How to use a Seatbelt Cutter

A complete beginner’s guide to using a seatbelt cutter safely and effectively for emergencies, rescue, and EDC. Learn techniques, safety tips, and expert use.

What a Seatbelt Cutter Is

A seatbelt cutter is a compact tool designed to slice through vehicle seatbelts, harnesses, straps, webbing, tape, cordage, and other tough materials in emergency situations. Unlike knives, which expose an open blade, seatbelt cutters use a protected, enclosed cutting slot that guides the belt into the blade while keeping your fingers, clothing, and skin safe.

Grim Workshop seatbelt cutters are designed to be as small as possible while still powerful enough to cut through heavy-duty automotive webbing in a single pull. They’re compact enough for wallets, keychains, zipper pulls, glove boxes, motorcycles, and emergency kits.

If you’ve never used one before, this guide will make you fully confident in both routine and emergency use.

→ All Items with a seatbelt cutter

Why Seatbelt Cutters Matter

They Save Lives in Car Crashes

Seatbelts sometimes jam after:

Rollovers
Front-end impacts
Underwater submersion
Airbag deployment
Electrical failures
Crushed frames

If the latch won’t release, a cutter is the fastest safe option.

They Work When Knives Don’t

Knives require room to cut, an exposed blade, and good leverage.
Seatbelt cutters work:

In tight spaces
With little hand movement
Without risking stabbing someone

They Prevent Accidental Injury

The protected cutting channel reduces danger during:

Rescues
Medical extraction
Child seat emergencies
Self-rescue in cramped positions

They Cut More Than Seatbelts

You can also cut:

Paracord
Clothing
Rope
Duct tape
Zip ties
Backpack straps
Fishing line

How a Seatbelt Cutter Works

Inside the slot is a razor-sharp blade positioned at an angle.
When you pull material through that slot:

The slot forces the strap into the blade
The blade slices cleanly without slipping
Your fingers never contact the sharp edge

This design also keeps the tool safe to carry.

How to Use a Seatbelt Cutter

Step 1: Grip the Tool Firmly

Hold it like a key or small box cutter.
Keep your index finger away from the cutting slot.

Step 2: Find the Strap or Belt

In an emergency, belts may be:

Twisted
Tight
Under tension
Covered by airbags

Feel for the belt with your free hand to locate it.

Step 3: Insert the Belt Into the Cutting Slot

Push the cutter’s notch against the belt until it finds the gap.
The design naturally feeds the belt into the tool.

Step 4: Pull the Cutter Straight Back

Use a smooth, strong pull.
No sawing. No back-and-forth motion.
Just a single, confident pull.

Step 5: Clear the Belt

Move the severed belt out of the way so you can exit or help someone else exit.

How to Use a Seatbelt Cutter on Someone Else

Step 1: Talk to Them First

“Stay still. I’m cutting the belt.”

Step 2: Support Their Weight

If you cut too soon, someone can fall and worsen injuries.

Step 3: Insert the Cutter Between the Belt and Their Body

This is where the protective slot shines.
Blades face away from skin.

Step 4: Pull Away From Their Body

Never toward them.

Step 5: Continue Extraction

Clear the belt and assist with exit or medical care.

Field Uses Outside Vehicles

Seatbelt cutters are great for:

Cutting through backpack straps
Removing clothing in first aid treatments
Cutting rope or line in bad weather
Removing tape or bindings quickly
Freeing stuck or knotted equipment
Cutting paracord without fraying
Trimming fishing line
Cutting zip ties instantly

Their small size makes them ideal as part of any field repair kit.

Safety Tips

Always Keep the Cutter Accessible

Buried in a trunk or deep pocket is useless in an emergency.

Practice on Scrap Strap or Rope

So you know the cut angle and feel.

Do Not Saw Back and Forth

Can dull the blade and add risk.

Keep Fingers Clear of the Slot

Even protected blades are extremely sharp.

Replace Blade When Dull

A dull cutter increases cutting force and time.

Tips for Underwater or Flooded Vehicles

Stay Calm — Do This in Order

Unbuckle
Roll window down or break it
Exit before pressure equalizes

A seatbelt cutter eliminates step one instantly.

Underwater Cutting Technique

Grip belt tight with one hand, pull cutter with the other — slow but direct.

FAQ

Q: Why not just use a knife instead of a seatbelt cutter?
A: Knives slip, require space, and can cut you or the other person. Seatbelt cutters eliminate that risk.

Q: Will a seatbelt cutter work on child seats?
A: Yes. They cut through car seat straps quickly and safely.

Q: How sharp are seatbelt cutter blades?
A: Extremely sharp. They’re razor-grade and cut through automotive webbing instantly.

Q: Do seatbelt cutters wear out?
A: Over time, yes. Replace or sharpen the blade if it begins to drag.

Q: Can you cut through clothing for medical emergencies?
A: Yes. They’re ideal for removing shirts, pants, jackets, and coats without harming the patient.

Q: Can I carry a seatbelt cutter in my wallet or keychain?
A: Absolutely. Grim Workshop cutters are sized specifically for this.

Q: What if the belt is under heavy tension?
A: Pull firmly. The angled slot is designed to bite and cut even under load.

Q: Do they rust?
A: Grim’s stainless steel cutters resist corrosion extremely well.

Q: Are seatbelt cutters legal everywhere?
A: Yes. They’re considered safety tools, not weapons.

Q: Can they cut rope and paracord cleanly?
A: Yes. In fact, they often cut paracord cleaner than knives.

Q: Can they cut fishing line?
A: Very easily, especially braided line.

Q: Should I keep one in each vehicle?
A: Yes. And also on your keychain in case your hands are pinned during a crash.

Recommended Tools and Related Skill Guides

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Best Places to Carry a Seatbelt Cutter

You need to keep it within arms reach at all times, that way if the worst does happen, you can quickly, easily, and reliably take action.

Keychain
Wallet
Visor of your vehicle
Zipper pull
Altoids tin
First aid kit
Motorcycle jacket
Backpack strap