Q: how does the glass breaker work? do i need to use force?
A: In order to use the glass breaker, you just hold the plunger (the gray part on the end that sticks out) against the window and apply pressure. It takes about 12 pounds of force to work, so it's not difficult to do, but it's also not so easy that you're likely to do it accidentally.

Q: What about the seatbelt cutter? Does it take a strongman to cut through all that nylon?
A: Not at all. The seatbelt cutter on the Bodygard Emergency Tool is actually quite sharp, and the design of the tool is such that you should have no trouble pulling the blade through the threads of a seatbelt in the event of an emergency.

Q: Is the glass breaker reusable? What if more than one person is trapped in the vehicle?
A: The steel-tipped plunger is on a spring. So, yes, it can be reused countless times and thus free multiple people from a trapped vehicle.

Q: Is the tip of the glass breaker sharp?
A: The Bodygard's window breaker is not sharp when not in use. The moderately sharp steel tip only comes out when sufficient pressure is applied.

Q: Can I damage the glass breaker by using it without pressing it against glass?
A: The glass breaker is made out of steel and shouldn't be damaged by pressing it against materials that aren't glass. However, we recommend only using the glass breaker in the case of an emergency.

Q: Does the sonic alarm REALLY attract attention? Or would people think it was a car alarm or something and ignore it?
A: If you rely entirely on the sonic alarm, you'll definitely find that people look in your general direction. It is quite loud and extremely unpleasant sounding. Of course, if you're actually in trouble, you'd be wise to combine the sonic alarm with screaming so there's no confusion.

Q: Can this be taken on an airplane? (will it pass security?)
A: The BodyGard complies with TSA guidelines, but it would be up to each airport's discretion.

Q: What type of LED light is it?
A: The Bodygard window breaker keychain has a red distress LED on one end and a bright white LED on the other.

Q: Does it need batteries
A: Yes. Fortunately, the Bodygard auto emergency tool comes with a tiny battery to operate the alarm and LED light.

Q: Is the battery replaceable?
A: Yes. Just use a tiny screwdriver to open the Bodygard's battery compartment and replace it with a new A23 12V alkaline battery.

Q: hope this doesn't sound stupid. Does the glass breaker work from outside a vehicle too? Plus, how does the window break? Does it shatter? Do they break like the picture shows?
A: Yes, the BodyGard will break a window from the outside of a vehicle. The window will break as shown in the picture.

Q: Please do not lie about this answer. Has the glass breaker been tested under water inside of a car? Does it work exactly the same? Or is there more force needed? We are talking about my family's life.
A: The BodyGard's glass breaker has been tested under water. Since it is spring-loaded, the pressure inside of the car should not change the amount of force needed. After speaking with the manufacturer, we learned that it is a common misconception that the center of the glass would be the easiest spot to break, however the center has more "give" or flexibility, so it is better to hit the edges of the window.

Q: approx how many ft is the distress fasher visible from
A: The LED Distress Flasher in the BodyGard can be seen from over 700 feet in the dark.

Q: I do rescue flights and sit behind the pilot and can't access the door to egress in an emergency landing. Will this glass breaker break the glass on the side of a Cessna?
A: The BodyGard was not tested on airplanes, as the BodyGard is intended for use on car windows. An airplane window would probably be made from glass that is much stronger than a tempered glass car window. We suggest contacting the maker of the aircraft to see if the BodyGard would be able to break through its glass.

Q: Does the blade ever need to be sharpened?
A: How often does the average person really need to cut through a seatbelt? It's not likely that you'll ever need to re-sharpen the blade on your Bodygard keychain. Of course, it is pretty handy for removing a stray thread here and there, so take that into account. Even still, it's unlikely that you'll need to re-sharpen the blade.

Q: does the alarmreally work
A: Yes, the Bodygard's alarm sounds just like it does in the video. It's definitely loud enough to get attention.

Q: With other emergency alarms, I have had the alarm activated by another item in my pocket or briefcase. Is this a potential problem with this alarm? If so, is there a work-around?
A: Neither Vat19 nor the manufacturer have had complaints about the BodyGard's emergency alarm being activated by accident. There is not a way to disable the alarm, other than taking out the battery. Doing this would also disable the LED flashlight and distress flashlight.

Q: Once the steel plunger is activated, can you use it again right away if the window doesn't brake? Or is it a one time only use?
A: You can activate the "piston" over and over without any limits. After applying it and using it against hard surfaces (such as glass) the tip will begin to dull over time, so the manufacturer recommends replacing it after some usage.

Q: Do all of the functions work off of the battery or just the light and alarm.
A: The alarm, flashlight, and distress flasher work off of the battery. The seat belt cutter and glass breaker do not rely on the battery.

Q: You said the manufacturer has informed you the center of the window is not the best place to try to make the break at and to use the edges. Does it matter which edge? Does the glass shatter?
A: It does not matter which edge. For ease of reach, most people go for the closest edge or corner. 95% of the time the glass will break and crack but not completely fall out so it will not shatter in your face. A light touch or the rush of water will make the broken window fall out.