Many Electronics stores sell 2-sided hook-and-loop tape in a roll for use as wire and cable ties. You cut off the length you want and overlap the ends. It's about 1/4" wide, and would probably work fine for a lightweight attachment.

You can also buy hook-and-loop tape by the foot in various colors and widths here (and probably other places online, too).

I ordered some 1" inch red and both 1/2" and 1" black from them and am quite happy with the quality of it. Fold one end over twice and you have an instant "pull tab" to open it.

Thanks CG, this is one of them "Aroundtoit" jobs, I will get it done when I get around to it! I should start a list of these jobs.

Mike

One issue that may reduce the effectiveness of an improvised tool is that the outside water pressure on the window stresses the glass in a way that makes it harder to break from the inside. You have to overcome that water pressure to some degree just to bring the glass to a point of neutral stress, then go beyond that to a breaking stress in the outward direction. That effect would work against a broad force like kicking the window. The focused force of a window-breaker tool can impart a breaking stress over a small-enough area that water pressure is negligible, yet that small break will propagate until the window shatters.

Wow! This thread has really taken on a life of its own! I've come to a new conclusion: I'm going to affix my spare air within reach from the driver's seat. If I've got passengers with me I'll strap an 80 down in the back and run my 8ft octo forward. If we go into the water we can all just buddy breath and figure out some way to break the glass or open a door. Also, with the octo there will be plenty of time to gather our belongings, observe the muddy river bottom, etc.

What does everyone think

Please get a ResQme while you're at it.

Today I ordered the Houdini Automotive Rescue Tool (Window Punch, Belt Cutter, Whistle, LED Light), from a company in Vancouver, they were the only place I could find it in Canada.

I will do some tests and post the results when the tool arrives in a couple weeks.

Mike

This guy has it figured out: http://cbs13.com/watercooler/roseville.underwater.car.2.1432423.html

I like what CRKT is coming out with it clips on to your seatbelt so it's easy to find when you need it.

http://www.crkt.com/ExiTool-Seat-Belt-Cutter-Window-Breaker-LED-Flashlight-Tool

Now that is a nice looking solution. I may actually pick one of those up.

I had forgotten about this post?

I received my Houdini Automotive Rescue Tool and it appeared really functional, but the connection was kind of flimsy looking.

I clipped it onto my key ring which then clipped to my belt. It made it all the way to my office, then the first time I sat down the bottom of the tool pushed against my thigh and the plastic connection piece broke off. I managed to snap it back together but it was not very secure, an hour later the connector clip was in 2 pieces. Not Good!

I like the multi-purpose concept of the tool (window punch, seatbelt cutter, whistle, LED Light) and I will return it for a replacement, but they need to improve the attachment method.

Mike