How to Turn Everyday Items into a Self Defense Weapon

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Turning everyday items into a self-defense weapon can be hard to think about but it may just be something that protects you in a time of danger. The following everyday things turned into weapons will help you to gain an understanding of ways in which you might defend yourself on the fly.

1

Loose Change

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  1. Believe it or not, a pocket of loose change can actually be used as a weapon if you know how to use it properly. If there is an attacker in front of you, try throwing the change to his or her face. It may be sufficient to buy you time to escape or try another form of quick attack.
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2

Backpack

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  1. This isn't really a weapon as such but is great if you use it as defense. It doesn't have to be a backpack, it can be any type of suitcase or bag, to hold up against fists or thrown objects.
    • Just remember it's not bulletproof, so it won't do you any good if the attacker has a gun.
3

A Drink

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  1. If you fill up a bottle half way it can have an impact, especially if it’s a heavy-duty water bottle or thermos. That means that it is good for smacking the attacker with.
    • A hot drink might be useful if you need to defend yourself seriously. Remember though, that hot liquids scald and you will be inflicting injury on the other person. When defending yourself, this may be defensible but you may also get into serious trouble for causing injury too.
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4

Flashlight

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  1. There are several ways to use a flashlight as a self defense tool. You can stun your attacker with its bright light, use it to hit your attacker if it’s made of weapon-grade aluminum, or use it to signal for help.
5

Umbrella

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  1. [1] It's not the best weapon, but it's good if you don't have anything else to protect yourself with. It can be used as an extension of your arm, perfect for swinging at your attacker’s head or jabbing them in the ribs..
    • It can also be used as a shield.
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6

Sock

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  1. This is a weapon you need to make but it is super easy to make. Just grab a sock and slip something hard, such as a bar of soap a bunch of batteries.
    • This weapon is mostly used in prison by the prisoners when they start a riot.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What can I use as an improvised weapon?
    Adrian Tandez
    Self Defense Trainer
    Adrian Tandez is a Martial Arts and Self-Defense Specialist based in Mountain View, California. He is the founder, owner, and head instructor of the Warrior Combat Arts Academy, a world-renowned self-defense training center. He started the academy in 2005. Adrian has earned the titles of Guro (teacher in Filipino) and SiFu (master in Cantonese) from his certifications and years of martial arts training. Trained under the renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto, Adrian is a certified instructor in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Silat, among other things. He has had over 30 years of martial arts experience.
    Adrian Tandez
    Self Defense Trainer
    Expert Answer
    In a pinch, an umbrella may work to protect yourself against an attacker.
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      Tips

      • If none of these helped, think of something else. Be creative––there are plenty of items in your house you can make a weapon out of.
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      Warnings

      • These are simple weapons for self defense only. Do not use if the attacker has a gun.
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      • Realize that you will be inflicting injury on the other person, no matter the origin of the weapon. When defending yourself, this may be defensible but you may also get into serious trouble for causing injury. Only a qualified lawyer/attorney can advise you on this aspect, according to your jurisdiction.
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      References

      1. ↑ Adrian Tandez. Self Defense Trainer. Expert Interview. 24 July 2019.

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