Belt Cutters

[John Cassidy]

I know, I know, Third thread I've started. Safety is a bit important to me. :-) Thanks for opening the forum.

We used to have the Res-Q-Me tool zip tied on our shoulder belts. Still a good product and good idea. We did verify that it will cut a belt. It has a window punch as well.

http://www.amazon.com/ResQMe-Keychain-Version-Original-LifeHammer/dp/B000IDYKNC

We recently changed, or added, the belt cutter made by the Columbia River Knife and Tool Co. Love their products. I have one strapped to the door bar next to me. Dave has one near the tranny tunnel.

http://crkt.com/mak1extrik.html

Called the Extrik-8-ER.

Unsure what sweep folks carry with them, but always good to discuss tools that might save somebody's life.

Cheers! John

[flatOVERcrest]

John, this is what we use (tunnel, just in front of the radio) alltho that's a picture from 2005 and that blade has now been moved on the outside bottom shell of KB's seat (second picture).
It's very light and the blade looks strong, alltho we have (thankfully) never used them and it's probably good for couple cuts the most.
The fact that is so light, you can attach it with basic velcro (so it's easier to grab if you need it quickly)
http://www.ivautoparts.com/andale/images/07.wDSC_5757.jpeg
http://www.rally.subaru.com/gallery/2008_lspr/day2_DSC_5460.jpg

[John Cassidy]

Thanks for the pics Alex. I like having two in the car. Make sure the boys have cut a belt with that thing before you actually need it. :-)

Maybe there should be door decals indicating where the belt cutter is, or a standard location?

I like Canada's rule about decals on the doors for the location of fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

If a spectator needs to cut us out, I'd like to make sure they can find the cutter! Never thought about it before now.

Cheers! John

[Doug Woods]

John:

Of all the people involved in rallying in Canada and the USA, you and Dave have probably thought more about safety, and implemented more safety items, than any other team.

You are both to be congratulated.

How about posting a detailed list of everything that you have done to increase safety in your rally car.

I am sure that the list would be very beneficial to those starting out in the sport (and to many who have been in the sport for quite a while).

Doug Woods

[John Cassidy]

Doug, thanks for that. Great idea. I'll start another thread. I'm sure it will generate more discussion.

Cheers! John

[RyanHuber]

I've been somewhat skeptical of the ability of a belt cutter designed for street belts to do a race harness effectively. Also, I think if it's the sub belts that are the problem you may not even have the room to maneuver the tool in there to do it. To that end, I actually carry a simple pair of kitchen shears attached with a velcro strap on the tunnel. Those things cut sheetmetal, they'll cut a belt. They also have slightly rounded tips so you're not going to stab yourself with them.

[John Cassidy]

Ryan, great points. That's why we went with the tool from CRKT co. It has a rounded tip and you can maneuver it into the lap/sub belt area easily. The mouth is wide enough that it can hook the strap easily.

Cheers! John

[BajaBill]

Don't forget they will make good window net cutters too:)

That's coming from a guy that has window nets;)

Bill Holmes
New & Improved Truck #44

[Jgardhouse]

http://www.ivautoparts.com/andale/images/07.wDSC_5757.jpeg


Hey Alex,

What is the red power connector used for?!

Now back to safety discussions!

Thanks,

JG

[flatOVERcrest]

Hey Alex,

What is the red power connector used for?!

Now back to safety discussions!

Thanks,

JG

JG, auxiliary battery connector to jump start the car if battery is dead (Example: out of park ferme' on a cold morning, if the driver :D forgot to turn the master switch off the night before)

[randyzimmer]

Excuse my ignorance but why has the belt latch failed?

[rightseat]

Excuse my ignorance but why has the belt latch failed?

A certain Mr. Murphy's influence, no doubt.

[RyanHuber]

Riding with Robin Fleguel at a test day, we had a very minor off that resulted in the car on the driver's door. Because the belts were the horrid single seater style with the loop sup straps that have the shoulder strap buckles go through the loops to secure them, somehow the loop caught and wrapped around the cam. With all his weight hanging on the belt, it was impossible for him to undo them until someone arrived with a knife to cut the loop. Immediately after that I got my shears and have them in the car when I'm co-driving.

http://www.demon-tweeks.com/resources/images/zoom/SAB_SSSC_UL6PHANS.jpg

Those belts are long gone, as is the car sadly...

[robin]

Hey! Easy on the "with *all* his weight" stuff. I eat like a bird... :-)

[John Cassidy]

Randy, I'm not certain, but I think that Frank had some issues getting to his buckle at STPR due to the compression of his legs from the impact. I'm sure someone there could confirm.

There also might arise a situation where getting to the buckle might cause further injury with a competitor in the car and cutting might be preferable.

John

[JeremyN]

...Maybe there should be door decals indicating where the belt cutter is, or a standard location?
...
Cheers! John

For this reason, Gus placed two bright orange belt cutters/window hammers on the A piller supports right at window level. They're totally visible from outside either door so anyone even leaning in a stuck door could get to and use them.

Jeremy

PS - great thread John.

[John Cassidy]

Great idea Jeremy! I have thought about spraying the handle of my cutter a fluorescent color. I may relocate it based on your tip. :-)

Cheers! John

[Safe Drives]

http://www.safedrives.com/prodimages/NOV8/resqme_sm.jpg (http://www.specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=29342)


The ResQMe is available in Yellow. (http://www.specialstage.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=29342) :)

I have tested the Resqme on Nylon, Polyester and Kevlar based webbing and the Resqme works great.

I like the idea of having a specific place the cutter should be mounted, dictated by the rules and verified at scrutineering.

[RyanHuber]

John, I'm pretty sure the issue Dan had at STPR was that the buckle on their belts was attached to the two sub straps. When his seat was pushed across and pinned his legs together, it was impossible to get the big bracket and cam buckle out between his legs. I personally don't like that style of belts anyway.

[John Cassidy]

Thanks for that info Ryan. Out Schroth HANS specific harnesses are the same way. The camlock is connected to the two sub straps, so sits low as well.

If someone has this type of belt, and it's positioned correctly, the cam will be just over their pubic bone, which is quite low, making it hard to get to in a compression situation.

John

[Easy Rider]

In the Western Canadian Regional series - it is now a rule to have 2 belt cutters per car - along with 2 fire ext.

To me it seems that the WCRA guys and gals are really at the fore front of rally safety.

Just a comment.

[John Cassidy]

Warren, great to hear. :-)

Cheers! John