Showing posts with label Dead On. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dead On. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Review: Dead-On Annililator 18inch Superhammer

As first seen on BreachBangClear,  and now on to you.

I wanted to get a full-on gift for a friend, one of the fantastic Dead-On Annihilator superhammers and due to a failure to read the details on my part, I accidentally ordered the 18" version, not the 14" version, like the one I already had. To make things right, I simply gave my friend the 14" he was already trialling, and kept the monstrous 18" for myself. It really is a beast.

Probably too much tool for most people, at 1.9kg (3.7lbs) and 30cm (12") shaft with a 45cm (18") overall length. All the features of the 14" are replicated in the 18", just "bigger".
Between the striking face and the "Nail Puller" the "Board Straightener" sits ready to grip and twist.

The two sets of teeth are just over 4cm (1 5/8") and just under 3cm (1 1/8") in width, respectively, which fits standard board sizes for wrenching or adjusting.To be honest, I haven't had much use for this other than occasionally levering at a frame here or there. The hammer is good though, the face is wide and beveled giving both a good nail-driving action, without messing up the surface you're pounding on.

Below the chisel edged Nail Puller/Tile Ripper lies the frightfully formed Demolition Axe, which curves down almost to the edge of the rubberised grip. This is not a shaving-sharp axe, rather that the steel of the haft is formed to a triangular ridge to an angle of around 45 degrees to the full width of the haft. This leaves a very hardy working edge, and is intended for drywall, thin wooden structures, shingles and conduit.

The drywall-only labeled demolition axe seems to work well on particle board, and would probably make short work of errant wrists too. 

The middle of the curve is notched with what appears to be a wire-stripper, but could also be used as a nail-puller as well. As the 18" version is just a heftier version of the 14", the angles are steeper, so it's not really sharp at all, but it is wicked solid. I can imagine that the warning is there for the same reason that coffee lids read "Caution: contents hot". For idiots who try to chop wood, or cut wiring with it. It wont do that, or at least, not well, or safely. Use the right tool for the job. It will make a mess of whatever you want to make a mess of though, so in that, its perfect.

The pointy-end of the tool features several other interesting combination tools. The tip is a rugged ridged point, which could be used for penetration, or scoring as needed. Within the tip is the "Multi Purpose Wrench/Nail Puller", which as suggested includes a hex-bolt socket, and a wide feeding nail puller. The head of the hammer fits nicely in the palm of the hand to drive the spike home.

 The manufacturers suggest using the wrench for releasing concrete forms and other general uses and the tip for smashing, cracking and chipping away at tile, brick or other things deemed "to go away".  I like using it to punch holes in things for old fashioned "Here's Johnny" moments. Again, it makes a mess where needed.

 So, I felt it was a good idea to put the 18" Annihilator up against the mighty Stanley Fatmax Fubar to give a good comparison. However, at 1900g vs 1300g it already comes up significantly heftier. More so again than the 800g 14" Annihilator. This is a big tool, for people with big hands and big tasks. It's probably too much tool for me.  If you're in-field and cutting back every weight counts, you might want to consider the 14" over the 18", but if you are able to keep it in a vehicle, it would be a perfect  multi-function wrecker.

They are really inexpensive, rugged and well designed. When it comes time for me to break my way into an abandoned warehouse, bust my plucky crew out of a cannibal mutants larder, or even just pop open packing crates and 44 gallon drums of fuel for the gyrocopter, the 18" Dead-On Annililator might well be the way to go.

There is also fact that Shaddox Tactical make a Tactical Pouch for it, so I'm hooked.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Review: Get Home Bag - Bug Out Bag

Some friends of mine asked me recently for recommendations for Bug-Out-Bags, after watching the NatGeo "Doomsday Preppers" show, and The Colony.

I don't have a "Bug-Out-Bag", per se,  but I do have two "Get Home Bags". One in my car, and one is my every-day pack. 


I've covered both before, as Items, and shown off what I keep in them from time to time, but as a unit, I thought it might be worthwhile laying it all out.

My primary, EDC and "get home bag" is the Platatac Bullock Echo, to which I've added a couple of extra pouches and loaded up a fair bit. This is the bag I have with me everywhere I go, and I still manage to carry my iPad, days food and whatever else I need day by day in it. Great pack. It's a reasonable load that I carry, as you'll see, but I can run, climb, crawl, jump and probably swim with this all on me. I get some funny looks sometimes, but I'm used to that. 



1) waterproof poncho, OD / first aid kit
2) set of metric Alan keys on a split ring
7) cord
12) ZuluNulonGear CAOS admin pouch with small adjustable wrench, LED plyer multitool, Buck Tools Multitool, dexim BluePack 1200mAh ( 5V-500mAh) USB iPhone battery, UV laser pointer, kumquat carbon fiber credit card bottle opener, sharpie.
14) microfiber towel
16) Platatac Half Med pack with elastic bandage, forceps, non-latex gloves, cylume sticks, band-aids, bandages
18) Sea To Summit Alpha cutlery and chopsticks
20) Platatac HeadOver head sock 
23) alcohol based hand sanitizer
26) cable ties
27) toiletries bag with toothpaste, soap, safety razor, floss
28) essential oil deodorant bag
29) Spare glasses in hard case
30) nut and honey snacks
32) whistle

I also keep this, in the car. I consider this my "broken down in the side of the road" kit, but also doubles as my camping/kicking adventure bag. I have a full first aid bag in the car, and a fairly complete tool bag as well.

As I've covered before,  the Kathmandu Hip Bag is a very dependable, and feature rich, wearable pack.

With my FUBAR and CRKT Stiff Kiss it is quite the formidable survival pack.

Here's what I keep in it....

33) heavy waterproof poncho, Woodland camo
34) gaffer tape
35) camping propane gas
37) enamel mug
38) bug spray
39) sweetened condensed milk in a tube
42) high-test marlin-fishing line
43) Petzl "figure 8" device
44) Kong locking carabiners
45) 5mm dynamic rope

46) matches
47) fishing hooks and sinkers in-a-tin
49) hand carved snare with braided line
50) Miltons water purifier tablets
51) nails
53) bandages
54) tea bags
55) whistle and flint
56) powdered chocolate.



I can wear both the Bullock Echo and the Kathmandu bum-bag at the same time, between the two I have a lot of survival kit in fairly small, wearable packages. Given that I don't spend a lot of time in the distant wilderness, but more urban sprawl, and country roadsides I think that in the event of a disaster in my region, I would be able to manage with this loadout for quite enough time to get home, or away, and overcome most any obstacle that I might come across.

For me the idea of a "bug-out-bag" is more of a "never coming back" bag, which would be a little more substantial, and aggressive, where these two are more a "get out of trouble" set. I can help myself, and others push through rough times with what I carry at all times, and have with me in my car...

After the Black Saturday fires of 2009 and the semi-regular flooding we are getting, I want to be ready, Equipped!




[edit] I've been asked if i would make Bug-Out-Bags for sale ... anyone interested?

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Think Geek Goodness

Think geek (source of some fun accessories) have a sale going on, and I wanted to share the details with you.



$20 Off $100 Affiliate Exclusive

$20 off $100 AFFILIATE EXCLUSIVE!
Code: 20SMACKERS
Starts: NOW
Ends: May 12th EOD

You thought $20 off $100 off of Star Wars Products was cool?! Pfff I got your backs with this WEEK LONG AFFILIATE EXCLUSIVE!
Get $20 off $100 on EVERYTHING when you use the code 20SMACKERS. This code can not be combined with any other offer. This promotion starts NOW and ends May 12th at the end of the day.





You can find the following items I've reviewed there:
M48 Kommando Ranger Hawk Axe

Dead On Annihilator Superhammer

Eat'N Tool Dark Edition

Titanium Spork

Survival Kit in a Sardine Can

The Zombie Survival Guide

check it out and maybe pick your self up a bargain.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Apocalypse Equipped, no, really.


So, the Mayan Long Count Calendar is widely believed to clock-over today.

It's also the Solstice...

AND the last workday before my FAMILY XMAS (Que dramatic spooky music)...

Apart from having to be at work, I wanted to give you all a quick insight into my "it's all hit the fan" load-out.

When the sirens and screams start, this is the kit that I would be strapping on, and similar to what I'd be dishing out to my family to load up and be ready. Fortunately I have quite the collection at the ready.

To be fair, this is my full "there is no help or law coming" gear, not just a "house-on fire, leave for mum's" and I would strive to abide by the laws on my land wherever needed. Wearing swords and the like "without reasonable cause" is frowned on here. In fact, the whole get-up would arouse considerable consternation for LEO's.


That said .... here is a break down of my "end of the world",  kit, because I want to be Apocalypse Equipped.....

















  1.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-platatac-mac-plate-carrier.html
  2.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-strike-industries-tactical-sling.html
  3.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-platatac-meop-medic-pouch.html
  4.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-countycomm-dropline-carabiner.html
  5.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-platatac-sr25-utility-double-mag.html
  6.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/platatac-fup-pouch.html /
    http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-platatac-60-round-mk1-pouch.html
  7.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-countycomm-breacher-bar.html /
    http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/09/review-countycomm-breacher-bar-sheath.html
  8.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-zulu-nylon-gear-caos-admin-pouch.html
  9.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-gerber-strap-cutter.html on a single-shingle I use for my 2-way radio
  10.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/09/review-countycomm-premium-emt-combat.html
  11.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-platatac-headstock.html
  12.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/04/review-under-armor-shirts.html this one from Tough Mudder
  13.  http://www.pro-tec.net/classic-skate-helmet.php
  14.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-platatacgerber-branded-cap.html
  15.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-platatac-bullock-echo-daypack.html with http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-dead-on-annihilator-superhammer.html  3L Source bladder and MOLLE zipper strips to mount it to the MAC
  16.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-platatac-csi-folder.html
  17.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-sigg-1l-bottle.html
  18.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-snow-lizard-slxtreme-iphone-case.html
  19.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-platatac-half-med-pack.html
  20.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-zombie-tools-deuce.html
  21.   not yet reviewed PRR Pouch
  22.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-215-gear-sling.html
  23.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-ironclad-landscaper.html
and that's on my top half, and not even what IN those pouches and bags....

now on to my lower half ....

24. Danner Striker II boots, replacing my http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-bates-delta-8-boots.html
25. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-platatac-young-guns-belt-braces.html
26. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/05/review-lazerbrite-tactical-pouch.html
27. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-platatac-3x-40mm-pouch.html on 90 degree mounts
28. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-platatac-modular-radio-pouch.html
29. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-platatac-drop-gas-mask-bag.html on a platatac-half-leg-rig
30.  http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/08/review-schrade-army-10-knife.html
31. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-countycomm-micro-grappling-hook.html
32. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/03/review-black-hawk-kneepads.html
33. as yet un-reviewed prototype Platatac EDC trousers: WATCH THIS SPACE, these are ace!
34. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/09/review-511-tactical-tdu-belt-175.html
35. http://apocalypseequipped.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-ka-bar-zombie-sword.html
36. multitool ..... because MacGuyver demands it!

So there you have it....

There are a few more things that may or may not make it into my kit, and of course, the contents of those pouches and packs, but that's my expected load-out.

EDIT: Stupid predictions ... it's1130am 21/12/12 and STILL no flaming jade jaguars ....















Saturday, July 28, 2012

Video Review: FUBAR & Annihilator vs meat

Following on from my previous post where I demonstrated the kinds of effects the KA-BAR Zombie Killer knives have on a selection of beef and pig parts, today I compare and contrast The Dead-On Annihilator SuperHammer with the Stanley FUBAR.

For the two hammers, I did static tests with the the beef sides, leg bone and pig head on stacked logs. This was my first attempt at target cutting on meat, but was a very rewarding experience.

Again, I tried to limit myself to the, strikes and thrusts that I would use in a fighting situation, rather than what I might use in a demolition or handy-man type situation, in that I wanted to avoid over extension, and sufficient commitment to each strike to complete it satisfactorily whilst being in a follow-up position as well.

As I mentioned in the original post, and in the clips, all the meat was retrieved and used to make some really delightful stocks, the fat rendered for lard and the remnants fed to my chickens to supplement their pellet, grain and vegetable scrap diet.

So, on to the mayhem...


1 Dead-On Annihilator & Stanley FUBAR test vs prone sides of beef



1 Dead-On Annihilator & Stanley FUBAR vs beef leg-bone


Whilst being (presumably) off-purpose for these tools it was a very valuable set of tests for me personally, in that they demonstrated what kinds of effects these tools would have in the event of their being used in combat. Namely; messy and very unpleasant. I've had ribs and fingers broken from blunt-force trauma from weapons (accidentally during the course of kendo training) so can attest to how debilitating it can be, even with something as innocuous as the wooden bokken let alone a hammer. War-hammers were employed for centuries with devastating effect

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Review: Dead On - Annihilator superhammer


A very happy surprise was another birthday present I received from a good friend who knows my proclivities, something I in fact tried to find for myself but had alas been unable to find for myself. So, last week I was handed A Dead On - Annihilator Superhammer as fearsome a smasher as I could hope for in such a package.

This is a 35cm (14"), 800g (28oz) piece of forged steel. Tools adorn it top and bottom. The split head is made up of a solid and 1" square striking face, which features a Dead On® bottle opener at its chin. Good for those post-wrecking but pre-zombie smashing bottle of Nuka Cola (because you don't want to open bottles that are going to go in your mouth to have infected brain matter contaminated chunks stuck to the lip ...). The flip side of the striking face is Nail Puller/Tile Ripper which is a strong chisel edged tool-face, curved slightly to assist in slipping under and levering up what ever you are prying up.





Between the striking face and the "Nail Puller" the "Board Straightener" sits ready to grip and twist. The two sets of teeth are just over 4cm (1 5/8") and just under 3cm (1 1/8") in width, respectively, which is reported to fit standard board sizes (I don't actually know what this means). Below the chisel edged Nail Puller/Tile Ripper lies the frightfully formed Demolition Axe, which curves down almost to the edge of the rubberised grip. This is not a shaving-sharp axe, rather that the steel of the haft is formed to a triangular ridge to an angle of around 45 degrees to the full width of the haft. This leaves a very hardy working edge, and is intended for drywall, thin wooden structures, shingles and conduit. The middle of the curve is notched with what appears to be a wire-stripper, but could also be used as a nail-puller as well. Here you can see the Annihilator in it's current home, which is wedged in the middle of the Bullock Echo daypack and the Bravo hydration Pack combo which I reviewed recently. It fits in the mid-channel of double-wide PALS/MOLLE quite nicely, and nestles nicely behind the main drag-handle, without protruding out the bottom.At just over an inch in width, it is too wide to slot into PALS/MOLLE on it own.



The tail of the tool features several other interesting combination tools. The tip is a rugged ridged point, which could be used for penetration, or scoring as needed. Within the tip is the "Multi Purpose Wrench/Nail Puller", which as suggested includes a hex-bolt socket, and a wide feeding nail puller. The manufacturers suggest using the wrench for releasing concrete forms and other general uses and the tip for smashing, cracking and chipping away at tile, brick or other things deemed "to go away".

So, I felt it was a good idea to put the Annihilator up against the mighty Stanley Fatmax Fubar to give a good comparison. Let me first say I haven't yet done any real smashing with the Annihilator, just waved it around and banged a few posts and bricks. However, at 800g vs 1300g it already comes up significantly leaner. You can see in the side-by-side pictures that it is thinner and narrower. If a slighter tool is what you are after, this is it.


I noticed a slight bend to the left in my Annihilator, I cant tell if this is a design feature or a flaw, but it was certainly of little concern. The Annihilator lacks the curved pry-bar end of the Fubar, but it has the curved Nail Puller/Tile Ripper at the back of the head,  and has a number of other features built in that the Fubar lacks.

I plan to leave my Fubar in my in-car bug-out-bag, but will be sorely tempted to keep the Annihilator in my every-day bag. I am also strongly considering commissioning a kydex holster for it, so I can lash it to my other PALS/MOLLE kit. This is an awesome piece of kit. Who's up for a "lets smash things" video-blog?


Find one on Amazon here:

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