The Rescue Wedge Review

Overview/Description of The Rescue Wedge

At first glance, I thought that paying $30 for a chock is crazy, but after getting my hands on this piece of equipment and realizing the multi-purposes, I would definitely buy one and add it to the “Tools in My Pocket” arsenal.

After putting the Rescue Wedge to the test, I have found that it does actually work as a spanner wrench, a door chock, a bailout anchor point, a fulcrum, a gap set force assist, forcible aid assist and a wedge.

I would not consider this a replacement for the simple wood chock as I would not want to leave a $30 chock anywhere, but if I had to in extreme cases, I would.

In reviewing this piece of equipment, I do like the versatility and consider it a valuable “tool” to have in my pocket.

The Rescue Wedge is an aluminum multi-purpose tool that is an innovation and not to be compared to the standard wood chock. It weighs .24 pounds, it’s 4 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. The angle of the descent is .966 inches long.

Quality of The Rescue Wedge

According to the manufacturer and the stamp on the Rescue Wedge, it is manufactured in the USA. Its strength and craftsmanship is definitely noticeable and I feel it to be of the best quality.

The lines of the tool as far as I can tell are cut and machined perfectly. This tool will take a beating and ask for more.  I personally beat this wedge up trying to break it and it did not even crack.

I am surprisingly impressed with the quality of this small tool.

Durability of The Rescue Wedge

This is a solid piece of aluminum that as far as I can tell will last a very long time. This tool did not rust, splinter, crack at all even after repeated drops on the ground or smashes with the halligan, flat head axe and maul.

It can be honed using a wire wheel to keep the edges. I like this fact because once we have a burr on the wedge and place it in our pocket, it can rip our pocket or glove etc.  So the fact that we can remove the burrs and such demonstrates the longevity and durability of the product to me.

Longevity of The Rescue Wedge

Having used the wedge after many forcible entry evolutions (at least 25), it still held its shape and edge.

The only concern I have with having this tool long-term is if we lose it or forget it somewhere.  For example, leaving it at a dwelling fire, having it fall out of our pocket like anything else we carry.  So as long as we do not lose it or leave it somewhere, I feel the Rescue Wedge can last a career.

Price of The Rescue Wedge

The price of $30.00 (at the time of Review) is a little pricey but what you are paying for is quality.  When I first heard about the price, I thought I would never buy one.  After reviewing the Rescue Wedge, I have changed my mind and feel it is worth the investment at the $30 price.  I will be carrying a Rescue Wedge in my pocket.

There are other similar wedges on the market that are made of plastic that will not meet the standard that The Rescue Wedge has set. If the price point was a little lower say between $15.00 to $20.00 I would be more inclined to purchase a few to either give to my crew or have on hand as spares.

However, I would not recommend it as a disposable chock. For disposable chocks, I would still recommend the scrap 2×4’s or cherry bomb style chocks.  However,  I would recommend the Rescue Wedge as a versatile tool that can last a career and I would carry it in my pocket.

Who Do You Recommend This For?

This tool can be used by all firefighters at any level within the department. Having a durable, multi-purpose chock in our pockets is an added protection for all on the fire ground.

Do You Recommend the Rescue Wedge? Why or Why Not?

Yes, I would recommend the Rescue Wedge to all firefighters in the field and training officers at academies. The added uses of this tool include but are not limited to be used as:

1. Simple Door Chock

2. Spanner Wrench 

3. Forcible Entry Aid / Fulcrum

4. Gap/Set/Force assist

5. Bail-Out Anchor (Extreme Circumstances)

Any Safety Issues?

The only safety issue presented was after repeated use of striking the wedge with the tools, the edges of the Rescue Wedge would get some sharp burrs.  However, I just ran it in the wire wheel and it removed the burred edges and was ready for service.

Any Reasons Why You Would Not Recommend The Rescue Wedge?

None.

About the Manufacturer/Company