If you're looking for a tool to protect yourself, a handmade monkey fist is one of the best things you can carry. Don't let its lighthearted-sounding name fool you — this heavy steel ball wrapped in cord and attached to the end of a length of cord is an effective self-defense tool. Swinging it at your attacker can cause severe pain regardless of where it impacts, which can allow you to make a quick escape, shout for help, or continue to subdue the assailant. There are a number of custom changes that you can make to your monkey fist to further increase its efficacy as a self-defense tool.
Increase The Length Of The Cord
Depending on the length of the cord on your monkey fist, you may wish to add a few extra inches of cord. You can do this by clipping a carabiner to the loop on the end of the cord and attaching another short length of cord. The additional cord allows you to swing the monkey fist with more speed and force, thus making it even more of a useful self-defense tool. You don't want to add too much cord, though, as too much cord can make the device difficult to swing with precision in close quarters.
Attach A Kubaton To The End
A kubaton is another useful self-defense tool. Often made of lightweight aluminum, this tool is essentially a spike that is valuable for attacking an assailant's pressure points. Kubatons often have a key ring attached to one end, and you can attach this ring to the loop at the end of your monkey fist's cord. These two weapons together provide a great deal of versatility. For example, you could swing the monkey fist to make contact with your assailant, and then, while holding the kubaton in your fist, stab at the person to further repel him.
Affix Your Keys To The End
Many people use their monkey fist as a key chain. You can easily affix a key ring to the end of the monkey fist's cord. While you can hold onto the keys and swing the monkey fist for extra speed and force, simply having the keys on this device increases its efficacy in a different way. Whereas you might not always have your self-defense tool handy on its own, you'll often have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle or home. This makes the monkey fist more useful — after all, it's only an effective self-defense tool when you can get your hands on it to use it.
