8 Must-Have Breaching Tools for Forced Entry

Sometimes getting in or out of a specific place requires non-nonsense physical power, precise force, and sometimes, well-placed destruction, and to accomplish this you need some specific tools. These tools, categorized as breaching aids, consist of such powerhouses as sledgehammers, bolt cutters, pry bars, axes, and battering rams. On the flip side, small pocket-sized gear can also take breaching to a more personalized level where discreetness is key. No matter what your needs may be, rest assured with these tools in-hand, no door is secure, no window locked-down, and no obstacle will stand firm to deter you from reaching your intended goal. 

Best 8 Tactical Breaching Tools

5.11 CFA Peacemaker Tomahawk Knife

No matter if you’re hacking through a wooden door, smashing through a plate glass window, or piercing layers of aluminum with its no-nonsense spike, the Peacemaker dishes out damage like a beast. Its full tang construction and textured sure-grip handle, helps you maximize your power with every swing. This triple-delivering hawk offers hack and slash, pommel-crushing, and puncturing penetration to anything standing in its way. The tomahawk comes complete with a protective sheath and four-position belt/MOLLE clip. When you need a heavy-field-use tool that won’t let you down, then look no further than the Peacemaker. 

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Specifications
  • Useful in both rural and urban environments
  • Powerful spike for breaking though hard material
  • SCM 435 Steel with black electro coat finish 
  • Four-inch long blade, 0.25 inch thick
  • Full tang, durable construction 

MSRP: $150.00

Gerber Gear 23.5-inch Freescape Ax

When it’s time to swing your way to destruction, the Freescape should be firmly in your hand. This ax offers a unique combination of a heavy-duty forged steel head with an ultralight composite handle. Enjoy material crumbling under its might, all the while you’ll be incur less user fatigue and less strain with every swing. There’s a reason firemen use axes in urban settings; they get the job done and the Freescape doesn’t disappoint. Excellent edge retention for less sharpening, a never-lose-me bright green colored handle, and an ingenious sheath for easy carrying and storage round out this hacker’s impressive traits. 

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Specifications
  • Forged steel head
  • Superior edge retention 
  • Durable, yet lightweight composite handle 
  • Overall weight: 3.375 pounds 
  • Overall length: 23.6 inches

MSRP: $70.00

Gerber Gear Downrange Tomahawk

When it comes to a no-nonsense, deliverer-of-damage tool, the Downrange delivers. This brute of a breacher offers three options for getting in or out of an area; an extra-sharp ax head, a crushing hammer head, and a tough-as-nails integrated prybar. Why carry three tools when one is all you need. Its 420HC steel body won’t fail when results are needed in-the-field, and it’s textured handle provides a solid grip for one or two hand action. The Downrange is simple, effective, and ready to attack whatever material it faces. A convenient handle design in the ax head allows for easy transport between jobs. 

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Specifications
  • 420HC Steel body 
  • Integrated prying handle 
  • Hammer head for smashing material 
  • Desert tan handle with G-10 scales
  • Includes MOLLE compatible sheath 

MSRP: $349.99

5.11 ESC Rescue Tool 

Sometimes you can go very small and still have a valuable breaching instrument, like the ESC Rescue Tool. This pocket-sized wonder allows you to break windows with a single punch and slice through heavy-duty seat belt cordage like a hot knife through butter. The ESC Tool weighs just over three ounces and can fit easily in your pants pocket or small gear bag. Also, keep one in your vehicle for on-the-spot, self-rescues. A stainless steel blade pry tip, dual thumb stud, and tumbled steel finish complete this micro breacher’s amazing assets. 

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Specifications
  • Stainless steel handle 
  • Folding seat belt strap cutter
  • Spring-loaded carbide tip window breaker 
  • Belt clip with lanyard hole
  • Dual thumb stud for rapid opening 

MSRP: $24.00

Rapid Assault Tools 24-Inch RatKit

You’ll be prepared for every obstacle in your path and get past them easily if you have this kit along for the ride. Comprised of a sledge, pry bar, and bolt cutter, these items will make fences, doors, and windows fall under their superior might. All three tools are two-feet in length (longer sizes available), are relatively lightweight for small to medium tasks, and all fit conveniently in the included Cordura carry bag. Reenforced stitching, industrial zippers, and two carry handles make this bag as tough as its contents. Don’t buy piece-by-piece, this RatKit meets all your breaching needs.

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Specifications
  • Includes a RatBar, RatSledge, and RatCutter 
  • All tools feature heavy-duty, durable construction 
  • Textured handles for a solid grip 
  • Kits available in 20, 24, or 30-inch versions
  • Carry bag included, in Tactical black or Coyote Tan colors 

MSRP: From $539.00

Rapid Assault Tools Breaching Bolt Cutter

For stealthier breaching of locks, chains, and fencing, it’s time to turn to these incredible cutters. Enjoy the combination of a powerful design, heat treated blades, and extra fat, grip handles for the ultimate cutting experience. Materials will fall easily and effectively without strain or user fatigue. The tactical black color won’t give away your location while under the moonlight or the daytime sun. Multiple sizes are available ranging from fifteen inches up to a monstrous thirty-inches. Snip your way in or out of any secured location with ease when you’re carrying these crafty cutters.

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Specifications
  • Comfortable and controllable grips 
  • Forged jaws for toughness and long cutting life
  • Ultra-lightweight design 
  • Fully adjustable forged steel heads
  • HRC 60+5 heat-treated blades 

MSRP: $78.99

M48 Tactical War Hammer with Vortec Sheath 

Ready to crush cinder blocks or destroy an interior door? You can when you have this war hammer in your grip. Designed to maximize your power and deliver an incredible amount of force towards a precise area, you’ll crush just about anything in its target zone. The war hammer’s head offers five devastating points, while its backend spike punctures like a pro. It’s triple secured, textured reinforced handle allows for big swings or smaller precision strikes, while the included Vortec head cover keeps the unit safe and secure when not in use. 

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Specifications
  • 7.75-inch cast stainless steel head 
  • Powerful back spike 
  • Fiberglass and reinforced nylon handle 
  • Overall length: 15.50 inches 
  • Included Vortec head cover

MSRP: $69.99

Rapid Assault Tools Telescoping 16-Foot Ladder w/ Ladder Pack 

Sometimes breaching doesn’t always mean smashing, cutting, or breaking through something, but rather climbing up and over it. That’s exactly the job of this handy backpack secured ladder. With rapid extension, you and your team can scale walls in no time flat. It offers a tactical reach of sixteen feet and a collapsed length of two-and-a-half feet, all secured on your back in a comfortable and durable backpack harness. This fully telescoping ladder can support up to three-hundred pounds with ease, and provides a stable base under its silicone, rubberized feet. Best of all, its full one-and-a half foot rung width allows space for even wide-soled tactical boots. OSHA compliant and Ansi 14.2 & EN131 tested. 

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Specifications
  • Fully automatic telescoping ladder
  • Adjustable shoulder straps for comfort
  • 100% Silicone, anti-slip feet
  • Extends 16 feet; retracts to 32-inches 
  • Overall weight: 23 pounds

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