TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Protection devices such as guns and knives can be useful, but also very expensive.
If you can't throw blows like a martial arts champ, or you don't feel comfortable firing a gun, that's ok. Self-defense is as simple as DIY.
We're not talking about making barbaric bats, sling shots or keeping a shovel in the corner of your bedroom.
In the hands of self defense expert Chad Chilcutt a sock, umbrella, magazine and coat hanger transform in a matter of minutes.
Chilcutt says long sock stuffed with something hard packs a powerful punch.
"If you put coins in it, or you put rocks in it, now we are talking about really using this as a self defense weapon," said Chilcutt.
Chilcutt says the trick is to swing, hit and then get away.
"Your objective is to do the damage and get away," said Chilcutt.
The same goes for this short umbrella. Using it correctly, you can go toe to toe with an intruder carrying a knife.
"There is metal inside of here, so we are fighting with the same thing," said Chilcutt. "I can push it, push it apart, grab a hold of him and get him down to the ground."
If you're crafty, 10 minutes with a wooden hanger can create a razor-sharp weapon no one would expect. Simply super glue a light weight hacksaw blade onto a wooden hanger. Now you have a weapon that's easy to conceal and carry.
If the only thing around is a magazine, that's okay too. Grab it, roll it as tight as you can and stab toward the head, aiming for the eyes or temple. Or go straight for the groin. It can cause enough serious pain to give you time to get away.
Really, anything can be used for protection D-I-Y style, but a little planning with the items already in your home gives you the upper hand.
