Thumb break
Encyclopedia
A thumb break or retaining strap is a safety device installed on many holster
s and sheath
s to prevent a weapon from being unintentionally drawn.
The thumb break helps to prevent an unauthorized person from drawing a pistol
or knife
from another person's body. It also secures the weapon in the holster or sheath when its owner is engaged in vigorous activities such as parachuting, rappelling
, or fighting.
The thumb break is made of the same material as the holster or sheath (i.e., leather or nylon), and may either be permanently attached or removable. The thumb break is held in place by a simple snap mechanism, usually metal, which may be disengaged by pushing the thumb upward against it.
Some self-defence experts have advised removing thumb breaks, except for people employed in law enforcement (who are at greater risk of encountering someone who may try to grab their weapon). If a thumb break is designed to be non-removable, it may be snipped off with a pair of shears.
Modern form-fitting holsters and sheaths have greatly reduced the necessity of a thumb break retaining device.
Holster
A handgun holster is a device used to hold or restrict the undesired movement of a handgun, most commonly in a location where it can be easily withdrawn for immediate use.-Function:...
s and sheath
Scabbard
A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword, knife, or other large blade. Scabbards have been made of many materials over the millennia, including leather, wood, and metals such as brass or steel.-Types of scabbards:...
s to prevent a weapon from being unintentionally drawn.
The thumb break helps to prevent an unauthorized person from drawing a pistol
Pistol
When distinguished as a subset of handguns, a pistol is a handgun with a chamber that is integral with the barrel, as opposed to a revolver, wherein the chamber is separate from the barrel as a revolving cylinder. Typically, pistols have an effective range of about 100 feet.-History:The pistol...
or knife
Knife
A knife is a cutting tool with an exposed cutting edge or blade, hand-held or otherwise, with or without a handle. Knives were used at least two-and-a-half million years ago, as evidenced by the Oldowan tools...
from another person's body. It also secures the weapon in the holster or sheath when its owner is engaged in vigorous activities such as parachuting, rappelling
Abseiling
Abseiling , rappelling in American English, is the controlled descent down a rock face using a rope; climbers use this technique when a cliff or slope is too steep and/or dangerous to descend without protection.- Slang terms :...
, or fighting.
The thumb break is made of the same material as the holster or sheath (i.e., leather or nylon), and may either be permanently attached or removable. The thumb break is held in place by a simple snap mechanism, usually metal, which may be disengaged by pushing the thumb upward against it.
Pros and cons
The metal snap can scratch the finish of the weapon, or even snag it, which could interfere with the user's ability to draw the weapon cleanly and safely.Some self-defence experts have advised removing thumb breaks, except for people employed in law enforcement (who are at greater risk of encountering someone who may try to grab their weapon). If a thumb break is designed to be non-removable, it may be snipped off with a pair of shears.
Modern form-fitting holsters and sheaths have greatly reduced the necessity of a thumb break retaining device.