It is called the “The Trucker’s Friend”, but after taking a closer look we here realized it is a friend to all, because it is a tough all-purpose tool. A tool that combines the indispensable functions of an ax, (ax blade sharpened using a file), a claw hammer, crowbar, nail puller, wire twist, spanner wrench, grapple hook, tire chain hook and more.
What Is A Spanner Wrench? A wrench (or spanner outside of North America) is a tool used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects—usually rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, certain pipes or can be used to keep them from turning.
What Is A Grapple Hook? A grappling hook is a device with multiple hooks (known as claws or flukes), attached to a rope; it is thrown, dropped, sunk, projected, or fastened directly by hand to where at least one hook may catch and hold. Generally, grappling hooks are used to temporarily secure one end of a rope.
This tool does not have what would be considered a traditional “grappling hook”, called a grapple hook by the makers, but the hook can be used to help you traverse certain inclines in the wilderness (grab onto an exposed root or limb, for example, or to help hoist yourself up if trapped in a damaged structure.
The Trucker’s Friend as the name implies is designed for truckers, and it is ideal for truckers, but this tool is also ideal for Preppers, campers, hikers, first responders, and for all those tough jobs around the house. This demolition tool will stand up to the rigors of camp life, survival situations and for those jobs around the home. This tool can also be used by emergency responders for rescue operations.
If your area is prone to earthquakes, this tool should be in your emergency kit for extracting yourself from a damaged structure or for rescue operations.
The weight is only 2.24 pounds so it can be lashed to a pack or carried on your belt without adding to much weight to your body. Keep one in your vehicle, garage, tool chest, and/or go-bag for any job that requires hacking, pulling, prying, pounding, demolition or even for self-defense.
Manufactures’ Specifications
- All-in-one hammer, nail puller, pry bar with ‘V’ slot and lever, wire twist, tire chain hook, grapple hook, hose spanner, with a 4.5″ curved ax head
- Shock-absorbing PowerGrip
- Materials: cast alloy steel blade and shank, heat treated for extra strength
- Non-conducting fiberglass handle (use caution when working around live electrical lines even through the handle will not conduct electricity)
- Rust-resistant matte finish
- Temporary blade guard included
- Dimensions: 19.25″ x 5″ x 1.25″
- Weight: 2.24 lbs.
- Made in the USA: Parowan, Utah
We have stressed in previous articles about having a tool that can do several jobs instead of having several tools packed in your kit. The Trucker’s Friend fits the bill as far as that goes. You can split logs for your campfire, cut limbs, pry up rocks, and even dig a hole in an emergency with this tool using the claw hammer.
The ax blade will require sharpening, and how often will depend on the type of jobs. Use a quality metal file to put a good edge on it, and then use a whetstone for touchups. Wipe the blade clean after use if possible and treat with oil to prevent rust. If you do see some surface rust, rub some steel wool over the metal to remove it and always coat the blade with oil after use and before storage.
The tool is well balanced, not as heavy as it could be, but this is not really a hindrance. Weight does help with demolition and chopping but the blade size is proportioned to the weight. It can tackle most jobs you would encounter, but as with any tool, match the tool to the job so you do not wear yourself out or damage your tool.
This tool is, obviously not as big or heavy as a full sized firefighter’s ax, for example, but as a Prepper, hiker, or camper, size and weight can be a hindrance. You simply cannot tote around a full sized firefighter’s ax in your bug-out-bag or hiking backpack, or store one in your emergency kit at home. A full sized ax would end up in the garage or basement and not be there when you had to grab your action bag to escape to a safe room in the home. It packs well in any vehicle and most members of your family can handle it.
You can use this tool to smash your way through certain doors, car windows, and even force your way into a locked truck in some cases. The uses are endless and you will not know its full potential until a situation presents itself. Be ready, by carrying a Trucker’s Friend in each vehicle, have one in your bug-out-bag, and keep one in your home’s emergency kit as well. You can get a Trucker’s Friend for around $48.00 on Amazon.