This is a short little essay is dedicated to the trusty crowbar, in all its variants, and why it should be seriously considered by any urban/suburban survivor. Not only in a zombie apocalypse, but any disaster situation. I will also be adding in various opinions of mine in this post, so I just wanted to say, THIS MAY NOT WORK FOR YOU. Obviously, different people have different preferences, so do what you think is best for yourself.
Mind you, many of the things written about here will be viewed as common sense to many people. However, you would be surprised how many people have absolutely no idea that many potential pieces of survival material can be found not in a gun store, not in an army base, not in a medieval weapons store, but in their own home.
So anyway, to the point.
In my opinion, the crowbar is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment for any urban/suburban zombie/disaster survivor. My goal in this little article is to convince you of this. :)
So you may of asked yourself when you read the above sentence, why would I want to carry a heavy metal stick around with me? Besides the fact that crowbars are not nearly as heavy as many people think; this is an excellent question, and if you are the type who focuses heavily on agility and speed (sprinting over long, flat distances), the crowbar may not be the best choice of equipment for you.
But let me break it down for you.
1. Availability
Most people in suburban environments (at least in my area) keep at least one in their home; and they can be easily found in urban environments as well.
2. Weapon Factor
The crowbar is a superb close quarters/secondary weapon. In a zombie apocalypse world I would rather take a crowbar with me than a machete or axe. Some may say that its length is a disadvantage, I say quite the contrary, its all in how you use that length. If your out in the open, sure, choose a samurai sword over the lay man's crowbar. But when your in an urban environment, and you suddenly realize that you have no room to swing your sword, you will have wished you listened to DutchDevil.
3. Tool Factor
There are very, very few things that a crowbar cannot smash through, break down, tear apart, or move aside. This can be extremely important factor, and having the above abilities at your disposal can save your life. Especially in a suburban/urban environment.
To demonstrate the above two factors, I wrote a little story for you.
You are walking through the post-apocalyptic streets of Cincinnati, Ohio with the DutchDevil. You turn down an alleyway, only to find that it is a dead end, you turn around, and a stinking mob of zombies has blocked the route behind you. You look to your right, there is a door, but it is boarded up and locked.
"Oh I wish I would have listened to your advise and brought a crowbar!" You exclaim.
"That's quite alright foolish mortal." DutchDevil replies, sliding his crowbar out of his belt. "I never leave HQ without it."
DutchDevil proceeds to rip the boarding off the door (with his crowbar), then pries the door open (with his crowbar). You and DutchDevil quickly run into the building. DutchDevil closes the door behind you, then jams it with a desk.
"That will hold them for a small while." DutchDevil explains.
As you and DutchDevil enter the building, a ghoul comes around the corner and snags your shirt. DutchDevil delivers a devastating blow to the side of the ghoul's head, crushing skull and brain in a single swing.
You and DutchDevil escape through another door, then proceed back to HQ.
^I realize the above situation would probably never happen as you would hear the zombies coming, etc, etc. Minor details.
It achieves its purpose, and that was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the crowbar in a similar situation.
So, instead of getting into deeper details...
If you live the suburbs or the city, and plan to stay (or come back at some point) grab a crowbar and slide it into your belt. If you plan on utilizing the Flight-First technique very stringently, or are in a more rural environment, possibly not the best idea.
If you would like for me to elaborate more on my love for the tool, or would like another story representation of it in use, please let me know.
One of my tactical crowbars
Kinda hurts my hand to hit something solid with a crowbar. Besides that I don't think their are many buildings that can't be easily accessed through a broken window.
I like knives
What are the different variants of a crowbar? You said in your introduction that the essay would be about the crowbar "in all its variants" and why we should consider it. I got the consider part, kind of.
Also, both of the situations you mentioned would be great for an axe as well. The thing with an axe is that it has the option of being close, such as in with the zombie in the building, and has the wide, wind-up range for destroying things like outside. Also, it can do things that a crowbar can't, like split wood, drive stakes, or cleave bone. Also, as a weapon it's superior because it has the heft of a bludgeoning weapon, but that weight is concentrated on one end that has an edge, both of which maximize force. It bludgeons more effectively.
I liked a lot though, how you specified that what works for you wont work for other people. That's a refreshing change to some of the weapon assertions we get around here.
I will grab fate by the throat; it shall certainly not crush me completely.
-Beethoven
I have 2 large crowbars. One is a 48" heavy demo bar that is octagonal, and the other is a standard 36" bar that is round with a fuller. Another fun bar is a 17lb digging bar, not as easily carried, but it can do a lot of damage (mainly to tree stumps so far).
A hex stock crowbar will do a number on just about anything. Break 2x4s, arms, legs, doors... I like a good long crowbar. Makes a good tool, spear, and beating stick.
"If you can't think of a good reason to blow some stuff up then you're playing the wrong game my friend." -GM
As much as I like the crobar, I dont think has a place in a BoB simply because of the weight factor. If you have a secondary BoB for your non essencial gear, or if you bug out plans are based around being able to use a veihicle (your prob screwed anyway) thats a diffrent story.
A prybar might be a more bug out freindly alterniative. You could also loot or scavange one at a latter date.
I think a pry bar would be a little awkward to carry as a weapon, and I don't much like them as tools either. A crowbar may not have a place in my backpack, but it definitely merits a spot in the trunk of my car.
"If you can't think of a good reason to blow some stuff up then you're playing the wrong game my friend." -GM
I would recommend a mini-pry bar, like the Stanley Wonder Bar. They are small but tough tools that can do a lot of jobs. Stanley Wonderbar 7inch. You can find them in larger sizes, but if compactness is at a premium, you may find a smaller easier to carry tool could be put to better use. I keep mine in a bag with Duct Tape on the ends to prevent tearing the package it's carried in. The tape is easily removed for you and reapplied when done. I would recommend the use of gloves when using any hand-tools.
"Merely having an open mind is nothing; the object of opening a mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid." G.K. Chesterton
I hate that a lot people can't tell the difference between a pry bar and a crow bar....
Personally I prefer the crowbar, a lot more durable, and versatile. Can be welded upon with little to no weakness. If your willing to use a pry bar on a door, the crow bar will do the same job, quicker and easier.
"Leo84: id love to spartan kick a kid" - ZPI CHAT
DUMB WORKERS
I got a mini crowbar (not prybar) in m trunk next to the Sledge and a pick set for entry tools. A huge crowbar is mainly used for one of 2 reasons. Salvaging demolitions where they want to keep things intact, and opening wooden crates. Why would anyone really need a crowbar for anything beyond that?
I still say a crowbar is the way to go, there are many similar to the same size. I don't if it's just my size but pry bars bend way to easily in comparison, even the high quality end up with a kink after I bend them back into 'shape'. Stanley does offer good ones on the same site Chilbert offers...
That and I like the ones with a hook on one end, many more jobs to be done.
You and I Chilbert need to brainstorm on an article on hands...
"Leo84: id love to spartan kick a kid" - ZPI CHAT
DUMB WORKERS
Out of curiosity how is a fireman's axe or hell even a claw hammer not able to do everything the crowbar is made specifically to do?
I know it's been a wile since I've mentioned the Halogen Tool but I think it is an upgrade from the simple crowbar, and it doubles as a back scratcher.
To Protect and Sever.
It looks a lot like a crowbar. A nearly $300.00 crowbar.
Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
Firemans axe is much more useful. Claw hammer on the other hand does not get the leverage needed to ply the majority of things apart.
"Leo84: id love to spartan kick a kid" - ZPI CHAT
DUMB WORKERS