Location
P.O. Box 1242 Chico,
CA 95927
Struts 101:
The Evolution of the Vehicle Rescue Strut
by Tim O'Connell
In talking with Rescuers around the world, I often ask this question: “What is your primary job at a motor vehicle accident with a trapped victim?” They most often respond (looking at me like I’m an idiot) “get the tools and cut the victim out.”
Training Videos
We will be adding more videos to this page. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube TeleCrib® channel. Don’t forget to check out our Rescue 42 V-Log!
V-Log Series
View recent episodes from our vlog (video blog) series! Subscribe to our TeleCrib® channel to keep updated on newly posted vlogs.
Training Images
Training Materials
Instructional Documents
Sales Sheets
Click on the following PDFs for more information.
Owners Manuals
Composite TeleCrib®
Owner's Manual
The Ripper™
Owner's Manual
The Shark™
Instruction Sheet
If you have questions, please call us toll free at (888) 427-3728.
Newsletter
Frequently Asked Questions
I had a question regarding the kit components being exposed to gasoline vapors. One of our rescue trucks has limited compartment space, so we may have to put the equipment bags in the same compartment as our chain saw and circular saw. They would, however be on a different shelf. These gasoline powered tools sometimes leak fuel and emit vapors into the compartment. Are you aware of any problems that this would cause to the kit components (mainly the ratchet straps) by being exposed to the vapors?
You are correct to be concerned about petroleum vapors and straps. These vapors are known to affect nylons and polyesters such as found in Life Lines (ropes), straps, harnesses, etc. They should NEVER be stored in the same compartment as fuels or solvents. None of the other components in our kits will be affected.
We are looking at a future vehicle and would like to know the storage size and weight of Rescue 42 kits so we can make sure we have compartment space
Depends on the kit. Below are the total kit weights and approximate storage dimensions.
Please visit our Products page for a detailed list of all kit components.
Please visit our Products page for a detailed list of all kit components.
- Engine Kit: 75 lbs
- Truck Tripod Kit: 190 lbs
- Short strut: 26" x 3"
- Strut Jack: 32" x 13" x 4"
- Truck Kit: 160 lbs
- Rescue Tripod Kit: 340 lbs
- Long strut: 38" x 3"
- Rescue Kit: 320 lbs
- Collapsed struts w/out combi-head or base plate
- Tool bag (with accessories inside): 24" x 9" x 12"
You may also download our Technical Specifications Sheet (PDF) for additional information.
Can we use spray paint to put our company name on the struts and straps?
Absolutely! we recommend spray paint or a sharpie marker for the struts, however, because the composite material is so hardy, you may want to lightly sand the area you intend to mark to allow the paint or ink to adhere better. As for the ratchet straps, use a sharpie on the last few inches of the strap, but do not use any inks or paints that contain solvents.
Can I buy just The Ripper™ body and not the impact driver?
Yes, you can.
Can I buy it as a kit with The Ripper™, an impact driver, charger and batteries?
Yes, we have several model choices.
If I change impact drivers after buying The Ripper™, how do I move the Ripper™ to the new impact driver, if it is different?
We offer the interface cones for purchase through our Distributors, so when you change out impact drivers you can order an interface cone, and install it in your currently owned Ripper™. This saves you money on possible changes in the future.
Can I buy it factory direct from Rescue 42?
We sell exclusively through authorized Distributors, see our list of dealers for one in your area.
Can I buy it online?
Through our authorized Distributors only; go to our list of dealers to find the Distributor in your area.
Can I buy it outside the USA?
Not now, but soon. If you are interested, please call +1 (530) 576-5594 (8am–5pm, San Francisco, CA time, Monday–Friday) to discuss.
Can I buy replacement blades; are they field replaceable?
Yes, with the use of a 5/32” Allen wrench (provided), you can replace the blades in 10 minutes. You can buy replacement blades from your Distributor. To find your Distributor go to our list of dealers.
Can I get a replacement window punch?
Yes, your Distributor can order them from us and sell you the Resqme® Tempered/Safety Glass Punch and Seatbelt Cutter. Go to our list of dealers to find the Distributor in your area.
How do I get a replacement flashlight?
Order one through our authorized Distributors. Go to our list of dealers to find a Distributor in your area.
How do I get a Ripper™ that matches my impact driver of choice?
We offer many popular models; if we don’t currently offer your model of choice, please let us know, by telling your Distributor. We want your input and if we have enough demand for your preferred model we will add it to our lineup.
Where can I get a replacement battery?
The impact drivers and their respective batteries are sold by retailers everywhere.
Can I get it in a color other than blaze orange?
No, it is blaze orange to avoid looking like a handgun. This is important to law enforcement officers.
Is it made in the USA?
It is designed, assembled and quality checked in the USA. Some parts may be made off-shore.
Is there an Owner’s Manual?
Yes. One comes with each purchase and you can Download Owner’s Manuals here.
Where do I find the serial number on the Ripper™?
On the side label of the cutter body. The impact driver has its own separate serial number also found on the side label on most models.
Where do I find the model number on the Ripper™?
On The Ripper™ cutter body side label. On the interface cone, it is engraved on the back rim. On the impact driver it is on the label, and on the battery it is on its label.
Do you offer training?
Indirectly, through our Distributors. Go to our list of dealers to find the Distributor in your area.
Can I pierce the windshield with the tip of The Ripper™ blades?
Yes, it is designed to do just that…no special tools required, and it will not damage the impact driver due to the unique design of the interface cone.
Can I rotate The Ripper™ to make it easier for me to use one-handed? What if I am left-handed?
Yes, The Ripper™ rotates 360° so you can cut from any angle with either hand.
I am afraid the Velcro® strap will not hold the cutter in place?
The strap is not the primary way the cutter is held in place. It is held in place by the sliding ¼” hex locking device of the impact driver. The strap is just a backup device in case you did not properly install The Ripper™ into the locking ¼” hex of the impact driver.
How do I get The Ripper™ cutter body off the impact driver?
See the Owner’s Manual shipped with every Ripper™ and Download Owner’s Manuals here. Pull the battery out of the impact driver. Take the strap loose. Turn the Ripper so the access port is facing upwards, and use your finger or a screw driver to slide the hex attachment towards the tip of the blades and pull The Ripper™ cutter off the impact driver.
Does it have a trigger lock?
It depends on the impact driver you have chosen to use. Most have a forward/reverse button that slides side-to-side through the impact driver’s body. Usually setting the button in the middle position locks the trigger. Check your impact driver owner’s manual.
Does it have a variable speed trigger?
Yes; you can use it at full throttle for best results. Don’t push too hard on The Ripper™, it will cut faster and easier if you let it do most of the work.
Does it need to be oiled/greased?
No; just keep it clean after each use; blow it off with compressed air if available.
Does it need service?
Not much, just keep it clean and change the blades when they dull. The blades can cut over 100 windshields.
How does the cutting blade work with no power; let’s say my batteries are not charged?
The cutting blade is designed with a set of teeth and will cut glass by using a “can opener” like up and down motion.
How fast does it cut?
Depending on the impact driver and thickness of the windshield, it will cut at a speed of up to 7.2”/second. It will punch a starter hole and cut a typical vehicle windshield or side window in less than 30 seconds.
How much does it weigh?
Depending on the impact driver and battery chosen, it weighs 4 to 6 pounds. We found that weight helps make it stable during use.
Why an impact driver and not a drill motor?
Impact drivers have more torque, more power and are more durable. They will last longer the drills, and when set at high speed have plenty of RPM’s to cut fast. Impact wrenches are too big or too slow. Our testing determine that impact drivers are the best choice for laminated glass cutting.
Is 12 volt better/faster than 18 volt?
Depends on your needs; both are very capable, with 18 volt being a bit faster. You should consider battery types already in use, and perhaps match up to that battery system when choosing the impact driver. We are agnostic about impact driver brands; however, we only offer impact drivers that meet our rigorous standards.
Is it waterproof?
Impact drivers are commonly found in the construction trade and other outdoor industries; see the impact driver Owner’s Manual for more information concerning wet conditions and operating temperature ranges. The Ripper™ cutter body can handle water, ice and snow with no problem. It does not care about the weather or temperature.
Can I cut other materials like metal?
No, The Ripper™ is tough, but it is designed to cut laminated glass. Cutting other materials will void the warranty.
Will it cut Polycarb, LEXAN, Plate or Plexi Glass?
No – only laminated glass
Can I take it apart and not void the warranty?
Yes, please refer to the Owner’s Manual provided with the tool and Download Owner’s Manuals here.
How long is the warranty period?
The Ripper™ cutter is warrantied for materials and workmanship for three years from date of purchase. The impact drivers and batteries have their own warranty periods. See their websites for more details. Generally impact drivers are warrantied for 2–5 years and most batteries for two years.
How do I make warranty claims?
Follow the instructions found in the Owner’s Manual, on the warranty card or send an email to Sales@Rescue42.com. Please do not go to your Distributor, they will just refer you to us.
Can I buy just The Ripper™ body and not the impact driver?
Yes, you can.
Can I buy it as a kit with The Ripper™, an impact driver, charger and batteries?
Yes, we have several model choices.
If I change impact drivers after buying The Ripper™, how do I move the Ripper™ to the new impact driver, if it is different?
We offer the interface cones for purchase through our Distributors, so when you change out impact drivers you can order an interface cone, and install it in your currently owned Ripper™. This saves you money on possible changes in the future.
Can I buy it factory direct from Rescue 42?
We sell exclusively through authorized Distributors, see our list of dealers for one in your area.
Can I buy it online?
Through our authorized Distributors only; go to our list of dealers to find the Distributor in your area.
Can I buy it outside the USA?
Not now, but soon. If you are interested, please call +1 (530) 576-5594 (8am–5pm, San Francisco, CA time, Monday–Friday) to discuss.
Can I buy replacement blades; are they field replaceable?
Yes, with the use of a 5/32” Allen wrench (provided), you can replace the blades in 10 minutes. You can buy replacement blades from your Distributor. To find your Distributor go to our list of dealers.
Can I get a replacement window punch?
Yes, your Distributor can order them from us and sell you the Resqme® Tempered/Safety Glass Punch and Seatbelt Cutter. Go to our list of dealers to find the Distributor in your area.
How do I get a replacement flashlight?
Order one through our authorized Distributors. Go to our list of dealers to find a Distributor in your area.
How do I get a Ripper™ that matches my impact driver of choice?
We offer many popular models; if we don’t currently offer your model of choice, please let us know, by telling your Distributor. We want your input and if we have enough demand for your preferred model we will add it to our lineup.
Where can I get a replacement battery?
The impact drivers and their respective batteries are sold by retailers everywhere.
Can I get it in a color other than blaze orange?
No, it is blaze orange to avoid looking like a handgun. This is important to law enforcement officers.
Is it made in the USA?
It is designed, assembled and quality checked in the USA. Some parts may be made off-shore.
Is there an Owner’s Manual?
Yes. One comes with each purchase and you can Download Owner’s Manuals here.
Where do I find the serial number on the Ripper™?
On the side label of the cutter body. The impact driver has its own separate serial number also found on the side label on most models.
Where do I find the model number on the Ripper™?
On The Ripper™ cutter body side label. On the interface cone, it is engraved on the back rim. On the impact driver it is on the label, and on the battery it is on its label.
Do you offer training?
Indirectly, through our Distributors. Go to our list of dealers to find the Distributor in your area.
Can I pierce the windshield with the tip of The Ripper™ blades?
Yes, it is designed to do just that…no special tools required, and it will not damage the impact driver due to the unique design of the interface cone.
Can I rotate The Ripper™ to make it easier for me to use one-handed? What if I am left-handed?
Yes, The Ripper™ rotates 360° so you can cut from any angle with either hand.
I am afraid the Velcro® strap will not hold the cutter in place?
The strap is not the primary way the cutter is held in place. It is held in place by the sliding ¼” hex locking device of the impact driver. The strap is just a backup device in case you did not properly install The Ripper™ into the locking ¼” hex of the impact driver.
How do I get The Ripper™ cutter body off the impact driver?
See the Owner’s Manual shipped with every Ripper™ and Download Owner’s Manuals here. Pull the battery out of the impact driver. Take the strap loose. Turn the Ripper so the access port is facing upwards, and use your finger or a screw driver to slide the hex attachment towards the tip of the blades and pull The Ripper™ cutter off the impact driver.
Does it have a trigger lock?
It depends on the impact driver you have chosen to use. Most have a forward/reverse button that slides side-to-side through the impact driver’s body. Usually setting the button in the middle position locks the trigger. Check your impact driver owner’s manual.
Does it have a variable speed trigger?
Yes; you can use it at full throttle for best results. Don’t push too hard on The Ripper™, it will cut faster and easier if you let it do most of the work.
Does it need to be oiled/greased?
No; just keep it clean after each use; blow it off with compressed air if available.
Does it need service?
Not much, just keep it clean and change the blades when they dull. The blades can cut over 100 windshields.
How does the cutting blade work with no power; let’s say my batteries are not charged?
The cutting blade is designed with a set of teeth and will cut glass by using a “can opener” like up and down motion.
How fast does it cut?
Depending on the impact driver and thickness of the windshield, it will cut at a speed of up to 7.2”/second. It will punch a starter hole and cut a typical vehicle windshield or side window in less than 30 seconds.
How much does it weigh?
Depending on the impact driver and battery chosen, it weighs 4 to 6 pounds. We found that weight helps make it stable during use.
Why an impact driver and not a drill motor?
Impact drivers have more torque, more power and are more durable. They will last longer the drills, and when set at high speed have plenty of RPM’s to cut fast. Impact wrenches are too big or too slow. Our testing determine that impact drivers are the best choice for laminated glass cutting.
Is 12 volt better/faster than 18 volt?
Depends on your needs; both are very capable, with 18 volt being a bit faster. You should consider battery types already in use, and perhaps match up to that battery system when choosing the impact driver. We are agnostic about impact driver brands; however, we only offer impact drivers that meet our rigorous standards.
Is it waterproof?
Impact drivers are commonly found in the construction trade and other outdoor industries; see the impact driver Owner’s Manual for more information concerning wet conditions and operating temperature ranges. The Ripper™ cutter body can handle water, ice and snow with no problem. It does not care about the weather or temperature.
Can I cut other materials like metal?
No, The Ripper™ is tough, but it is designed to cut laminated glass. Cutting other materials will void the warranty.
Will it cut Polycarb, LEXAN, Plate or Plexi Glass?
No – only laminated glass
Can I take it apart and not void the warranty?
Yes, please refer to the Owner’s Manual provided with the tool and Download Owner’s Manuals here.
How long is the warranty period?
The Ripper™ cutter is warrantied for materials and workmanship for three years from date of purchase. The impact drivers and batteries have their own warranty periods. See their websites for more details. Generally impact drivers are warrantied for 2–5 years and most batteries for two years.
How do I make warranty claims?
Follow the instructions found in the Owner’s Manual, on the warranty card or send an email to Sales@Rescue42.com. Please do not go to your Distributor, they will just refer you to us.
