Smith & Wesson rescue tool vintage

[Early Bird Dave]

There's not many of these around. These were being sold in an era that jaws of life were just coming into existence. My County only had one set of jaws of life to cover a 50 x 30 mile County. If it broke down, you had nothing. For some things, the days of old were not so good. Rescue options have definitely improved.

 

[Early Bird Dave]

These tools were quite heavy. 30 lb or so for a single bar with the Ram Tool attached. I used a can of paint to reference the size.

 

[-db-]

Still handy, however. Would be great to have in the trunk.

 

[chiefbob81]

Pre jaws of life

 

[andy52]

Is the hook shape blade meant to be used like a can opener or is it for cutting belts.

 

[Old_Cop]

Did S&W manufacture these or market them?

 

[Steve912]

An oversized can opener!

Does the handle on the chisel-tip piece screw on
to the can opener for extra leverage?

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Yes, Smith & Wesson manufactured them. The opener was meant to pry open doors like a can opener. I had one once and sold it. I'm still looking for one to put in the Museum of Springfield History in the Smith & Wesson section.

 

[handejector]

Is the hook shape blade meant to be used like a can opener or is it for cutting belts.

It looks like it is built as a slide hammer, so it would be for metal cutting.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

They were great for opening kegs as well.

 

[Early Bird Dave]

One tip is a can opener. So if somebody ever pisses me off enough I can try it out!
Would make a mess out of a car.
Either piece will screw onto the slide hammer. You could extend the slide hammer and create a longer leverage point.
Luckily I never had to use it on an actual call. Very clumsy tool. Poor substitute for jaws of life but at least it might give you the ability to make an entry.

 

[JH1951]

It won't work well on the newer construction vehicles.... Some of them even stump some of the almost-modern cutters....

 

[38crackerjack]

I don't believe S&W made them, just marketed them. On the storage sleeve the top line says K-BAR-T, who I think was mfr. I know I have several specialty tools in my tool boxes which are K-T branded.