After mentioning the Tiny Inconspicuous Handcuff Key we found out about this version. The Undercover Bracelet is a special emergency handcuff key for undercover operatives. The key is hidden inside a common “gummy bracelet” which snaps apart if needed. Designed to fit wrists up to 10″, it can be cut down to a smaller size. Available in black, blue, and red.
ustacticalsupply.com/undercoverbracelet.aspx
The TIHK, or Tiny Inconspicuous Handcuff Key, is exactly what the name implies, a small handcuff key designed to be hidden on one’s person. The TIHK features an attachment clip, minimal form factor, and a non-reflective matte coating to insure it remains undetected when detained. The key is designed to fit all standard “peerless” single and double-lock handcuffs. While concealable handcuff keys/unlock tools are nothing new, unlike other examples, this particular product is currently up for crowdfunding to fund the manufacturing process.
We’ve seen a lot of things hit crowd funding sources like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo, but we expect this one to cause a great deal of controversy. There are lots of handcuff keys available. They aren’t illegal to posses, at least in most places, but handcuff keys aren’t something you pick up just anywhere. Marketing this one on a crowd funding platform where virtually anyone can buy in is most curious.
Breach Bang Clear’s “Hondo” came up with an interesting idea of converting NVG storage cases, readily available on the surplus market into weapon storage cases.
Visit www.breachbangclear.com/site/10-blog/371-dig-it-duo-diy-gun-case for full details.
A user on Kickstarter, known only as Brad, created this grenade-shaped multi-tool called, appropriately enough, the Bottle Grenade. Its primary function is as a combination twist off/pry off (pop top) bottle opener, however it also includes a wrench and hex slot along with four holes for use with a keyring or paracord. It’s machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and based on donation level can include custom engraving and/or the realistic grenade pattern.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/tactical/bottle-grenade-the-last-opener-you-will-ever-need
This story originally appeared on Tactical Fanboy.
Our friends at Unleashed Tactical Equipment spend a lot of time on the road, just like our readers and they are concerned with the all-too-common breakins that are occurring in hotel rooms due to vulnerable electronic locks. For you road warriors, they offer this advice.
It’s seems to be making the rounds in the press this past few weeks that there’s a security issue with certain hotel room electronic key locks. We can confirm that the issue is real and the room door locks can be bypassed using a few low cost pieces of electronic trickery.
We’ve been aware of this for some time, years in fact, so we thought we’d offer up this simple suggestion against a potential surge in room break ins.
When you first enter your electronically secured hotel room take a good look at the outside (hallway) side of the door lock. At the bottom of the underside of the door lock (facing the floor) you may find a round hole approx 5mm in diameter. This is the access point used to bypass the room electronic security.
You need to plug this hole using anything to hand. I tend to use a strip of paper torn from the room stationery, formed into a tight , interference fit, roll that is then pushed into the hole. The roll of paper will gradually unravel and fill the orifice. This technique is non destructive and can be relatively easily removed by hotel maintenance staff.
Assuming someone does access your hotel room, always use the hotel or room strong box. If you don’t, your insurance probably won’t pay out.
Sleep easy.
Team UTE
To get your creative juices flowing, we thought we’d share Team Wendy’s photo of their EXFIL bump helmet.
The point is to show you the versatility of the T-slot rails which allow for easy attachment of nearly any accessory. Their photo shows the EXFIL with everything from a snap and retention bolt to a nylon screw.
This ShareWear design from our friends at Advanced Outfitters is intended as a minimalist carrying solution. The UnPouch consists of bungee cord, a strip of 1″ webbing folded back on its length and sewn or bartacked every inch ala PALS as well as a cordlock to keep it all together.
As you can see in the photo, you weave it all together using your pack’s (or other platform) PALS webbing as a base. It’s all held together with the Cordlock but in a pinch, I’d say a knot would suffice. It will carry various bottles such as the Nalgene model seen here and AO says they’ve carried magazines that way too.
It’s an I the resting minimalist design but this recipe is just the beginning. Based on this concept, you could home brew all kinds of concepts. Give it a whirl. This is an ShareWear concept so feel free to share with friends or with us here at SSD.
Thanks to Advanced Outfitters
It’s that time of year again boys and girls. I’ve made this an annual post for the past few years. Winter’s on its way so this is the perfect time to pull your kit out and check it over before it’s needed.
It looks like it’s going to be a LONG winter. During a recent shooting class I attended it started raining day one and by the middle of the second day it looked like a blizzard. Most of my fellow shooters were wearing waterproof breathable outerwear and several began to feel clammy and then damp the longer each day progressed. A couple of guys were wearing issue Gen I ECWCS parkas. Probably not the best garment available as WL Gore long ago decided that the basic design could not meet their “Guaranteed to Keep You Dry” standards. Of course these jackets were old. More than anything, they needed some maintenance.
The key to any modern outerwear is its Durable Water Repellent (DWR) which serves as your clothing’s first line of defense against moisture. There are quite a few treatments available and different manufacturers have their favorites but they are usually are based on flouropolymers. These are PTFE molecules that are applied to the surface of the fabric and cured at high heat to make them adhere better and increase performance. These treatments have a fluorine atom at one end which is highly hydrophobic meaning it hates water. Heat causes the fibers to align themselves with their flourines exposed. Water tries to move away from the flourines resulting in beading. This allows the water to roll off without wetting the fabric. Interestingly, Quarpel (Quartermaster Repellent) was one of the first DWRs and used to treat field jackets and other military clothing items back in the 1960s.
Since most of us can’t run out and purchase a new jacket every time the DWR needs refreshing I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips with you that will not only revitalize your garment’s DWR treatment but also extend the life of your clothing.
DWR treatments work best when they are clean. I realize this seems counter to what you think is right since a DWR generally lasts about 25 washings and tactical garments get quite a beating in the field, but you need to wash your clothing. The first thing is to avoid using liquid detergents as well as fabric softeners. Additionally, avoid optical brighteners as they are not good for DWR or IR treatments. There are wash in treatments you can purchase as well as spray on options to help renew your clothing’s DWR. However, wash in treatments may affect the breathability of your membrane. One of the best spray solutions available is Revivex from McNett and it is what I have used in the past. It also serves as a stain repellent. Revivex can also be applied to garments that never had DWR in the first place so if you have hunting or field clothing that you find yourself wearing in inclement weather regularly you may want to give it a once over. If you use a spray treatment be sure to evenly coat your garment while it is still damp after washing and to pay special attention to any seams.
There are two additional ways you can put some life back into your DWR without a full retreatment. One is to put the garment in a conventional dryer on warm and the other is to iron it on low heat. This helps realign the fibers. If water fails to bead up on the surface of your garment you will need to retreat.
No matter which method you choose, proper maintenance of your foul weather clothing’s DWR will help keep you warm and dry and extend the life of your equipment.
