Review of the ResQme tool

The ResQme tool contains:
- A windows punch
- A seat-belt cutter
The tool is mounted on a key-chain which is mounted on the blade cover. When you pull on the tool the tool separates from the blade cover and key-chain  Great idea to let the driver to just pull it off the car keys to use in an emergency.

Things i look for in a car escape tool:
- Brightly colored, so I can find it.
- Can be placed on a handy location, which you can reach even when up side down.
- Reliable and effective.
- Simple and not stuffed with things i don't need. (I have seen copies with LED lights and whistles)

I have owned a total of 4 of these ResQme's and i have found the following:

ResQme in use
- If you put the window punch gently on the window and use little force to push down on the window, the punch might activate, but not destroy the window. Don't be too gently, just hit the glass. This allows for more successful results. (Warning: if you use to much force you will push the glass piece towards the other side of the window. Make sure nobody can be injured on the other side. This is particular a issue when used to rescue others)
- Cut the seat-belt in a 45 degree angle to minimize the chance of the webbing being bunching up and blocking the cutting action. A 90 degree cutting angles causes bunching up of the webbing.
- On one of mine ResQme the spring failed and the center punch stopped working. I have emailed ResQme about this issue and offer to send mine to them for inspection, but did not get a reply. Users beware! Check you equipment regularly!

Other things to be aware of
- The ResQme is to small to use with gloves and the build quality isn't good enough for professional use.
- The ResQme on you car keys are great, if you have the old fashion car key. This might be a issue with key-less entry and start systems on some newer vehicles.
- It can be big enough to be annoying on a key-chain.

Comparison with a life-hammer
The obvious competition of the ResQme is the life-hammer or similar products.
- A life hammer is generally bigger, making it harder to find a good spot to mount.
- Having no moving parts, it's more reliable.
- Being bigger it's easier to spot.
- It has the same issue with webbing bunching up when used in the wrong angle.
- More danger of glass thrown out the other side, in use.

Conclusion:
I have both the ResQme and a life-hammer in mine car. Both do the job well. The advantage of the ResQme is size, but the drawback is reliability. When you use it, failure is not a option. However it did fail on me once...