Southwest Britain while the Saxon kingdoms were in the west, so who knows, maybe you’re Cornish. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/35 "2011-03-18T16:15:31Z")
Lot of overkill in this thread. To escape a vehicle, you probably won’t need more than a [Life Hammer](http://www.amazon.com/LifeHammer-Orange-Original-Emergency-Hammer/dp/B000BN3A4Y/). It’s made to break car windows and cut seat belts, and it’s compact. To break car windows, you don’t need a monster tool so much as a hammer that focuses its energy into a small point; that’s what’ll make them shatter, and that’s what a Life Hammer is. They tested it on **Mythbusters** , and it worked. Fifteen bucks. There’s a similar product that fits on your keychain: [ResQMe](http://www.amazon.com/ResQMe-Keychain-Version-Original-LifeHammer/dp/B000IE0EZO/). Instead of a hammer, it uses a spring-loaded center punch. Then, if you need a brush-cutting tool, get whatever machete you fancy. (by the way, I own a FuBar, and love it. However, I don’t think it’d be the best car-escape tool. Unless the car is made of wood and nails.) ---
**Author:** ![MysteryFellow63427](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e4f/32.png) [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2011, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/36 "2011-03-18T16:53:13Z")
Of the listed options, I like the SP-8 because of the longer blade length and slightly cheaper price. However, were I in your shoes, I would instead buy two separate and cheapish tools: 30" prybar and 18" machete. ---
**Author:** ![T.Slothrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@T.Slothrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/T.Slothrop)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2011, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/37 "2011-03-19T02:48:50Z")
Got the Mak-1 tool that you sent today. Thanks. I will keep it in the truck. The thing is not quite 10 inches (25.5 centimeters) long. As an emergency (only) tool in a limited-space emergency kit, I think it is functional as a pry bar and a chopping instrument and a window breaking tool. I chopped a single haole koa branch with it. It works. My hand tended to drop farther back on the handle to get a little more chopping power which caused my fingers to be in contact with the wrench stuffs on the butt. Might be a good idea to tape up all the wrench stuffs at the butt for finger cushioning. I would not want to use it except in an emergency. I would want to use it while wearing gloves. I didn’t pry anything. Then I taped a 1 inch (3 CM) piece of garden hose to the butt covering all the wrench stuffs and then held it with only three fingers. I chopped another haole koa branch. It feels better. I dunno if it chops better that way (to Mythbusters standards) but it _feels_ better. The window shatterer in the butt is still immediately available and the wrench stuffs are available if you take off the tape. If limited space is the driving force in your emergency kit, go with the Mak-1, otherwise, I agree with Neuroman: “30 inch prybar and 18 inch machete.” (do your own metric conversions) My wife agrees with you that I am extremely Cornish . . . and probably all my ancestors too. ---
**Author:** ![T.Slothrop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3e96dc/32.png) [@T.Slothrop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/T.Slothrop)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2011, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780/38 "2011-03-29T04:15:02Z")
I went over to the Mad Doctor’s house today. For the benefit of all of you who don’t know him, he is an engineer and an Army surgeon and likes building stuff. I told him about your search for rescue tools and your limited space to carry them. I gave him the MAK tool that I carry in my truck for him to test the next time he goes to a junk yard. He likes junk yards. I don’t know if he will respond in this forum. If he just e-mails me, I will post it here. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-machete-prybar-tools-ought-i-get/573780.md?page=1)