The Lifeshear Rescue Tool
By Eric Dykstra
There’s no question that Hurst’s Jaws Of Life lives up to it’s name. But what if you don’t have them — or don’t have access to the hydraulic pressure required to make them operate? Defense contractor Hi-Shear developed the Lifeshear to provide a mechanically simple, lightweight, pyrotechnic extraction tool to supplement these larger, heavier options like the ‘Jaws.
The system uses small gas emitting (read: goes boom) cartridges that rapidly expand causing a steel piston — with a hardened blade — to cut through material like stout automotive brake and clutch pedal levers. The system’s already been put to the test: in 1995 it was used in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing for search and recovery efforts.
The only downside is that as far as we can tell, it’s not currently in production. A Google search turns up several NASA articles about the amazing civilian uses of space technology, however other than that it just doesn’t seem to be around anymore. It’s a shame that such useful technology would just disappear.
Has anyone seen one of these in action? Did they ever get mass produced? Let us know in comments if you’ve got some inside information.
November 3rd, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Not too hard to find. Try http://hstc.com/ and use the navigation menu. The cutting tool is under “Ordanance and Electronic Products”. Site is live, and company is still on AMEX as HSR.
Looks like a good site to buy those explosive bolts and nuts you need as well.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:09 am
One drawback that I see is its inability to be used in a flammable environment (think gasoline fumes) because the explosive charge could spark an even greater explosion.
November 10th, 2007 at 12:09 am
[…] The Lifeshear Rescue Tool Another leftover from Break S#!$ Week, this explosive-driven shear chops through tough metal to rescue people trapped in vehicles — yet doesn’t require the massive hydraulic power source needed by the Jaws of Life. The bad news: it doesn’t look like you can buy one commercially any more. Still, I hope our local fire department has a set. […]