The Dangers of “So-Called Self-Defense Keyrings”… Personal Safety Tools
June is National Safety Month, and safety and security product sales are drastically up. But, so is my concern as a safety expert; people don’t know what to buy or how to use the products on the market. Popular self-defense keyrings can be dangerous. Learn about better alternatives.
As the headlines tell us, people are being targeted and assaulted in record numbers in the AAPI and Jewish communities, and women are perpetually concerned about personal safety. In the UK, the recent Sarah Everard disappearance and murder by a police officer has women worldwide even more concerned for their safety.
The number of workplace shootings is skyrocketing, with CNN reporting 253 mass shootings this year, 284 people killed, and 1,046 injured. (Source: The Gun Violence Archive).
People are looking for answers.
Lethal weapons are not the best choice for everyone. As a result, sales of less-than-lethal or non-lethal safety tools are flooding the market. According to Business Insider, sales have surged. In addition, there is a trend where people are selling so-called “self-defense keyrings.” These multi-product keyrings are selling like crazy, according to a recent Glamour magazine article.
Gun background checks have increased:
2,644,851 in March of 2019
3,740,688 in March of 2020
4,691,733 in March of 2021, according to the FBI.
People want to be safe and protect their families, their homes, and their property.
I have a few warnings about the dangers of these so-called self-defense keychain products. First, they may be trendy or cute, but they can put women in more danger.
Self-Defense Keyring Dangers. What You Need to Do and Know:
1. Trust only experts with your safety:
You should know the credentials of whoever is offering you tools to save your life. Do they have a reputable background in the safety and security market? Are they verifiable experts in the products they are pedaling, or are they selling whatever they can find cheaply? Do they have a positive and long track record of offering safety products?
2. Know the product:
Are you buying the right formula of self-defense spray? Know the difference between tear gas (CN and CS), pepper spray (OC), and MACE (a brand name). Do you know how to use the products/weapons on the keyring properly? What will the products do, and how do they work? Are they legal?
Do your homework: Check the expiration date, test the spray, and become familiar with the spray pattern before you need it.
The self-defense keyrings have a kuboton for a weapon that most people don’t know how to use. Some of the keyrings contain lethal weapons like knives that require close contact. If taken from you, they could be used lethally against you. On the other hand, pepper spray won’t kill you, and if you pay attention when carrying it, it is not likely that anyone can take it from you.
These keyrings are purchased from overseas suppliers by just about anyone, from high school students, hobbyists, social media/online sellers, etc., for little to nothing. On the other hand, there is no vetting or product testing by the buyers who re-sell them. Most sellers haven’t researched the products and are not able to train on proper usage.
3. Your safety tool needs to be accessible:
Can you get to your safety tool in a hurry if you are in trouble? If your device of choice is buried on a keyring and is hard to get to, time is lost. Pom poms, sanitizer pouches, anti-touch pointers, etc., may be “cute,” but they obstruct the safety tool.
4. Your safety device needs to be visible and/or loud to be a deterrent:
Criminals spend 7–10 seconds picking their victim. If they see that you have a safety tool in hand and ready to use, they will think twice. If they can’t see your safety tool (because it is buried on a cluttered keyring), they don’t know you are armed and prepared. Having these clunky keyrings may give you a false sense of confidence yet, keep you from quickly defending yourself.
For 26 years, I have sold pepper spray, and they have been the most popular of my safety products. I completed the police academy’s pepper spray training and thoroughly vetted my suppliers. I carry the same formula law enforcement officials and postal carriers use. It works on people and dogs. But, keep in mind that nothing is 100% effective.
The suppliers of my most popular products only sell to qualified security industry professionals. I offer it on my website and after my safety presentations, both virtual and in-person. Every customer gets a demonstration and instructions for proper usage, effects, legalities.
The keyring alarm/flashlight is designed to increase witness potential. It makes a lot of noise, and criminals don’t like that. It should be easily accessible and ready to use, whether pulling a cord or pushing a button to activate. It needs to be loud enough to get attention, at least 120dB.
Safety product sales should not be a “side-hustle” or part-time hobby. People buy these items to protect themselves and save their lives. Therefore, safety and security education, training, and products should be required. I also vigorously vet the companies and products for my TV safety product review segments.
