The number one goal when choosing the perfect self-defense tool is to pick one that is easily accessible. I find the best assurance to swiftly accessing your personal protection tools is to find items you can wear. To ensure maximum protection on your end, here are five improvised self-defense tools that you will have no problem wearing. 

5 Wearable Improvised Delf-Defense Tools

1. Baseball Hats

In 1849, the first baseball hat, made out of straw, was designed by the New York Knickerbockers. However, it did not take long for Americans to fall in love with baseball caps. So, over time, history has created a cap that we are all familiar with today: a soft hat with a rounded crown and a stiff bill that projects from the front.

Fashion and sports aside, did you know that this accessory can be used to protect yourself? The first time I had someone tell me this, I looked at them like they were crazy. Then, I tried it for myself and realized just how useful baseball caps actually are.

The area that can be converted into an improvised weapon is the bill of your hat. This area is strong, sturdy, and easily flexible.

Taking the bill of your hat, squeeze both sides of the bill together until it forms a cone shape. With the bill curled in your hand, you can strike with a hammer fist and achieve a greater impact. Make sure you have a sturdy grip on your cap, or else it will fall out of your hands once it impacts your intended target.

It is important to remember that this self-defense item can only be used in close encounter situations. It will not help you if you are far away from your attacker. 

2. Jewelry

Another fashion accessory with the dual purpose of self-defense is jewelry. However, I’m not talking about just any type of jewelry. It has to be made with the intent of self-defense.

That being said, self-defense rings are the perfect option for daily wear. These rings are designed with sharp blades that can either cut, slash, or stab your attacker. They are fashionable, discreet, and easy for anyone to wear.

I cannot recommend this type of accessory enough because of its effectiveness. If you know how to make a fist and throw a proper punch, you will definitely have no issues using rings to defend yourself. 

For those unaware, the proper way to make a fist is to extend all four fingers, keeping them together. Once you complete this, curl your fingers into your palm and place your thumb over your middle and index finger. Make sure your fist is clenched tight to deliver maximum impact and prevent personal injury.

3. Keys

When I am out in public, I like to have routine places I keep and store all my belongings. Typically, I keep my purse tucked to my side, my phone hidden in either a pocket or my bag, and my keychain tucked into my hands.

As far as self-defense goes, my keychain is the most important item I carry with me. This isn’t just because I have my bright pink pepper spray dangling from it. It is because it provides another self-defense tool at my disposal—the keys themselves.

Keys are among the most readily available self-defense tools because they are something we always carry with us. They are great to use in a pinch, can do considerable damage, and are simple to operate.

For example, a keychain with many keys can be used as a flail when you need something quickly. Just hold the key fob in your hand and start flailing the keys into your attacker’s face. Continue doing this until they are no longer a threat or you have created sufficient space to run to safety.

For maximum damage, place your vehicle key between your thumb and index finger as if you were going to start your car. Place the rear of the key against the pad of your index finger and pinch it tightly to hold it securely in place. Once you have established this grip, start delivering strikes to the face and neck with the tip of the key.

Another benefit of this method is that you can carry your keys like this while walking to your car. To the common passerby, it looks like you just have your keys out, ready to start your car. However, you are also ready to deal with an imminent threat at a moment’s notice.

4. Acrylic Nails

You might not even realize it, but every time you leave your home, you carry a self-defense tool with you—your fingernails. Fingernails are the perfect weapon for scratching, clawing, and stabbing an attacker’s eyes and throat. These nails can be your natural ones or acrylic nails you get done at the salon.

Many may think that fake nails are not a good choice for self-defense situations. However, acrylic nails are a great option because they are known for their strength and durability. 

5. Water bottles 

Your water bottle is not just an object you can carry around to stay hydrated throughout the day. It can also be an item you use to protect yourself. Whether plastic or metal, water bottles make great self-defense tools because of their heavy weight, durability, and ability to cause some severe blunt-force trauma.

To use these objects as defense tools, grab the bottle tightly and begin delivering hammer fist strikes on your attacker. Continue these strikes quickly, with as much force as you can muster until your attacker is no longer a threat.

Closing Remarks 

Using everyday items as improvised self-defense tools is a great way to ensure you are always armed. Whether fashion accessories, keys, fake nails, or water bottles, you can rest assured that these tools are always ready in a pinch. Not to mention, they are discreet and effective.

Start looking at the items you carry daily and try to identify their potential use as improvised weapons. You may be surprised by what you find.